P-38 and its big brother the P-51 are quite possibly one of the greatest inventions of all time.

 

I'll second that it's simple works the way it designed and works all the time.
XR750

 

The P-51 is a lot easier to use.

 

I keep a P-51 on my key ring. Never leave home without it!

 

The p38 I have on my keychain is from a case of C rations opened in 1969. Still works fine. It's discolored, but still works great. I have others, but this one is special.
My son gets it next. lol I should post a pic of this old thing.

 

Having said that, what would you do if the airport nazis tried to take it away form you?? My Uncle lost his "lucky" P38 to the bastids.

If you think you know the P38 or P51, read this site and learn some more.

http://www.georgia-outfitters.com/page52.shtml

 

I carry whats called a "FRED" on my key chain. Similar to a P-51 but not quite the same. Wish I had bought more when I had the chance.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Field_Ration_Eating_Device

 

I used to have one of those. We called it a "Canadian P-38". The spoon portion broke off first, then the rest of it eventually got lost in one of our many moves.

 

If your gonna use a 38 or 51 make sure you get a real surplus one, I paid a dollar for a knockoff p51 one time and it bent on the first use. Real surplus stuff is the way to go

Ed

 

Still got one I used in Nam. You know back when you had to use them.

 

I hear ya', Madcritter. My kids just don't believe me that you needed a "church key" can opener just to drink from a can of beer back in the day. The closest analogy that I can use to get them to believe me is V-8 vegetable juice. That's a drink you still have to use a church key to open.

Heck, I'm not all THAT old, but I honestly do remember my dad sipping beer from that triangle-shaped opening in the top of the can. Ah, memories...R.I.P., Dad.

 

Emergency Essentials has them on sale right now for 50 cents if any one is interested.

 

I remember coming home for leave and my Dad asking me about my p-38 that I kept on my dog tag chain, he told me that he had used on in the 50's when he was in the service. I told him that I would send him a new one and he replied nope I will just take that one! Good tool, good memories.

 

I purchased 30 USA made p-51 from my local military supply for .35 cents each. I think I will have enough:

 

I remember them too. Had them in the house growing up so I've known how how to use them since I was little.

I've been looking for a good one. Might have to order it...just don't want to go through the trouble of ordering it to find they send me some cheap flimsy one. I was actually going to scout out some places for stuff this weekend if I have the time.

 

got to find some of both - p-38 and p-51 while off island this week!

 

I can relate (I'm that old!)... I remember my Dad taking one hand and crushing the old metal type beer cans from top to bottom! Ahh, the good old days!

 

Great for cleaning your fingernails also.

 

A screwdriver to..
XR750

 

hey I am 41 but I can remember church key's used on everything and the ever dangerous pull top I love p 38 and p51 and beign a retired chef I can tell you my p51 can and has opened the big number 10 cans without a problem : ) love those things

 

I have a P38 that I carried for a long time, now it's in my BOB. It was from my grandfather who was issued it during the Vietnam war.

 

Thanks alot BJJ just after I opened my first beer you have to remind me just how old I got to be. Your GRANDFATHER??????

 

I still carry my p-38 from when I was in the Army bck in the mid to late 60's and it still works great but the hands are getting old so I think I will find me an authentic p-51.

 

My P-38 has been on my keychain since 1963. The best thing I ever got from Uncle Sam.

elgin

 

Why is it always the little things...seemingly inconsequential......that always turn out to be priceless...................

Gotta go find mine!

 

Love mine. I have both. Keep one on my keys and I have one in each of our GHB's and BOB's. Handy things. You can open boxes and pry things open and use them as a screwdriver in a pinch. LOL

 

Wow, that P-38 is tiny! All this time I've been lugging around this big can opener?!

Where can I order a few of these here in Canada?

Thanks,

Hail Victory!
-Ryan,

 

Maybe I'm a sentilmentalist, but I prefer the P-38 period! I also have stockpiled these and have one in each of my caches.
Learn from my mistakes...when you've buried five buckets full of goodies and go home and start thinking....How am I going to open those cans?? The P-38 will do the trick!!
Also, I tape it to the inside of all the lids so I'll know where they're at....Doc's getting old and forgetful!!

 

I remember drinking hot beer from rusty old steel beer cans in Nam (at 18)and thinking how great it was, and small bottles of Texas Pete wrapped in black electrical tape to get down the 1945 issue green ham and eggs. Life was simple, no commie muslim in the white house.
Oh well, guess I better go out and run my three miles this morning so I can have a cold Michaels Hard Lemonade tonight

 

I use mine all the time. it's always on my keychain so i use it at work for lunch

 

Just make sure any of you guys don't take you beloved P-38's to the airport