![]() ![]() P-38s are no longer used for individual rations by the U.S. However, use of the metric system in the US was not widespread at this point, and United States Army sources indicate that the origin of the name is rooted in the 38 punctures around the circumference of a C-ration can required for opening. This explanation also holds for the P-51, which measures approximately 51 mm (2.0 in) in length. One explanation for the origin of the name is that the P-38 is approximately 38 millimeters long. The P-38 opener coincidentally shares a designation with the Lockheed P-38 Lightning fighter plane, which could allude to its fast performance additionally the P-51 can opener also has an aircraft namesake in the North American P-51 Mustang. As with some other military terms (e.g., " jeep"), the origin of the term is not known with certainty. Official military designations for the P-38 include "US ARMY POCKET CAN OPENER" and "OPENER, CAN, HAND, FOLDING, TYPE I". The handle portion can also double as a makeshift flat-blade screwdriver, with limited ability because of the rather soft sheet metal used. ![]() A larger version called the P-51 is somewhat easier to operate. The can opener is pocket-sized, approximately 1.5 inches (38 mm) long, and consists of a short metal blade that serves as a handle, with a small, hinged metal tooth that folds out to pierce the can lid.Ī notch just under the hinge point keeps the opener hooked around the rim of the can as the device is "walked" around to cut the lid out. The P-38 is known as a " John Wayne" by the United States Marine Corps, because of its toughness and dependability. P-38 can opener measured by digital calipers. ![]()
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