Many years ago (1986 or thereabouts), during an Army Cadets exercise (the CCF for those that know it), we had to eat proper British military field rations. In each box was a small can opener, the majority of which were disposed of along with the empty ration cans. I held onto one, and still have it to this day. It is one of the most useful little gadgets you can have.
Original 1980s Army version on the left.
Measuring 2 inches long by around half an inch wide (5cm x 1.5 cm), the small cutting blade folds flat against the main body of the opener. They are very sharp, very durable and I have yet to find a tin they will not open. Worried that I would eventually break my old army one, I managed to find a source of new ones, which are now sold on our Ford & Field website. These new version are almost identical to the military ones. They are made of stainless steel and have squared off corners but that is about the only difference.
Mine lives in the coin pocket of my wallet and is with me all the time. For camping, days out or just as an emergency spare can/tin opener, this is an invaluable tool.
These are now available online at Ford & Field.
Posted 17th April 2021