Nothing too fancy here, just a demonstration from Instructables of how to open a can if you don’t have a can opener. I’ve had many occasions when I didn’t have a can opener and never thought to try opening the can with a knife. The typical disclaimers apply here: if you try this, be extra careful not to cut yourself. Do any of you know a safer way to do this? If so, please let us know in the comments.
Open a can with a knife – [Instructables]
This reminds me a lot of Russian Roulette. You get away with it five times, the sixth time you are going to hurt yourself really bad. If you are, ah “silly” enough to try this, don’t use a folding pocket knife.
Regards,
Glenn
Hi,
I would try a screwdriver to punch the first hole, since it is ofen more sturdy than a knife. Then widen the opening with a knife.
Actually, a very long time ago, I picked up a little p38, a military can opener, that hangs on my keychain. You’d be surprised how many times in life that little thing has saved the day. Even as a professional chef, there were times a can opener couldn’t be found, especially in catering situations, and that little thing prevented a disaster. Worth stopping by your local Army surplus store and grabbing.
I have one, too. Found it among my dad’s old military stuff, asked him what it was, and have had it on my key ring ever since. I love that thing!
A worse (but quicker) would be to use your teeth as this girl on youtube ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmZqH2cFRgw ) does – NOT that I’m recommending this
After piercing a start point on the can try facing the blade away from you and using the back of the leverwise on the edge of the can, take small “bites”.
A bit slower but safer
Sorry! the last post should read
After piercing a start point on the can try facing the blade away from you and using the back of the knife leverwise on the edge of the can, take small “bites”.
A bit slower but safer
LOL! That guy thinks he’s tough while he’s whimpering!
I once tried with a screwdriver (punched three holes and took some little piece of the tin out). Then holded the piece with my pliers and screw it until all the top of the can was cut out. Just by screwing it. (a very tough job, must I say :))
[...] That’s what happened to me today so a few clicks later I found my answer. [...]
i need to reiterate michael b’s comment about the p38. it is very handy and easy to use. i eat away from home and on the road often. it has changed my life. every good boy scout should carry one.
you are a lifesaver!
Of course!…Awesome
lol.
thanks a lot!
what happens when you are eating whats in the can and you choke on a sliver of metal. lol
>> If you are, ah “silly” enough to try this, don’t use a folding pocket knife.
Unless ofcourse you pocket knife is a swiss army knife (or similar) and you are using the can opener blade.
If you are using a knife to do this, I would recommend Haymoon’s suggestion – turn the edge away from you and use the spine for leverage. You could probably even do this with a non-locking folding knife. Trickiest part is the initial piercing – I recommend using something to hammer the knife in, such as another can (keeping your fingers out of the way if using a folding knife).
I used a “pot fork,” a kitchen utensil with two long, sharp, prongs and a bread knife and had the can open easily in minutes! I made enough holes next to each other by pounding the pot fork into the can with a glass jar that a sturdy bread knife could fit in the opening and saw around the edge.
My friend Tim just gave me a better, safer technique: Find a nice flat rock or smooth concrete. Place the top of the can down, and with hard steady pressure, rub against the concrete until you wear away the rim of the can. Check it to see where it’s rubbing away, and adjust your pressure to get the spots you’ve missed. If you’re careful you should be able to rub the rim away enough to pop the lid right off….
You can do this safer by facing the blade away, like in this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUsmiSC60Gs
I JUST DONE IT WITH A PINEAPPLE CAN ITS SAFE
I just managed to open a can with nothing but a fork. Now, this might not be an option for solid foods, but this was cream of tomato soup. What you do, is take the label off, and stab the side of the can (preferably between two of the ridges), until you have a hole big enough to fit one of the fork prongs in it. Then you simply prod one of the prongs in and pull the fork towards you. The can will literally peel apart and you have a hole in the side of the can ;)
Nope. This was fucking stupid as hell. I cut the fuck out of myself following these directions. If I were you, I would just go buy a new can opener.
Sounds like you were doing it wrong, bro.
I’ve had a gizmo can opener for almost 5 years and its still going strong. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a cool and reliable can opener.
I open cans with knives all the time and I have never gotten hurt. It’s a whole lot faster than rubbing it with a rock. Anyway, wouldn’t the principle of self-reliance support the idea of not being dependent on a can opener to allow access to your food?
can opener reviews
wont work with tuna in a can
i just did it
YESS THANKYOU x
that was scary
Best way is using a really good pair of scissors that are sharp at the tip. Just have to stab it through the top and start cutting the metal.
I just stabbed the top of the can with a pair of scissors and cut the top..
use a spoon man. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RcR-NK2NMTw
why are you so happy???
That worked a lot better than I expected
OK, I used a corkscrew and scissors, but think you could use just a knife. I did it by making two holes about half a cm apart in the top of the can with the end of the corkscrew, then joining them up using the very, very blunt scissors that I had, then just cutting the can lid open – easy and less dangerous than the video!!
i did it
but he did it wayyyyyy faster
i took like half an hour
lol @ the comments
this is horrible i cut my self and got tuna on it. i cant believe this is up here. my cat is still hungry
You can always use a really blunt knife, like one for eating with. Then you just hammer it into the can like it was a nail, and do that all around. If it’s beans or something you’ll get sauce everywhere but you get in and it’s a lot safer.
1. Place can top down on flatish rock or concrete. 2. Rub vigorously, wearing away the aluminum rim until you see liquid on the rock. 3. Insert small object (stick, rock, or anything thin but rigid) into the opening you have made. 4. Start prying the lid off. This method is FAR safer than using a knife and in my opinion, the next best thing to a real can opener.
or you can just stab a fork near the side of it and push it inside of the can. Then you just use it as a lever and voilá, you have a open can of f.e. pineapples. works fine.
I just got a new apartment and bought a whole mess of pork and beans. When I got home I realized I didn’t have a fucking can opener. This worked like a charm. You’re a lifesaver mang.
I used a quarter stick of dynamite to open some food for my cat. It was a bit messy, but ol Mr. Wiskerbiscuit didn’t go hungry!
This is interesting… however I have come up with a different way to open a can of tomatoes: http://www.mrnaggerscartoons.com/how-to-open-a-can-of-tomatoes/ I guarantee it will make you laugh :)
nice:) using a spoon, not bad also http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RcR-NK2NMTw.