Victorinox Can Openers 

I just opened a can today, for the first time

The cans were far from expired. "Best before" means the taste and texture MAY degrade, but the content is good for many weeks or even months after. I've used cans with 3 years "shelf life" up to 8 months after the best before date and they tasted and smelled just fine. As long as the lid and bottom are straight, everything is fine. Some foods like honey never expire, but the producers are required by law to write best before dates on the jars. Same thing for medicine. Most are stable chemicals, if you store them in dark cool plsces, they are good for years after expiration date.

The "flex" is easily mitigated by cutting about half way around and skipping a small amount, then continue cutting to your hinge, then go back and cut what you skipped. While EDCing my Swiss Champ for the last 36 years, I'v used it to opened a few cans, windows, doors, crates, remove and clean battery terminals... It has saved my bacon many times !

After learning how to use a manual can opener I stopped using my mechanical one. The small ammount of extra time you spend opening a can far out weighs the time you save not having to find your "kitchen can opener", cleaning out the tiny gears, and hoping it doesn't rust. Basically, my victorinox compact is my kitchen utility knife.

I sharpened the round section of the standard 1 opener and it cuts into the can better. I also sharpened the inside of the can opener (straight edge 5mm section) and use it as a package opener using a draw pull.

Glad to see you back, figured you were recovering from the freeze.

I actually like the Wenger claw style can opener. Works well for other tasks besides just opening cans- peeling oranges, cutting the foil around the neck of a bottle of wine, etc.

The combination bottlecap lifter/can opener definitely works, I've had to use it before, but if for some weird reason I had to open more than 1 or 2 cans with a SAK I'd definitely want the rounded one, a lot less hand fatigue with that one. I'm okay with the combination one though, this isn't a tool I use constantly but every once in a blue moon it saves the day. It's amazing how many times I've had to open a can at work or even at someone's house (it's shocking how many people don't seem to have a can opener). Then again I tend to use a multitool at my own house to open cans just because I don't open a lot of cans. I have an actual can opener in a drawer somewhere but it just sort of sits there.

Prepper tip - you don't have to throw out "expired" canned goods. Manufacturers are forced to put those dates on but a properly sealed can stored in a stable dry environment should last as long as the can is intact. Obviously check before eating. Acidic foods like tomato paste have a shorter shelf life.

As an electronics technician, the curved blade model can opener is fantastic for popping the plastic seam clips to open the cases of consumer electronics & PC accessories 👍 Ignore the use by dates on cans, they're only a guide.

Again a perfect video idea and a great presentation! I was looking for this comparison for a long time!

I have recently been binge watching your videos! Glad to see your back with another great review! Luckily I didn’t loose any power during the great Texas ice storm so I didn’t need to break out the multi tool can openers! Thanks again for the review!

I actually prefer the standard push opener on the victornox over a regular kitchen can opener because it pierces rather than cuts. The regular openers leave a small residue of metal shavings behind in your food. And after a little practice you can get pretty fast with it 👍

Thank you for this information

This is the best video I've seen, wow this is easy! Thanks!!!

The edge of the second one is intentionally left blunt. It is intended to be a bottle cap lifter not a can opener. Obviously Victorinox does a sturdy build as it can be abused to open a can. I use a Victorinox Spartan for opening cans in my kitchen. At first it was until I got around to buy a dedicated can opener. For more than 20 years I did not find the need to replace it as it works so well. Same thing goes for the cork screw.

Thank you. Very helpful.

I've opened many cans with these both openers in the last 12 months and my favourite one is the forward motion opener. The combo opener is good as well though. I also like the Leatherman opener.

Thanks for another vid Ben. When opening cans with multi-tool tools I don't usually do an unbroken circumferential cut. I'll go half way and leave an uncut section say 1/4". This is for support whilst completing the remainder of the cut. I'll clear the remaining tab last. IMHO it makes for more controlled, faster and less messy opening.

Wow never knew I could open cans with this knife. I always just used it to open bottles. Thanks for posting I will try this soon

My Uncle ate a can of Campbells vegetable soup that was 11 years old that fell behind his pantry. Said it tasted fine. Best Before to me is how the cans are stored. If in a cool dry place you can expect many years before they are actually expired. Inspecting the can is key, any signs of oxidization or creases from dents on the inside or more obviously on the outside would be cause for concern, smell test and cook it well to be safe!

Thank you for the video. it helped me.

Good to see you back Ben . I hope that the weather in Texas is now better and that you are safe and sound.

Some great video"s coming out from yourself - Love victorinox , own a farmer , spirit at work (UK) & waiting on a compact for EDC

The combo style can opener(like the one on the bantam) in my opinion is the best one. It just seems so much better suited to opening cans. They both work but I definitely still prefer the one on my leatherman wave. Thanks for another great video man.

Good to see you back

I've used the traditional Victorinox can opener in the draw method. Works great but leaves the can lid looking like a table saw blade.

Glad to see you back TX TC

I am sure 2 months after expiration date, those tomatoes are still fine. Expiration dates, even fof drugs like aspirin, are set with an abundance of caution. probably they can last one additional year.

Thanks for the review.

Welcome back and thanks for this particular comparison vid. I was wondering if the second type was a s good as the first one. Since most of the food cans where I live come with easy-to-open mechanism incorporated, I find the can openers have almost no place to work on. But when I discard an empty spray can a can opener comes in handy. The second type might suffice for a single puncture on a spray can, but who knows if I might encounter a rare old style food can and this video will be great help if I get to decide between SAKs with the two different types of can openers.

I told myself that I could eat my canned corn if I could use my leatherman. Food motivation and all. I can say that I can now open cans without a can opener and I'm happily eating my corn! Your the best!

The Wave style is a modification of the old Wenger blade, A classic opener with multiple uses. Great Vid !!

I'm a personal fan of the combo and had the walker and bantam. I was waiting for your comparison. Thank you!

Hello, Ben - nice to have you back!

To be fair the second style can opener is a combination bottle- and can opener

Tnx 4 including the leatherman version...☺️🙏

I have both blades on my SAK officer, never used either but it seems like the first opener was intended to be the primary tool for the job. The second appears more like a standard bottle opener with the ability to open a can, but not its primary function. I wish I could date my knife. I have found similar ones but mine usually has different blades. I’m thinking it’s 60s-70s from what I’ve read. Thanks for your video.

I have an 2 older Wenger, that have the Leathermans opener. Was there a cooperation before they became Victorinox?

I had no clue there was a difference in multitool can openers until right now. That's pretty cool.

Thankyou

But the right one is a screwdriver combined with a bottle opener, yes, you can use it as a can opener aplying extra force though it is not the purpose of the tool.

Great video.

As far as I can understand the blut one has an advantage of being able to be used as philips - that's the only advantage it has, but I think it is very important for vix compact as it has cork screw inst of philips.

Thanks for video! I have opener like your, but on my gerber mp600

The combo can opener (on the compact, waiter, bantam, walker, etc) can easily bend. It is thinner than the standard vic opener. It especially happens when trying to use it on phillips head. I personally have a bent example on a compact.

I use the sharp edge of the forward moving one as a precision blade, for scraping etc.

Was literally wondering when you'd post again earlier today!

I knew I had to find a video on this as soon as I realized I had a can without the easy pull lid

Hey just want to ask, if you can swap the can opener for the bantam? are they compatible?

Welcome back Ben!

At the time I first used the can-opener on my Boy Scout knife I had only ever opened cans with the "squeeze and turn" model in our kitchen at home, and had received no formal instruction as to how to operate this weird hook thingy. I wasn't completely ignorant as to technique though, as I had seen Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck each use an old style can-opener many times on screen, and though I was never able to match their speed it was enough to get me through the task.

Thank you, I've just had to use my son's Swiss knife to open a can! x

Only time I’ve ever seen the second type was on knives also equipped with the first type so always assumed they were purely a bottle cap opener.

I find it easier to go clockwise, it makes a new pierce each time and pops free at the end of the push. Give it a try, much easier.

*Well look what the cat brought in... Welcome back brother!* #BigMacSam

FYI. It’s not an expiration date it’s a best if used by. It’s still good and will be so for years. That is if a can I’d damaged or puffed out ( caused by bacteria growth). Check it out and save yourself some money.

I also like using my Leatherman Charge to open cans around the house, its quick and easier to clean than an actual can opener with gears.

Hi ya I’ve tried both of the openers and much prefer the first one.

My favorite can opener is the leatherman and the original victorinox can opener

Thnxs 4 sharing

Great Video and can opener comparisons I think if you sharpened the combo tool you probably will have a better shot opening the can a whole better that’s my opinion but I can see the leatherman ate the metal can up with ease thanks for sharing Ben !

The BEST most compact can opener that can fit in your wallet or on your keychain is the COGHLAN'S P-51 can opener. It is a hard cardon steel & nickel coated !

According to your experience, does the small screwdriver gets scratches and damages, when opening the cans?

the wire striper on the can/bottle can be used with Ferro rod as a fire starter

Sweet.

Damn, that's a can opener as well??? I've just been using it as a bottle opener all these years.

Where have you been?? 😁 Great to see you back

I came here to learn how to use this because I believe my other regular can opener is shredding the metal into tiny pieces. I feel like little metal pieces are getting into my food. I I have a couple of these in the video and I think I want to start using them instead... I just didn't know how lol

Just sharpen the type 2 on it's lower edge. Also taking a fine Dremel to the curved part can make a gutting, belt cutting edge.

Cool.

Wouldn't it be faster to turn it around and work towards you? I've no idea. I have one of those on my Swiss Army knife, but I've used a P-38 since I was 12.

do u know any info on the australian army swisstool? do they still issue them? can they be purchased?

The contents of those cans are probably still safe to eat. Store them in a cool dry place and throw them out if they are rusty, dented or bulging. Cans have a best by date. If they were properly prepared and stored you are most likely going to be OK. I know its better to be safe than sorry, but you can watch RU-vid videos about this and decide for yourself. Lots of RU-vid videos about dates on cans. I'm only saying this to avoid waste. Better safe than sorry. I cannot argue with that.

Expired? I just ate 2 cans of potatoes from 2013, lol. That was along with venison I canned in 2018.

Have you seen the video of that guy reviewing the new leatherman ratcheting bit driver?!

Greetins. Jez obtained a evogrip s557 or whatevs, pretty deluxe fer me. Nice post thx. -b

This İs A Can Opener Types Which Better?

Please Review on Leatherman ratchet driver, I think it is available now

You always leave a little bit off the lid uncut its so you can split the end of a stick then use the stick to hold the can over the fire .The can is your cook pot Put the split stick in the lid roll it a couple times so the lid wrsps around the stick end,then you hold it over the camp fire and you have a handle for your pot Its called a Hobo pot

Interesting, my old pocket knife has both the second and third kind on it. I think it was made in the 80's and is called a "Tool Chest Plus", but the symbol is on a square with rounded edges and not the shield seen on yours, so I guess it's a Wenger.

Thanks, just opened a can of beans with this video

Heck, I just want a good cap lifter replacement for my wave +. I don’t need the can opener. Any ideas?

The leather man style is the best. It’s like the US military knife one. I carry a SAK and have used the can opener a lot but I’m not a fan. Of course you can’t beat a P38 😄

I didn't know you could open cans with the bottle opener

The Victorinox "standard", as you call it, was long patented for the company and therefore unavailable to all others. It is probably the best in functionality; I've made some tests (not as thorough as Project Farm, but under standardized conditions and taking the time) coming to the result that the "standard" cuts fastest, about 10% quicker than the clawstyle. BUT the classical "claw"--style opener which Wenger used till the end (and Victorinox also had until the 70ies) has its merits, too. It's an American patent from the 50ies btw, but of course long expired since. The claw style ones are very well suited for a lot of other tasks than opening a can. Since I usually carry 2 SAKs with me (or a Vic Spirit multitool) , I prefer to have one of each kind with me for maximal versatility.

Wenger, Leatherman, govt issue P38/51 and commercial openers all similarly cut backward vs forward.

Whats the Best multitool pliers around 50 -60 bucks?

Hey alright! Ben’s back.

"Nice hiss!"

OK, one is a can opener (the first one you used) and you went around the wrong way. The other is a bottle opener that you can use as a can opener.

Saved my life man, needed the canned pie and had no opener, but I had an old multitool that had the second style opener in it so yeah.

The second one looks like it had a cleaner cut🤔

the problem you're having with the newer version can opener from Victorinox is your method. See Felix Immlers video on the subject here on RU-vid.

holy crap the video quality

I actually like to open the cans in the opposite direction as the can opener designed, basically i like to punch a holes on the lid to open it. If i use the opener as indented i find it after a little while the opener seen to like to "derail" itself. SOG makes the worst opener, I call them "Can't Opener"

For the first one you should work the other way around

Canned food is good years after the use by date.

One is a can opener, one a bottle opener

Wenger style best!