Victorinox
| The Can-Opener is a tool with a lot of history. The can-opener appeared on the first Swiss Army Knife in 1891. The original design was dedicated to the task of opening cans, however the contemporary version (patented 1951) has the addition of a small slotted screwdriver that is shaped and also intended for use with Phillips screws. The width of the screw driver end is roughly 3mm. The current tool has a hardness of RC 52. The blade on the contemporary version is more versatile and has been used with wire shielding, snap-back watch cases, and other small blade short cut duties where the shorter tool length provides better control. The Can-opener tool now has a cousin, the Combo Tool. |
84mm Can Opener Evolution
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Estimated Dates: | |
| A: late 50's early 60's (Alox model) | |
| B: late 60's early 70's | |
| C: late 70's early 80's | |
| D: late 80's through 90's | |
| E: 2005 and later |
Wenger
| An older style of Wenger can opener are "v" shaped, or some say dog-leg style, with a single sharpened edge. The basic way you used this older tool was to pierce the top of the can with the tip, and then tilt the tool until the "v" notch was riding along the lip of the can; then applying pressure downwards the tool would cut the can lid off. There is a diagram of how to use the tool on the front side. There is a nail nick on the tools tip edge.
Usage Diagram
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| Wenger changed over to their current style of can opener around 1975. This newer design was originally a Victorinox Patent that they stopped using back in the 1950s, when they switch to their current design. It comprises a single curved instrument with a sharpened straight edge, looks like a claw of sorts. |
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