How to Open a Can with a Swiss Army Knife
You might need to open a can with a swiss army knife for many reasons. Whether camping, you’ve forgotten the opener with your canned goods at home. This article helps you with practical steps about how to open a can with a swiss army knife in an emergency.
To open a can with a swiss army knife: first, you take the bottle cap opener and pry off the top of the can using the can opener. Make sure to leave the lid attached to the bottle cap.
Next, you take your large flathead screwdriver and poke holes in one side of the can; make sure to make two holes on opposite sides of each other; then you use your small flathead screwdriver and make two additional holes on the other side of the can leaving a total of four holes already in the can.
Now, you take your awl and punch a hole near the top of the can, leaving one opening on one side untouched to do this for both sides of your can. Then you would attach your red shoestring or nylon rope to each hole at the top part of your can and pull it open from the bottom up by pulling it up from underneath your can.
This method works equally well with a can of beer, soda, or juice; the plier can be found on the end of one of the knife blades. Grab the pliers firmly and twist to expose the four prongs at the other end.
How to Open a Can with a Swiss Army Knife
If stranded in the bush, can opener in hand and canned goods in your knapsack, you know the struggle of trying to open a can without one. Luckily, there’s an easy solution: a Swiss Army Knife.
Not only will it help you open that pesky can, but it also has a wide variety of other uses that will come in handy during your time outdoors (or anywhere else).
Here is how to use this tool to open a can:
1. Find the can-opener tool on your swiss army knife. It’s a flat metal bit with a small hook at one end.
2. Insert the hook into the lip of the can; it should fit snugly into the small hole in the top of most cans.
3. Twist the tool around to face away from you and point up.
4. Slowly cut around the top of the can by turning it clockwise with both hands: your right hand holding the base of the swiss army knife and your left hand rotating the can itself.
5. When you reach around, stop cutting and carefully pull off the lid; it will be sharp, so be careful with your hand.
Meanwhile, the key to opening a can with your Swiss Army knife is the awl, the pointed tool at the end of your knife. Insert the awl into the seam between the lid and the side of the can, then push down to make two holes on opposite sides of the lid at about 45 degrees from each other. Using your small or medium blade, widen both holes until you have one slit on each side that goes all around the top edge of the lid.
Once you’ve made your slits, go back to the awl, poke it through one of the holes, and expand it until you have enough space to insert your fingers and pull off the lid.
Are Swiss Army Knives Good?
A Swiss army knife is a knife in your pocket or kitchen. It’s convenient, well-designed, and handy in many situations. The classic model has a blade, can opener, screwdriver, bottle opener, scissors, tweezers, corkscrew, fish scaler, and hook remover, plus a toothpick and (in some models) a magnifying glass.
However, there is some negative side to the Swiss army knife, especially when traveling by plane. Other more specialized tools may serve you better for your specific needs.
The main benefit of carrying a Swiss army knife is that you’ll always have the right tool on hand for any situation. However, these multitools can be bulky and not practical for some. A Swiss army knife may not be the best option if you need a small, lightweight screwdriver or a precise blade for cutting food.
Before purchasing one, you should also consider whether you need the different tools available in a Swiss army knife. In addition to screwdrivers and scissors, many models come with hammers, fish scalers, toothpicks, and tweezers, tools that you might not need daily but could come in handy when they are most needed.
Factors to Consider Before Buying a Swiss Army Knife
1. Are you using it for camping?
The first thing is what you’ll be using it for: if you’re going to be using it for camping, or other outdoor activities, a Swiss army knife might be perfect because it’s so versatile. But if you’re looking for something to use as a work knife in a kitchen.
2. Consider the weight
Another thing to consider is weight: Swiss army knives can get pretty heavy. That’s not an issue if all you’re doing is keeping one in your glove box for emergencies, but a lighter or multitool might be better if you carry the knife around with you all day.
3. Versatility
One last thing to focus on is that while versatility is key with Swiss army knives, there are some tasks where they just won’t cut it. A Swiss army knife probably isn’t right if you need a tool that can cut through sheet metal or chop down trees (or have another specific use case). If that’s true for you, you still want something smaller.
How to Use a Swiss Army Knife
You must see for the unknown in the forest, at home, or on a trip. However, having an ordinary pocketknife is not enough. It would help if you had a knife that could do many things. Fortunately, there is such a knife: the Swiss Army Knife. This guide will show you how to use one of these incredible tools.
First, consider which blade to use for your task. The Swiss Army Knife has many blades, including scissors, knives, and saws. Choose the one that would get the job done best. Some tasks can be done with more than one type of blade, so don’t be afraid to experiment.
Next, consider whether you need to keep yourself from cutting your hand when using the blade to do your task. For example, it’s smart to wear gloves if you’re cutting wood or metal. On the other hand, if your task is opening a package or carving wood into a figure, you might want to use your bare hand (be careful).
Finally, ensure your Swiss Army Knife is clean before putting it back into your pocket or backpack. If it gets dirty from doing some tough tasks in the forest (or around the house), wash it off with water and soap.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use a Swiss Army knife.
Step 1
Open the blade. The blade is typically the largest tool on the knife and is located at the end of the handle opposite the hinge that opens and closes the blade.
Step 2
Open additional tools with your fingernail or another tool on your Swiss Army knife. Depending on your model, these could include a can opener, corkscrew, toothpick, tweezers, scissors, or file. Some models also feature larger tools such as screwdrivers and saws.
Step 3
Use large enough tools to be opened with your fingers without damaging your fingernail. Most models include scissors and tweezers. Others may consist of rulers or other measuring devices.
How to Open a Swiss Army Knife Without Nails
If there was a need situation where you needed to open a Swiss Army knife, but you didn’t have your nails on you, don’t despair.
1. First, find a rock or other solid object that can withstand pressure and won’t break. If you’re in an urban setting or don’t have access to rocks or hard surfaces (such as the tops of tables), try to find something plastic or a hard-surface folder to pry the knife. If you’re at home, use your dishwasher; you can put it there while it’s still running!
2. Hold the knife in the palm of one hand, with the handle facing outward. Use your other hand to pry open the knife by squeezing it tightly against the surface of whatever rock/plastic/etc.
3. Once your knife is open, use it for whatever task you are about to do with it.
Swiss Army Knife Functions
Swiss Army Knife has been the multitool of choice for hikers, campers, and adventurers since its introduction over 100 years ago. Functionality comes first with the Original Swiss Army Knife. In addition, you will find a host of original, contemporary, and classic tools.
It will help you complete the daily openings and closings of various beer bottles at lunchtime. The followings are the functions of the swiss army knife:
9 Swiss Army knife functions are:
1. Can opener
The can opener is designed to help you open any can, bottle, or jar; the can opener is another essential tool. This can opener makes it easy to open your canned foods at home or camping.
The swiss army knife can opener is the perfect tool for your kitchen. It’s a multi-purpose tool that you’ll be able to use repeatedly. In addition, it will make it easy to open your canned goods no matter where you are. So whether you’re at home or camping, this tool will come in handy.
2. Bottle opener
The swiss army knife Bottle Opener is the perfect tool for easily opening any bottle. It is designed for frequent travelers; this handy tool fits on key rings, backpacks, purses, and more to help open beers after an epic day on the trail.
Meanwhile, an Out-of-the-ordinary swiss army knife with a handy bottle opener in the retractable tool. The Bottle opener keyring with a Swiss Army knife provides you with a valuable and exciting gift idea.
3. Screwdriver
The swiss army knife Screwdriver is a multitool for everyone. The screwdriver makes it faster and easier to handle screws, resulting in fewer collateral injuries and a cleaner workspace.
This set allows you to carry and use an actual screwdriver that fits any slotted screw head. And for most applications, the swiss army knife will work just as well as any old screwdriver.
Additionally, the screwdriver from the Swiss Army Knife collection has a handy combination of features to make any job easier. This one-handed, lightweight model features a removable leather sheath for easy transport, a Philips screwdriver, a metal file, an integrated nail file, and a flathead screwdriver, making it the perfect partner for a host of everyday tasks.
4. Wire stripper
This swiss army knife wire stripper cuts the ends off wire and strips wires in seconds.
Here’s how to do it:
Cut wires with scissors or clippers at the desired length and push them into cutters. Turn handles to round off the wire end. Push the other end into the slotted section. Squeeze handles to remove stripped, 4 mm (1/8″) wire from cutter (12 mm).
To remove the slotted section for use with wires, squeeze handles and turn knurl 1/4 turn counterclockwise. Note: This product will not work on high-temperature or underground copper cables because this tool is only designed for lamp protective wires.
5. Scissors
The Swiss Army Knife Scissors are perfect for small jobs and are an everyday essential. Perfect for cutting ropes, opening packages, or snipping a loose thread. The scissors have a sharp cutting edge used to cut a wide range of materials. These convenient scissors are discreet and easily fit into a pocket or handbag.
6. Knife blade
The blade from a Swiss Army Knife is designed to be a versatile cutting edge. It is removable and fits most Swiss Army Knives. Each blade is crafted of high-quality stainless steel and has a matte finish for added protection. In addition, the blades are dishwasher safe and can be used to cut food on various surfaces, including wood, fiberglass, and plastic.
7. Metal saw
A tough, versatile, and long-lasting cutting tool ideal for sawing through 1.5 mm thick metal sheets, the metal saw comes with a standard key ring loop making it easy to attach to any keyring. In addition, the Leatherman Super Tool 300 Pocket Multitool includes a blade exchanger that allows you to easily replace any of the 13 included tools without having to open the multitool itself.
8. Phillips-head screwdriver
The Phillips head screwdriver will make precision adjustments a breeze, whether to a bicycle component or your favorite pair of glasses. The screwdriver easily locks into place and features a comfortable grip, so you can be confident when you need to tighten something down.
9. Flathead screwdriver
The Swiss Army Knife Flat-head screwdriver is ideal for those situations where you need a little extra grip. Whether cards, a key, or a child’s toy – the Swiss Army Knife Flat-head screwdriver is always handy. Made of high-quality stainless steel. Holds up to 5 standard cards.
This ingenious tool is ideal for tightening or loosening small screws on your Victorinox knife.
How to Clean Swiss Army Knife
However, one problem with a Swiss Army knife is that it’s hard to clean. The blades and tools are small and come into contact with all sorts of things: food (especially sticky food), dirt, debris from outdoors, etc.
Here is how to do it:
Clean the blade
1. Check for rust. Look for rust on the blade, and use steel wool to remove it if you find any.
2. Wash the knife with warm soapy water. Use a rag or sponge to clean the blade with warm water and dish soap. Rinse it off with water as you wash it. Try not to let it sit in the water too long, or else it might rust more easily later.
3. Dry the blade with a towel right away after cleaning it. Don’t let the blade air dry, or else there’s a chance that oxidation will occur and cause more rusting.
Clean the handle
1. Unscrew the handle and take out all the tools inside.
2. Use a soft cloth dipped in dish soap and warm water to clean each tool individually. Pay special attention to areas where dirt or grime has built up, such as in between teeth on the file or at the base of any prongs, like on tweezers.
3. Let each tool air dry completely before putting them back
3 Ways to Maintain Swiss Army Knife
1. Use a cotton cloth and water after use
Removing dried dirt from the knife is not too difficult. Simply use a cotton cloth to scrub away the dirt gently. You can dampen the cloth with warm water if you need more cleaning power. Do not use any harsh chemicals on your knife. The chemicals may remove the coating on the knife, causing it to rust and corrode.
2. Oil your knife
After cleaning your knife, you should oil it to keep it in working order. You can use various oils; mineral oil or gun oil works well. Use an old toothbrush or cotton swab to apply a thin layer of oil to the joints of your Swiss Army Knife and the non-sharpened edge of the blade. It will help your knife last longer and function better.
3. Pay attention to your blade’s edge.
The sharpened part of your blade is vulnerable to rusting, so dry it well before putting it away or using it again in water. Before using it, you should also check around the blade’s edge for chips or other damage.
How to Open a Can Without a Can Opener
It may seem impossible to open a can without a can opener, but there are several methods you can use in a pinch. You can try using a knife, a spoon, or even your bare hands to open the can. If you’re unsure which method is best, follow the steps below.
Step 1: Bend a paperclip into a 90-degree angle
Step 2: Insert it into the slot on the side of the can
Step 3: Push down and move in a circular motion around the rim of the can
Step 4: When complete, pull out a paperclip and remove the lid
Step 5: Use a flathead screwdriver or butter knife
Step 6: Place at the top of the can and hammer downward along the edge of the lid
Step 7: Continue to hammer all way around until the lid curls back or comes off.
Alternatively, the traditional way to open a can without an opener requires you to penetrate the metal edge of the can with a knife, which isn’t easy and can be dangerous if done incorrectly.
So instead, try this safer tactic: use scissors or other sharp-edged tools to puncture through one hole in the top of the can (it should be large enough for your finger to fit into), and then use this hole as leverage to lift off the lid.
The main benefit of this method is that it doesn’t require you to puncture through metal; you won’t have any sharp edges flying around like you would with other opening methods. It also doesn’t involve bending or breaking anything, making your body and tools easier.
How to Open a Can with a Knife
Whether camping or just at home and can’t find your can opener, knowing how to open a can with a knife can come in handy, but the process has been simplified below.
What you’ll need:
- A knife
- A can with a pull tab on the top
- A table
Instructions:
Step 1: Find a knife, table, and can.
Step 2: Put the can on the table and ensure it’s not going anywhere.
Step 3: Hold the knife in your hand. Make sure you have a grip on it so that you don’t cut yourself.
Step 4: Put the tip of the knife into the top of the can, right where you’d pull the pull tab off (if there was one).
Step 5: Pierce through the metal and keep going until you’ve gone all around the can. Don’t worry about making it perfect; just focus on getting it all around.
Step 6: Pull up on your knife and pierce through your newly made hole.
Step 7: Keep going until you’ve created a giant hole in your lid. You might want to try pushing down into one spot, angle your blade at another, or tap down lightly with your free hand to help get things moving.
Noted: You must keep your hands away from any sharp edges.
How to Open a Swiss Army Knife Without Nails
Some are handy, but not everyone has nails; you only need a little know-how. So here is a guide to help.
Step 1: Grab your multitool by the handle and hold it with one hand. If you have one of the smaller pocket knives, use your forefinger and middle finger to grip the handle. If you have a larger knife, use your thumb, forefinger, and middle finger to hold the handle in place.
Step 2: Now that your knife is secure in one hand, bend back the flat side of the tip on the opposite end. You want to be careful here. You don’t want to bend it so far back that it breaks off. Keep going until you feel like you’ve hit the right spot; you’ll know when you hear a small click.
Step 3: Now, using both hands, lift the tip of the knife until it clicks into place, opening all of the blades at once. You can now use whichever tool(s) you need for your task.
Is It Safe to Open a Can with a Knife?
Removing a can lid with a knife is generally not safe, especially if you are trying to pry it off. It is also possible that you may accidentally cut yourself with the knife.
Using a knife will likely be ineffective anyway (the knives we use at home are rarely sharp enough to cut through metal), and even if you manage to get your can open, the sharp edges could cut you on the way out.
Plus, who knows what kind of bacteria you could be introducing into your food.
But if you insist, you should use a serrated knife and hold the can steady, running the blade around the rim in an even circle. Be sure not to let the knife swipe down into the can but remain parallel to its top. Consider placing a towel underneath the can to help grip it and protect your countertop from scratches.
And if you don’t have a serrated knife on hand, you can use a spoon or another blunt object with a bit of heft to get your lid off.
Can a Swiss Army Knife Open a Can?
A Swiss Army Knife can open a can, provided it has a can opener tool. A Swiss Army Knife is a highly versatile tool, and the key to its versatility is its wide array of tools.
Every Swiss Army Knife is slightly different, depending on its intended purpose, so not everyone has a can opener. But if yours does have a can opener on it, you can use it to open a can.
Although Swiss Army Knives don’t have can openers, they have large and small blades, scissors, screwdrivers, and nail files, which you can use to pry open a can. However, this approach will require much effort and may cause injury. A Swiss Army Knife is great for many things, but opening a can isn’t one of them.
Can You Open a Can with a Butter Knife?
You can open a can with a butter knife. And it’s easier than you think. Although it will take some signs and require elbow grease, the process is entirely doable.
Here’s how:
1. Hold the can still on a table or work surface so that the lip of the lid is facing up. Then insert your butter knife under the lip of the lid and pull up on it until it pops off. Use your fingers to grab the popped-up piece of metal and pull it off completely.
2. Make sure you are using an actual butter knife rather than a steak knife or a serrated bread knife, which could damage both your can and your blade.
3. If you need to keep your food fresh once it’s been opened, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container before storing them in your fridge or freezer.
How Do You Open a Can with a Pair of Scissors?
The only way to open them with most cans is by cutting off the top. But what if you don’t have a can opener?
Here is how to do it:
1. Remove the label from the can. Be sure to leave the strip of metal underneath intact. It is where you’ll be inserting your scissors.
2. Place the can upside down on a flat surface and place your scissors underneath, on top of the metal strip between the label and the lip of the can.
3. Use both hands to hold the scissors on either side of the can and press firmly until you hear a popping noise. Suppose you’re still having trouble with all the saddest tables or another hard surface to apply pressure to one side of the can while pushing down your scissors with your other hand.
4. Once you have created an opening in your can, remove your scissors, turn the can over, and use them to cut around the edges of the lid until it comes off easily.
What Knife Does the Army Use?
The knife that the army uses is the Ka-Bar knife. It is a black, seven-inch blade. The US Marine Corp in 1942 adopted it and has been used ever since.
The United States Army issues knives to its personnel. Since World War II, the primary fighting/utility knife issued to soldiers is the M-3 Trench Knife. This knife was developed primarily by foot soldiers as a close combat weapon, and it was issued from 1943–to 1944 during World War II.
Furthermore, the M9 bayonet is a multi-purpose knife and bayonet officially adopted in 1984 by the United States. It is the replacement for the M7 bayonet adopted in 1964. The M9 bayonet uses the same sheath as the M7, with minor changes to the handle assembly, to allow it to mount on the M16 rifle family.
It can also be used as a wire cutter when combined with its scabbard.
In 2005, the Ontario Knife Company (OKC) manufactured a version of this bayonet that could also function as a saw. Because OKC holds an exclusive contract with the U.S. Military, their understanding of this bayonet/saw combination is currently issued to units deploying to Iraq or Afghanistan, replacing both previous models of bayonets and separate entrenching tools.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this has helped show you how to open a can with a swiss army knife. You can open up a can of food, fix a bicycle chain, or even cut off the labels on your new clothing.
Having an everyday tool at your disposal that allows you to complete these tasks without reproach gives you another reason why owning a Swiss Army Knife is smart.
