What is the best can opener-Modern can openers don't last- how to use a $3 old-time can opener

What is the best can opener? Why are modern can openers so terrible and wear out so soon? I have had 4 manual can openers stop working in the last 10 years!
A few days ago I gave up on modern can openers and bought a $3 old-time can opener that was identical to those used about 120 years ago. If you want to know how to use it I show how in the video. If there was an easy way to sharpen the edge I imagine it would last about forever. Is it the best? I doubt it, but only time will tell how long this old-style opener will work.
In my memory, the old wall amounted can openers like the Dazey or Rival from decades ago seemed to last for years. I almost bought a vintage manual crank wall mount Dazey can opener on eBay for $30. It was still new in the box and was probably from the 1950s. I don't remember ours ever wearing out. If you want an eye-opener read all of the reviews people leave for can openers on Amazon. Even the most popular ones sold on Amazon still have a ton of complaints. They just don't make them like they used to.

Here is a link to my review video playlist.

If you appreciate my videos you can always visit Amazon via my amazon store link and anything you buy on Amazon Jeff Bezos send me a few pennies.
If you do not like Amazon and think it sucks well I would have to agree with you. Always check on ebay and other sites to see if items are cheaper than amazon.


I want to thank you guys again for showing up and watching me trying to have a little fun or show you something that might help you out. I made YouTube videos for fun years before they paid a penny and I will continue to do so as long as it is fun and you guys keep showing up.
see ya out there.
Robb Moffett
Robb's Homemade life

[catfishchic]

I too had issues with can openers. I settled on the Swing Away can opener about 5 years ago. It still works great! It costs about $12.

[HaphazardHomestead]

I agree about the modern can openers. I've wondered if the cans are different where the opener doesn't get a grip like they used to. I've always preferred an old P38 for reliability. But I like your style for not relying on the edge of the can for its grip. Enjoy your canned goods without trouble now! :D

[sbcinema]

if it gets dull you can drill out the rivets and replace them with screws

[theluckyman]

I bought a Luciano model with the same design. Wow so much work

[mikkiv]

That's the kind my Grandmother used. Great memories! Thanks for the video!

[JJJobson]

Same here, they won’t last 7 days if you use it every day. I have been using my Swiss Army knife can opener. It works great. When I was a kid we had two can openers that lasted forever

[ChefBuckRecipes]

My mother-in-law has one of those old-timey basic can openers (hers even has a wooden handle)...I had to use it a few times after our el cheapo crank modern can opener busted a few weeks ago...we've since replaced our busted can opener with a new semi-el-cheapo crank one that will last a few years, we hope...the can opener design you use in the vid works fine, but it is a bit more laborious and feels slightly more prone to potential mishaps involving the loss of blood

[kristineoneal]

Hi Robb! You can’t go wrong with a classic Kitchen Aid hand held opener. I’ve had mine for over 10 years and it still works like new. I always rinse and dry the blade after each use.

[RadianceRush]

I've had the same thoughts about can openers as well! Why are they made so terribly now days?! Drives me nuts.

[sixtyfiveford]

With everything in plastic these days I'm surprised cans haven't been done away with. Not saying I want that at all, just surprised.

[oldtimerlee]

AGREE WITH YOU! I prefer the side opening, but like you, found they don't last long. Got a couple of extra ones stashed away, because I sometimes use side opened cans and lids for projects. (Fancy Feast/tomato paste alcohol stove is one.) Like you, I don't use an electric can opener either. Quit using one a number of years ago, when the last one failed. Had to smile when you opened that package. I have one that we bought over 50 years ago. It's the same style that my mother used. In fact, I have several others, picked up over the years, too. (One is none, principle.)

Be sure to add to your collection, if you don't already have one (or more) is a "church key" type bottle & can opener. While I don't like to use them to open cans, have done it a few times, when a traditional version wasn't handy. One of these doesn't take up much space in an emergency kit.

Keep an eye out for the older versions of all of these can openers, including the wall mounted version, at various second hand places. Most are far better made than today's imports. Ignore a bit of rust, as that's easily rectified. Just call it "patina". Examine the cutting blade/wheel for any obvious signs it's been tortured. Many of the old ones still work fine. If it doesn't and it can't be fixed, often it's only 25 cents that you'll be tossing into the recycling bin.

[ashleyyarbrough]

Omg u just saved my life I could have opened this can of soup with out u😭😭😭🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[westcoaster]

The best can opener I have used is on my Swiss army knife. I use it almost every day. It works great and is always in my pocket when I need it

[sic-n-tiredtired]

I just came across an A n J made in USA just like that one with the cork screw it still works perfectly and yes you can sharpen them. New ones are HORRIBLE

[AnneAndersonFoxiepaws]

Yes I have encountered every rubbish can opener in the world and just ordered this type on Amazon too..I think we had the same one for my entire childhood too (not the one you had....I'm British and doubtless older than you). I broke my wrist in three places last April and have had nightmares with tin openers but I think I can still work one of these lol! Bit more effort but no moving parts to get broken! Great review and I hope youre doing ok in this weird post Covid (well theres still over 100, 000 daily new cases in Uk so post is maybe premature lol!) keep safe matexx

[thumperzx]

Have a manual/turn Kitchenaid opener that cuts through cans like butter. Way better than any I've had before. Definitely better than the old manual ones, and much safer.

[donaldstepp]

Swiss army knife can openers work well

[leeharvey]

You are obviously not familiar with the Swing-A-Way can opener. Made in the USA. Cuts from the top or cuts from the side. Indestructible. Not made anymore. But they can be found at estate sales or other places like that.

[chopsddy]

I’m thinking a p-38 on a stick might be a good project.
Can openers used to be made out of hardened carbon steel.

[sierraecho]

OMG you are so right, I have "modern" can openers, piece of plastic junk don´t work.