How to Use a Camp Can Opener

Food cans and can openers are often included in backpacking and camping supplies. Canned foods need only be opened and heated over a fire to provide hearty fare. If you want to limit the weight and bulk of camping supplies, take a camp can opener. This flat metal device is about half the size of a standard spoon, and it's often available for less than $5 (3.6 euros or 3.1 pounds). It is sometimes referred to as a military can opener, because they are a standard issue for military personnel in a number of countries. This article will tell you how to use a camp can opener.

Steps

1. 1 Set your can upright on a flat surface. A flat rock, table or firm ground would work best. Do not open a can in your lap, as you are more likely to cut yourself or spill the can's contents on your clothing.
2. 2 Identify the hinge near the blade on the camp can opener. When stored, the can opener lies flat. Use a nail, finger or another tool to lift the top of the blade by the hinge, so that it is perpendicular to the rest of the opener. http://pad2.whstatic.com/images/thumb/2/28/Use-a-Camp-Can-Opener-Step-2-Version-2.jpg/550px-Use-a-Camp-Can-Opener-Step-2-Version-2.jpg http://pad3.whstatic.com/images/thumb/2/28/Use-a-Camp-Can-Opener-Step-2-Version-2.jpg/300px-Use-a-Camp-Can-Opener-Step-2-Version-2.jpg /9/98/Use a Camp Can Opener Step 2.360p.mp4
3. 3 Hold the can opener securely with your finger gripping the flat surface of the can opener (not the blade). Your index finger should fit between the other side of the flat surface and the back of the small blade. http://pad3.whstatic.com/images/thumb/6/6e/Use-a-Camp-Can-Opener-Step-3-Version-2.jpg/550px-Use-a-Camp-Can-Opener-Step-3-Version-2.jpg http://pad3.whstatic.com/images/thumb/6/6e/Use-a-Camp-Can-Opener-Step-3-Version-2.jpg/300px-Use-a-Camp-Can-Opener-Step-3-Version-2.jpg /f/f5/Use a Camp Can Opener Step 3.360p.mp4
   • Camp can openers are made for use with the right hand. If you are left handed, make sure you are comfortable using your right hand to open the can, or you may be cut by the blade.
4. 4 Hold the can firmly with your left hand. http://pad2.whstatic.com/images/thumb/f/fc/Use-a-Camp-Can-Opener-Step-4-Version-2.jpg/550px-Use-a-Camp-Can-Opener-Step-4-Version-2.jpg http://pad1.whstatic.com/images/thumb/f/fc/Use-a-Camp-Can-Opener-Step-4-Version-2.jpg/300px-Use-a-Camp-Can-Opener-Step-4-Version-2.jpg /e/ed/Use a Camp Can Opener Step 4.360p.mp4
5. 5 Place the flat surface of the can opener and your thumb perpendicular to the rim of the can. The blade should go over the inside edge at the top of the can. The point on the blade will rest on the inside edge, where you want to cut the can. http://pad2.whstatic.com/images/thumb/c/cb/Use-a-Camp-Can-Opener-Step-5-Version-2.jpg/550px-Use-a-Camp-Can-Opener-Step-5-Version-2.jpg http://pad3.whstatic.com/images/thumb/c/cb/Use-a-Camp-Can-Opener-Step-5-Version-2.jpg/300px-Use-a-Camp-Can-Opener-Step-5-Version-2.jpg /e/e1/Use a Camp Can Opener Step 5.360p.mp4  
6. 6 Turn your right hand down as if you were turning a key in a car's ignition. This will cause the blade to insert into the top of the can. http://pad3.whstatic.com/images/thumb/d/d6/Use-a-Camp-Can-Opener-Step-6-Version-2.jpg/550px-Use-a-Camp-Can-Opener-Step-6-Version-2.jpg http://pad2.whstatic.com/images/thumb/d/d6/Use-a-Camp-Can-Opener-Step-6-Version-2.jpg/300px-Use-a-Camp-Can-Opener-Step-6-Version-2.jpg /b/b5/Use a Camp Can Opener Step 6.360p.mp4
7. 7 Move your right hand slightly back and turn the can opener like a key again. http://pad1.whstatic.com/images/thumb/3/33/Use-a-Camp-Can-Opener-Step-7-Version-2.jpg/550px-Use-a-Camp-Can-Opener-Step-7-Version-2.jpg http://pad1.whstatic.com/images/thumb/3/33/Use-a-Camp-Can-Opener-Step-7-Version-2.jpg/300px-Use-a-Camp-Can-Opener-Step-7-Version-2.jpg /0/05/Use a Camp Can Opener Step 7.360p.mp4
8. 8 Turn the can counterclockwise with your left hand so that you can allow your right hand better access to the un-cut edge of the can. http://pad2.whstatic.com/images/thumb/8/84/Use-a-Camp-Can-Opener-Step-8-Version-2.jpg/550px-Use-a-Camp-Can-Opener-Step-8-Version-2.jpg http://pad3.whstatic.com/images/thumb/8/84/Use-a-Camp-Can-Opener-Step-8-Version-2.jpg/300px-Use-a-Camp-Can-Opener-Step-8-Version-2.jpg /b/b1/Use a Camp Can Opener Step 8.360p.mp4
9. 9 Continue to turn the can opener into the uncut edges with your right hand, as you move it with your left hand, until the edge of the can top is completely cut. http://pad1.whstatic.com/images/thumb/b/bf/Use-a-Camp-Can-Opener-Step-9-Version-2.jpg/550px-Use-a-Camp-Can-Opener-Step-9-Version-2.jpg http://pad3.whstatic.com/images/thumb/b/bf/Use-a-Camp-Can-Opener-Step-9-Version-2.jpg/300px-Use-a-Camp-Can-Opener-Step-9-Version-2.jpg /2/2d/Use a Camp Can Opener Step 9.360p.mp4
10. 10 Clean your camp can opener. Close it at the hinge before storing.