The primitive looking kitchen tool is a vintage can opener that left many scars on unskilled users who tried to free the contents of a can.

Humble can opener

The story of the can opener begins with canned food, which was invented long before anyone thought about how to open it easily.

Early cans required brute force to open, and it wasn’t until 1858 when American inventor Ezra Warner created a tool designed to pierce the lids of cans. Resembling a lever with a curved blade, this opener was clunky but effective. It was widely used by the U.S. military during the Civil War, but it wasn’t practical for home use.

In 1870, William Lyman revolutionized the can opener with a rotating cutting wheel, a design that made opening cans much easier and safer. Lyman’s invention laid the groundwork for modern can openers, though it still required some skill and strength to operate.

Can openers through history

• Lever-Type opener (1858): The original design by Ezra Warner, used mainly by the military.
• Rotary opener (1870): William Lyman’s design, featuring a cutting wheel.
• Keyed cans (1900s): Built-in keys for rolling back lids (think old sardine cans).
• Electric openers (1930s): A bulky but innovative leap into automation.
• Ergonomic handheld openers (1950s): User-friendly and efficient.

Today

Can openers have come a long way thanks to technology, which has simplified the way we break into cans! But many people still swear by the old design.

“Wanted to buy a new one, you cannot find them now,” writes one Facebooker, while a second shares, “Still the best can opener!!”

Another user adds, “I still have one and use it on occasion. Dangerous bugger if not used properly.”

So, the next time you stumble upon a peculiar object, snap a photo and share it with us!