A unique way to open tin cans 120 years ago

[lumbercamp]

I was digging at a mid 1890's lumber camp and uncovered these old tin cans. Seems like the men had their own special way to open them. Pull out the trusty pocket knife, some cut an x in the lid and peeled it open, while others cut a circle.

 

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[RiverRat3]

Interesting. Can opener back then would have been a time saver.

 

[kuger]

I have opened em myself with the Ole "X",technique but have always wondered how they did the circle,and even the rectangle,like on the mid 19 th Century Sardine cans.Quite feat with a Bowie!

 

[Wildcat1750]

Interesting post! I wonder which invention was more appreciated...the can opener or the bandaid.

 

[nsdq]

if memory serves me correctly the can opener was invented 1855 in uk 1858 in usa of knife design 1870 one that used a cutting wheel and was improved in 1925 with the teeth on a geared wheel to make it easier to grip the can as it cut

 

[birdman]

Some things you never think about and opening up cans is one of them.Very interesting.

 

[BuckleBoy]

This is a very cool post. Sure is nice to see old relics and think about interesting things. Thank you for posting, my friend!

Cheers,

Buckles

 

[CRUSADER]

better than the shotgun, I guess

 

[Deckguy]

I have opened em myself with the Ole "X",technique but have always wondered how they did the circle,and even the rectangle,like on the mid 19 th Century Sardine cans.Quite feat with a Bowie!

the rectangle was easy. cut the "X" and fold the tabs back. at least that's what it looks like to me.....

 

[kuger]

I wanted to throw these in,as this is what I was talking about.We dig these 1850's solder seamed sardine cans and the way they were opened always amazes me!

 

[lumbercamp]

Nice kuger, It's good to see someone else rescues old cans besides me!

 

[Jason in Enid]

They must have needed to sharped those knives a LOT!