The P38 has a long history behind it. It was created in 1942, used for canned field rations by the military. This was way before MRE's. The P38 is also called a "John Wayne" probably because of how rugged it is.
It's simplicity makes it very functional and very rugged. An they are extremely cheap compared to many other EDC tools. You can find them in your local Army Navy stores for cents each or for a few dollars for a dozen.
Why do you need to carry one?
Carrying a P38 obviously is a matter of choice and determined by the environment you are in. Why do I carry it? For one it has beat every can opener in the house! This little gadget does not break or fail compared to can openers that you buy for more that 10 times the cost of a P38.
Other Uses
The P38 is not really designed to do much of anything else. It doesn't mean you cannot improvise with it. It has been used as a somewhat limited screwdriver mostly because of it's lack of strength as it is built using very cheap metal. But it doesn't mean it's not up to the task. Also it has been used as a scraper to do small scraping jobs and maybe it can also be used as a limited prying tool. The uses can be unlimited. It's up to your imagination on what else you can make it do.
Bottom line
It's an extremely cheap, efficient tool for the job it does. It's very small at 1.5" it won't get in the way, you can carry it in your key-chain at all times. Why wouldn't you carry one. If you are one to be concerned when SHTF you might want to consider not getting caught without one of these.
Leave A Comment!
If you have any comments about this little tool, Please! leave a comment below! I would like to hear your alternative to it or what do you carry with you to substitute this little wonder.
nobody carries a p38 in their edc because it has little to no use in a modern urban setting. Besides......cans come with pull tabs these days.
ReplyDeleteRobert thanks for your comment! I agree with you on that. But in my opinion they're light, easy to carry and so small.
ReplyDeletePlus opening cans is not the only use they have, although they are made specifically for that.
Opening boxes, scraping, flathead screwdriver and others. I know many people have tools on their EDC but as a redundancy I still find it useful. Oh and don't forget making drinking cups out of Coke cans! A friend of mine uses it cut the tops of Coke cans to create a makeshift drinking cup! Thanks for the comment mate!