In today’s fast-paced world dominated by high-tech gadgets, the humble can opener remains a testament to timeless functionality. As we browse the shelves of modern supermarkets filled with an array of canned foods, it’s easy to overlook the fascinating history behind the equipment responsible for accessing these culinary treasures. The journey of the can opener is a fascinating story of innovation and necessity, from its beginnings with the advent of cans to its various iterations and evolution into the elegant tools we use today. From the key-shaped opener to the rotary cutter, each design offers a glimpse into a bygone era and the ingenuity of inventors who strive to simplify our everyday tasks.
The evolution of the can opener reveals not only the evolution of the tool but also the progress of materials and technology. What began as heavy iron cans requiring brute force to open eventually evolved into efficient, effective openers adapted to modern needs. Even in the midst of this development, the unique opener is a testament to an era long past when specialized keys were the gateway to access various canned goods.
Can openers are a handy tool that many take for granted, but they have an interesting history. Over time, they took on different forms. The most peculiar aspect, however, is that they were not created until many years after the cans were. The can opener key was one of the first versions. It required a lot of patience to use, but it was also much smaller than the current version. If you frequent antique shops and thrift stores, you’ll be familiar with what this mysterious key can unlock.
The history of the can opener key
The invention of cans naturally marks the beginning of the story. In 1795, Napoleon Bonaparte rewarded anyone who could invent a way to preserve food to keep his army’s supplies fresh while also supplying his soldiers. The invention of the glass jar and lid by scientist Nicolas Appert won. However, this led to inventor Peter Durand receiving a patent from King George III. to produce the first can made of tin and iron.
Hammers, chisels, and other similar tools were the original can openers. Remember that the first cans were composed of heavy iron. Apart from breaking our modern openers, there was no practical way to open them. So the opener concept was not feasible until cans evolved into thinner steel versions.
Enter Ezra J. Warner, an American inventor. He patented the first can opener on January 5, 1858. Recall that at this point, cans became thinner, and opening with a traditional hammer and chisel was no longer the only option. So Warner designed a can opener that trimmed the rim and cut into the lid.
The opener key, which was essentially a key-shaped blade that cuts around the edge of the can, was patented in 1866 by J. Osterhoudt. Many canned goods, such as meat, fish, beans, and coffee cans, had special keys to open them. This key is probably the least known can opener and the least similar to the can openers we are used to. Most of them are now obsolete, but if you happen to find one, you can now identify it for its special place in history.
When William Lyman received a patent for the first rotary cutter in 1870, the first universal can opener was born. It looked like a bent bayonet with wheels that turned with a crank that rotated around the rim of the can. But Lyman’s creation was nothing like the openers we use today. Charles Arthur Bunker created this design in the 1920s. He improved the rotary design, but it was difficult to control the first puncture and the wheel.
To grip the edge of the can, Star Can Opener Co. added 1925 the second wheel. This design was essential to the creation of the modern, widely used bottle opener. However, in the 1980s, “smooth edges” appeared, which avoid sharp edges and do not come into contact with the food inside.
How not to use a can opener to open a can
You should be aware that now that you are aware of their long history, there are alternative ways to open cans. Of course, none are that good, but in an emergency, it helps to know what other options are available. For example, you might buy a bunch of canned goods for a camping trip, but you might forget the key to open them. Alternatively, your can opener may break or get lost. Here are some other tools to try, but be careful around jagged or sharp edges.
Chef’s knife
Step 1: Place your palm on the handle of the flat side of the knife with the sharp edge facing away from you.
Step 2: Pierce the top of the can with the corner of the blade closest to the handle. To enlarge the opening, push the blade down as far as possible.
Step 3: Turn the can over and pierce the entire rim until the lid opens and the contents are accessible.
Metal spoon
Step 1: Firmly grip the spoon so that the scoop points towards you and down.
Step 2: Hold the can with your other hand and place the bowl on the spoon against the edge of the lid. Press and rub the spoon against the lid until a small hole appears.
Step 3: At this point, it is important to use a spoon to cut off most of the lid until you can fold it over and see what food is inside.
Throughout history, the development of can openers has been a testament to human innovation and adaptation. From the basic tools used centuries ago to today’s sleek, modern designs, the can opener journey is one of constant improvement. The humble can opener, often overlooked in the annals of invention, figures prominently in this narrative. Once an essential tool for accessing various canned foods, its blade-shaped design serves as a reminder of the past.
Napoleon Bonaparte’s call for food preservation led to the birth of cans, which created the need for efficient opening methods. From hammers and chisels to Warner and Osterhoudt’s revolutionary can opener patents, each iteration paved the way for more convenient and safer ways to access canned foods.
The advent of the rotary cutter and subsequent improvements by inventors such as Charles Arthur Bunker and the Star Can Opener Co. marked key moments in the development of can openers. These innovations paved the way for the modern can openers we use today, emphasizing ease of use and safety with a sleek design.
Despite the convenience of today’s can openers, however, the history of an opening method offers a glimpse into alternative techniques. Techniques involving a chef’s knife or metal fork, while not as effective or safe as special can openers, demonstrate the ingenuity of individuals in accessing canned foods without traditional tools.
As technology and culinary tools evolve, the history of can openers is a testament to human ingenuity and adaptability, showing that even the simplest tools have a rich and fascinating story.