It is a pretty cool airplane…<br><br>In this context, a P38 or P-38 (I don’t know which is correct) is a very small (1.5 inch long) stamped-steel can opener that used to be included with military canned rations (C-rats) when the military used such things. They’re small, very lightweight, durable, cheap (I bought 10 for $5 fairly recently on eBay) and work surprisingly well. They’re small enough to be carried on a keyring, in a wallet, or, traditionally, around your neck with your dog tags. They make an excellent “striker” for artificial flints, and an indifferent but useable screwdriver.<br><br>Chris said about them: “I've used mine for fish lures, emergency ice cleats, splitting roots for cordage, sewing thimble and small vise for holding needles and matches. Canned rations and water are still in widespread use worldwide."<br><br>I generally carry on my person a single-blade folder and a Leatherman Micra, which fills out the commonly-used everyday tools that one might have with a Swiss Army knife, but even the combination lacks a can opener, so I have a P38 currently living in my wallet, that fills that gap.<br><br>As you can see, some of us are rather fond of these little gizmos- it the sort of thing you can carry for years without a thought, but it's there when needed. I’ve had one in particular that I’ve had and used for at least 20, maybe 30 years now, it has all the finish worn off, but it still works fine, and it’s saved me a deal of trouble on more than one occasion.<br><br><br>