Leatherman Can Opener Operation

Posted by: KenK

Leatherman Can Opener Operation - 05/18/09 04:22 PM


Should a Leatherman can opener be used clockwise or counter-clockwise?

It seems like a silly question. My 'original' Boy Scout knife (1970's Camillus) can opener has a straight (not bent) small bottom tooth, but on the Leatherman Wave & Charge the small tooth is bend to the side.

I tend to open cans clockwise (can on the left side of the blade), but when I look at the LM the small lower tooth is bent to one side and it looks like it might work better going counter-clockwise (can on the right side of the blade).

I can open a can clockwise fairly well, but wonder if the tooth was designed to be used counter-clockwise. I tried doing it counter-clickwise, but it felt so clumsy I went back to doing it clockwise.


Posted by: Erik_B

Re: Leatherman Can Opener Operation - 05/18/09 06:39 PM

i think clockwise is correct. i compared the can opener on my Wave to my P-51, and the bevel goes the same way on both, so i reckon they're meant to go in the same direction.
Posted by: MoBOB

Re: Leatherman Can Opener Operation - 05/19/09 01:42 AM

Typically, whatever feels natural for a right-handed person is the way something is done. As a lefty I have to adjust constantly.














Posted by: nursemike

Re: Leatherman Can Opener Operation - 05/19/09 03:24 PM

Clockwise in the northern hemisphere, counterclockwise in the southern hemisphere.
Posted by: KenK

Re: Leatherman Can Opener Operation - 05/19/09 04:19 PM

Ohhhh, now I understand.

blush
Posted by: Paul810

Re: Leatherman Can Opener Operation - 05/23/09 12:46 AM

This is the way it has always worked best for me when it comes to Leatherman can openers:

Can in left hand, can opener in right hand. Place can opener on right-side edge of can. Leverage can opener while turning can in a counter-clockwise direction.

Now, for swiss army knife can openers:

The blade portion of the can opener is on the front, so it seems to work better turning the can in a clock-wise direction. Still holding the can in the left hand, can opener in the right, placing the opener on the right edge of the can.

Basically, I always hold the can opener in my dominant hand, can in my non-dominant hand, place the can opener on the side that is easiest to reach with my dominant hand, and turn the can towards the sharpened edge of the can opener.
Posted by: EdD270

Re: Leatherman Can Opener Operation - 05/24/09 04:01 AM

Originally Posted By: Paul810
This is the way it has always worked best for me when it comes to Leatherman can openers:

Can in left hand, can opener in right hand. Place can opener on right-side edge of can. Leverage can opener while turning can in a counter-clockwise direction.

Now, for swiss army knife can openers:

The blade portion of the can opener is on the front, so it seems to work better turning the can in a clock-wise direction. Still holding the can in the left hand, can opener in the right, placing the opener on the right edge of the can.

Basically, I always hold the can opener in my dominant hand, can in my non-dominant hand, place the can opener on the side that is easiest to reach with my dominant hand, and turn the can towards the sharpened edge of the can opener.

Now that makes sense. Thanks for that.