The can opener that lasted a couple of months was a very similar design to the classic Amco Swing A Way model (now apparently being manufactured in China). The gear wheels keep on slipping probably indicating just poor quality stamped out metal (again not stainless steel for deliberate design obsolescence for the throwaway consumerist society) with the gear teeth not able to resist wear during use.

This model (Stainless Steel Zack Elios Can Opener) looks to be more robust around the gear wheel teeth.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Stainless-Steel-Zack-Elios-Opener/dp/B0034YCNVS

But spending nearly $50 on a can opener can't really be justified.