> possibly you aren't using it as the manufacturer intended

Yeah, well, that's often the way of things. I have no idea whether my side opener cutting below the bead was a design flaw or operator error, but I'll see if I can find another one and try it. My major theory, though, is that I've never had a problem with regular openers; however, I'll keep an open mind and try the side cutter again, as it may be better even though I see no problems with things as they are.