The Can Opener Key: An Old School Way to Open Your Favorite Tinned Food
The Can Opener Key: An Old School Way to Open Your Favorite Tinned Food
People may take can openers for granted, but these nifty tools have an interesting history. They have evolved into many forms over time. But the strangest detail is that they weren’t invented until decades after the invention of canned food. One of the early iterations was the can opener key. It was much smaller than the modern version, but it also took a lot of patience to use. If you frequent thrift stores and antique shops, you’ll know what this mysterious key can open.
The History of the Can Opener Key
The story, of course, begins with the invention of cans. In 1795, Napoleon Bonaparte offered a reward for anyone who could invent a way to keep food preserved so his army’s supply could stay fresh while they were delivered to his troops. Scientist Nicolas Appert won for his invention using glass jars and lids. But this led to inventor Peter Durand creating the first can from tin and iron with a patent from King George III
The first can opener was a hammer, chisel, or similar tool. Keep in mind these early cans were made of thick iron. There was no other practical way to open them, and our modern openers would probably break trying. So it wasn’t until cans evolved into thinner steel versions that the idea of an opener became possible.
