Bit of trivia: During the filming of the second season of "Combat" Vic Morrow bitched about how heavy the steel pot was. The props department made up a light fiberglass replica that was covered with the camo cloth. The helmet cover came from parachute material. At the end of season two, the other cast members caught wind of Vic's lightweight pot, and they too had fiberglass replicas made. The real thing was way too heavy to be running around doing stunts in. That was my favorite '60s TV show. I always wanted to be like the "Sgt. Saunders" character. In 1972 I was drafted, and I got a dose of reality. No Sgt. Saunders for me! During my time at my duty station, a warehouse filled with "C rats" was nearing its expiration date. They made us eat nothing but the meals for thirty days. The packets came with four cigarettes. No smoker went near them. But nearing the end of the month, the smokers did smoke them up because they were short on cash.
In the field, I saved the cigarette packets and traded them for the cans of fruit. Those fruits were such a treat after a hot day of slogging. Of course the communist smokers said that we nonsmokers should have to just give them the butts. Nah.
@@donl1410 The Thompson is heavy but, in close in work it is amazing. I was taught to lay it on its side with the mag to the left. Aim to the left of your targets and squeeze the trigger. The climb pulls it to the right automatically and works real well with moving targets.
When I was a kid the Nati 0:03 onal Guard would come down to the Waterworks Park in Coldwater and bivouac overnight. The guys would want hamburgers but couldn't leave the park. Kids would ride our bikes down and take orders for food from Burger And Chix in downtown. This was before McDonalds got to Coldwater. It was a 6 block ride so easy peasy. They gave us money to pick up the order and when ee got back they would give us a buck or two. I was getting paid $1.25 per yard for mowing so that was big money. They also gave us boxes of C Rations. We thought that was great. A P38 came in every box. It was late 50's early 60's. The army was still cool and our Dad's and Uncles were heros from WWI, WWII, and Korea. Every box had a P38. We would camp out and heat our food over a campfire. Couldn't do that with an MRE. The pliers look great after your cleanup and polishing. Rounded edges don't wear out your tool pouch. Starret is one of the best tools yoi can get. I learned to use spring calipers before verniers and dial calipers were around. They reach a lot further than a pair of dial calipers too.
You just killed me... been 18 years since I moved away from my hometown that I grew up in old water mi. The colorful drug users have vandalized and used that park for other things but I always had respect for the bronzes. You may not remember but there was a small graveyard down from Morse street with many very old military Graves. We use to ride the hole run up and down the main street on our BMX bikes like you past the old Victorian homes with all that stained glass. You'd be surprised Jeannies diner across the street from that park in downtown is still up and running. Thanks for the memories!
John don’t change, I like your show the way it is. You’re a historian to a lot of your experiences. It’s nice to be reminded about the past. I guess we can call you the guardian angel of tools and more. I always enjoy your show. Thank You
I remember the P-38 quite well 😩. We would all pitch our meat can in a pot of hot water and when we thought it was hot you would just grab one. There we quit a few varieties and you never new what you were having 😂 Awesome job on the tools today. Thank You for sharing!
One of my prized possessions is a P-38 given to me by my USMC SSG friend in 1987. At the start of the video I was thinking about sending you a Japanese can opener. The one in our kitchen is Daikoku. I have four or five extra in storage for zombie days. You see them hanging on the wall in every mom and pop restaurant kitchen. Great video. Beautiful restoration.
As a kid I had the Johnny 7 and my brother the bazooka. My scout master gave us each a P-38, a pencil with a note pad, and a dime for an emergency phone call at a meeting. I still have all three.
Son just gave me one of those steel pot helmets he found in a storage unit, and I've been teaching all my kids how to use a P38...love your show Scoutcrafter!
You are right about a lot of things and about that Japanese can opener. It should last forever. Especially since you’re only going to use it when the electricity is out. But all kidding aside I am happy to know about that little thing. I enjoyed your video.
In the late 1980s we Brits were still getting our ration packs with cans and so the small can opener was included. By the early 90s we moved over to pouches but I still carry a P38 on my keyring out of habit. Not used it for 30 years but if I am ever stuck with a can I know where it is 😀.
Yes, I agree with you. I don’t like change either. Those can openers were cool. It is interesting that P-38 and P-51 were World War II fighters. You are probably right, named after the size. The pliers is beautiful and so is the Starrett calipers.
I really hate change I'm like you I order the same meal at the restaurants we frequent. I still have my P-38 from 1973 good times!! I've never seen one of those nuts on a set of Starrett calibers, they turned out great and so did the pliers. I bought a bottle of bluing after Magdad's last review it looked like the simplest one to use. Great show ScoutCrafter
You missed my favorite, Baa Baa Black Sheep! I still love the F4-U. I carried a P-38 on my key chain for years, mostly because it worked great as a standard and Phillips screwdriver
when i was in Army cadets at school in the late 70's , we had similar openers in ration packs with a small spoon on the other end called " freds " , found out later on it meant " F@$&%n rediculous eating devices " .
The Aussie army equivalent of the P38 can opener includes a spoon and is affectionately know as a FRED. Actually the official designation is Field Ration Eating Device, but you know how soldiers have their own names for things.
Most times change is not for the better. "New and Improved" is usually neither. I've still got a case of C Rats from 1973. There would be 4 P-38s in there. We used to heat our C Rats on our truck engines. Had a P-38 on my dog tags too. After a week in the field, it took only 3 seconds to open a can. I did not like MREs(Meals Rejected by Everyone). Good Luck, Rick
Hi John. I'm with you. I DO NOT LIKE CHANGE 😢. I do have a p 38 can opener. I used it a lot camping in the 60s and 70s. Man l really miss those days.love what you did with those pliers. Can't wait to what's up for wed. Have a great day. 👍👍❤...
In the early 1980s, when I served in the Netherlands, we always ate from a can during exercises, we had a pocket knife with a can opener in it. luckily still the steel helmet, but with a plastic inner helmet.
Great job John!!! I was in the Army in 1971. We had C rations from the Korean War!!! They were older than me!!! We still had the World War Two helmets and the P-38 can openers. I carry a P-51 on my key chain to this day. I recently opened a C ration pack that was issued to me in Cambodia in 1971. It was the pack that had the 4 pack of cigarettes and gum with spices and powdered coffee. It was emotional opening it. I was reminded of the fact that I used to eat the food cold so “Charlie” couldn’t smell it. I sold my cigarettes and made enough money to buy a used 1965 Ford Mustang Fastback that I still drive!! I’ve had it for 52 years and put 688,000 miles on it!!! I guess I not a big fan of change either!!! Take care John… thanks for the video!!! The old Army Scout.
We had an Army Navy store back in early 80’s to 30++ years. we sold all these things you are talking about. M-65 field coats made in USA. Pouches, coat liner, P-38 I had to buy a box of 500. They worked great. Good video we watch all your videos
John we must be related somehow. I hate change also. I basically eat the same food all the time and wear the same clothes even though I have a closet full of new clothes. I was in the Air Force in the 1960s and we had OD fatigues. I see these camo fatigues now and think how ugly they are.
Interesting stuff thanks for that. The Australians had their own variation on a can opener/spoon for their troops the FRED (Field Ration Eating Device) although it was re-named by troops to F****** Ridiculous Eating Device !
I'll never skip a ScoutCrafter story or rant! Manual can openers are the best, last forever, or near enough. The last winding opener the wife bought were rubbish, they ended up in the bin. Rust covered calipers and dividers seem to follow me home lately, I always enjoy seeing them restored. Thanks for your fun and informative videos.
@@ScoutCrafterThe thing has a charmed life. 40 years I've been eating my cereal in that same bowl and it has zero chips or cracks I don't know what ceramic they made it with but it's indestructible I swear. It was a freebie promotional given away in a collaboration by Kellogg's and the local dairy. Annoyed the wife though when we first married she's one of those everything must be a matching set types but I would not let her get rid of it.
I have the 3" Starrett Round Leg Calipers, insanely expensive though, list for $163.00 on their website but definitely nicer than the Flat Legs like that one there.........Funny I just bought one of those safety style can openers about two weeks ago, not only safer but the way the lid comes off leaves no lip on the inside of the can so get all the contents out easier.
We must be about the same age I went into the army in the mid 80’s. I remember the transition from the steel pot to the k-pot also from the solid green to camo. About the same time they ditched the kaki uniforms. 🤯
@@donl1410 That was my favorite uniform. My opinion nothing looked better than fresh starched 107’s jungle boots and a well formed black beret! But I’m a bit biased. RLTW…😬
Wow, great video. I grew up in the late 60s. I played army with my fathers M1 helmet. My father always carried around his p38 can opener on his key ring. Great memories. Funny you showed the swing-a-way can opener. I still use it today. Can't beat it. As an SM, I tried to teach my scouts how to use the p38 can opener. Let's just say not many enjoyed using it or ever could do it. 😮😂
Great video John. For a minute I thought you were talking about me. I don’t like change either! I do like the can openers, never seen them before. PS Just give me an old fashioned can of Spam any day! LOL
I was born in 1965 and me and my brother used to watch Rat Patrol and combat on tv. I always love the theme song for combat and it would show the band that's and the helmet webbing. The 4:30 movie was good too they had shows like Von Ryan's Express and The Great Escape
Nice walk down memory lane, I still have my P38 and also the helmet. I was in the Army 1968 - 70. I used it many years when I was into Back packing. Good Times. Nice video.
I brought home a p-38 from Viet Nam and I don't know where it is now. That and my tags and the experience of being there couldn't get behind me fast enough. I believe you showed NeverSlip pliers before. What a great concept; they are new to me. That caliper is a beauty. Thanks for the show ScoutCrafter.
Even if you don’t like change, it’s difficult to get the same old items. For example, we had all GE appliances. When it was time to replace them, boy were they junk. Brands today are not the same as they were.
Wow - Yes, change sucks... for us! Others seem to take it on, every chance they get - I do not understand that. I always like the old ways, unless I like the new way...! I'm reminded of my favorite saying of my Granddad's, "Life is so personal, and yet we all live there!".
Oh - And those Starrett, spring loaded calipers will BITE YOU! I was at a flying field with my dad, who was flying his new R/C Heli ( GMP Cricket). I was entertaining myself by haphazardly playing with these calipers with different depths and springy tension when - SNAP! I got the worst blood blister on the tip of my finger!
I remember when they started making P-38s out of aluminum. You didn't bother to put those on your dog tag chain. After opening two cans they were so dull you threw them away. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe C rations were the last field meals to come with cigarettes, usually Pall Mall or Lucky Strike. Good memories John - Semper Fi!
At a military surplus store in Florida I saw they had a bucket full of those P-38 can openers. We keep one in our camper as a back-up, along with my Scout knife and other stuff. Useful to have on hand, for sure!
That spring loaded caliper is super cool. What a great design. The never slip turned out great, I have a pair with busted cutters that resides in the very bottom of my to-do bucket. 😂. Great stuff. Cheers
Just "T" your show up...and you knocked it out the park! Great start to the week, Mr. John! Those cutters came out great.. crazy the idea didn't stick...sucj a great desgin!
I have a P-38 on my keychain today, I'm 72 as a young pre-teen in our neighborhood playing "WAR" was a very big part of our childhood experiences, digging tunnels, fort construction even nighttime maneuvers some of which carried over in my early teens, I enjoy the smell of canvas and carry canvas tarps in my car for a variety of reasons / applications, thxs for sharing...say hi to "Pipes"
In my time in the Corps 1975 - 1981 we called the can opener "John Wayne'. We also called the cracker a "John Wayne Cracker' ... I like the Ham and Eggs and Spaghetti! Everyone use to fight over the one cherry in the fruit cocktail! I had a Sgt that put grape jelly in his spaghetti! We made a peach cobbler out of John Wayne Crackers, coffee cream packets and peaches when we did Ft Drum and cold weather training! We got 4 meals a day in cold weather! So, we pooled our C-rat and became creative chef! I believe there are 52 holes in a John Wayne cracker if my memory serves me correct!
Wow! It’s amazing how creative some guys got with rations. We had a MRE called dehydrated pork patty, it was the least chosen MRE. One time we were training with a unit from the mid west and one of my guys complained about getting the dehydrated pork patty a marine from the visiting unit offered to trade and proceeded to rehydrate the pork patty along with some cheese and hot sauce and crackers made a meal that had all of us drooling! 😂👍
I've got an old 38 around here somewhere and toted one for ages till I got the Swiss Army knife with that can opener which is a cousin of the 38 and the scissors. The main thing it did was open tuna cans and trim fingernails. Maybe a screw or two but not many. And I ate tons of C-rations. Had a small conex full of loose cans. I just picked what I wanted and had some C-4 to heat it up with like a good Engineer but I was out of the 34th and in the 1St. Cav then BUT all the older Nam guys said to get a good can opener before I went over.. I got a good one and wore it out. SWEET pliers and caliper. Happy week and God Bless!
Hi John, I loved all of those shows you mentioned. I have always had a big interested in WWII. I’ve seen so many war movies, just love them even today. Never get tired of them. I’ve seen some so many times but never get tired of them. I’ve got a few P-38’s I always kept in my camping gear. The Japanese opener has a corner that’s got a slight bend to it. I bet that was to pry the cut can top open so you can bend it back. We loved to shop at the Army Navy Surplus store. I had my field jacket with the liner and winter putter gloves with the wool inner gloves in my pick up truck as an emergency coat. We also had the round brass items that you would wear on both sides near your collar. Nice Never Slip cutters. refurb. I’ve never seen the removable jaws before. I like the blueing. Nice to see the Starrett calipers with the smooth edges. I have a lot of these that need clean up. Thanks for another great video. Best Regards, John
Still have my P38 I was issued when I joined in 1983. It's on my keychain and I still use it sometimes; never rusted or anything! We were issued those kevlar helmets with the liners. Hated them!! We felt like dorks. LOL I can relate.
I love your stories! Those never slip pliers are cool. The replaceable jaws seem like such a great idea. But today is a throw away society. It would be nice to have some Klein linesmans with the replaceable jaws. I carry a p38 in all my get home bags and my mini survival kit in my truck. I love those Starrets. The quick release feature is slick. What a quality tool. Thanks for another great video. Have a great day.
I put together a kit for hunting. First aid items compass whistle fish hooks and line and a half dozen p38s. You would be surprised how many guys get groceries and forget a can opener. one hunter paid me $5 for the p38s. He was hungry and didn't want to go home to eat. Pride was in his way and knew he wouldn't live it down. North Idaho Bob
Changes and decision making. I like neither! Two great restorations. I wish I did more restorations of that quality. I'm deep in a bedroom rufurb now..
Great episode. I'm old school, not big on change either. M-1 steel ''pot' and liner, P-38 (still on m,y key ring), C-Rats. I was around in the day...hate to admit being 69
I did not know about the can openers or the NeverSlip pliers, or the quick release on the Starrett caliper, so a lot of useful information for me. Thanks. The pliers and calipers cleaned up like new. Well done. Dave.
I still have a p 38 on my keychain it's also amazing to find neverslip pliers with cuttersin that shape like the blueing and never can go wrong with sterrett that's the gold standard in machinest tools
I was never in the military, but I’ve always carried a P-38 either on my keychain or around my neck chain, at least as long as I remember. That Gangy can opener looks cool as hell. I’m ordering one for sure. The P-38 design is solid. I have a Swingline can opener in my kitchen and it really sucks, despite being a made in USA product, it does a really crappy job of opening cans. Good episode. This is why I keep coming back to the channel. The blued finish on the pliers really looks nice.
John, you do bring back the memories coming from a military family we always had P 38 in our drawer. It was also required when I was in scouts to have a P 38 in our survival kit. Why I’ve never understood but if we came across a can in the wild we could open up lol.
I like some change, in others not so much. Clothing, give me back to before the 1990s or mid 1980s. Newer vehicle, no to much electronics and cheap plastic to go wrong. Can you imagine $5000 for a taillight? I went from the p38 to the P51 as it is easier on my hands. The Japanese one is cool but holds no benefit to me. Although the MRE is handy, I am still fond of a can. It probably has to do with the time period I was raised. I got to say if I was a soldier hauling it I would be more in faver of no cans. I do believe they had some Mountain House either in late Vietnam or the early 1980s. I would have to check Steve1999. Funny thing those MRE heaters go bad but those old fuel tablets seem to last longer.
Another great Mosh John, I'm with you, change is sometimes inevitable but I'm as happy with my car and house and furnishings as I was when I bought them, just don't feel the need for constantly replacing things. Those pliers came out beautifully, the blueing is superb, they look in perfect condition but not restored which is a real art ! The Calipers too, I'd not seen the QR design before and they are so much better now with the smoothed edges !
Those tools came out beautifully. I especially like the pliers because linemans pliers are a very useful tool in my shop. The replaceable jaws make them even more cool. I have never seen a pair. The pliers you restored look like they are high quality. A late friend and Vietnam war veteran told me the small can openers were called "John Waynes". I never heard him call them p38 or p51.
I have a p38 on my day pack from my dad. Im 50 and I mis cap guns! they use to be everywhere in the 70's 80's. Even squirt guns in summer time. now you cant find one to save your life. And boys grow up, well you know, "tucked". Im so sick of it. its like I as a dad have no way to show my kids how I grew up, they stole it away from us. It's not right.
i almost got one of thoses Japanese opener when i was shopping on Amazon Japan, they're pretty cool i think but ah i always use my swiss army knife my dad gave me when i was 7, it doesn't get much use otherwise since i fear losing it,i've had it for 36 year so far
Went through the same changes as you in the Army, plus went from Jeeps to HUMMV’s! But that was a good change for me anyway lol. And don’t forget switched from 1911 .45’s to Beretta 9mm in my day. oh well.
I have carried one of my dad's P-38s every day since I was in scouts and I am 51 years old. I have used it to open bottles, cans, boxes etc. They also make a great emergency screwdriver! I even have an emergency backup stash of a couple others that were his that I found when he passed away.
Great Video 👍. Those P-38 can openers are pretty cool. I seen some of the Combat series on that Me Tv 📺 station, and I must say it wasn’t a bad series. I think the John Wayne War movies were awesome, like Sands of Iwo Jima and Flying 🐅 Tigers 👍👍. The Japan 🇯🇵 version of that can opener did a pretty good job also, liked seeing the demo on that one . 👍 Those Never Slip pliers turned out Fantastic!👍 You can’t beat those Brillo soap pads for getting metal clean. I like the Bluing method you done to the pliers, it really gave them the N.O.S. Look . Again fantastic job! 👍👍 Those Starrett 8 in. Quick release spring calipers turned out amazing! I liked how you got those edges of the tool smooth so it’s not as sharp. Again awesome job! and a pretty cool tool to have in your toolbox 🧰. I also want to comment on the 📏 rulers you cleaned up last week, I really enjoyed the information and demonstration on how to clean them up without ruining them or taking the ink off the numbers or lettering. I was surprised how Bar Keepers Friend did a amazing job in cleaning 🧽 off that mess you had to deal with on that one ruler, and also surprised that that acetone didn’t remove any of the ink off the numbers but did remove that tar like substance. I think you did a awesome job on giving us information and demonstration firsthand on how to clean those vintage wooden rulers 📏.👍👍I think I won’t be as nervous about tackling one of those projects, thanks to you ScoutCrafter 👍👍🔥. Another great shot of Old Glory 🇺🇸 flying in the breeze with that Beautiful blue sky! Well again great video and can’t wait to see what you do on Wednesday. Have a great evening. 😄👍👍
Vic Morrow in “Combat”! It always makes me sad when I think of him. Terrible accident. I think his daughter had a successful career? Great job as usual. Those Starrett calipers are fire 🔥.
Great video. I remember wearing the still pot helmet in basic training at Ft Dix in the 80s. Then once I got to AIT in Ft LeonardWood we got the Kevlar helmets. Very disappointing.
Need a rerun on fiber wheel. Surface conditioning wheels and clean up of 6 inch stained rust spotted etched metal scales aka rulers . I.have seen mention of India Ink being used to restore etching?
Like the song says….we change by not changing at all. We would’ve never thought you’d have 2 of those pliers in polish.😊just a lite touch to clean them up. The velvet from the velvet glove that covers that fist of steel 😮…haha! Have a great day buddy…sunny and 70 over here in western Pa.
My Granddaddy had one a P-38.. and I carried it from BCT to everywhere else lol.. Didn't get My Kevlar till I got to permanent duty.. the worst MRE is chicken a la king .. I like ham slice and barbecued meatballs..lol.. granddaddy let me try the c rats.. great stuff man see you on the next. Love the pliers...
I have several P38 openers that I used and were issued to me, I carried one on a key ring for so long it nearly wore thru the hole, I still have it and occasionally still use it (just for fun).. Thanks, enjoyed the video, appreciate it.
John, you think that the pliers idea didn't spread up because the replacement jaws were more or equal in value which made it not worth it to be replaced
I still have 30 yrs on have a p51 on my keyring and i use it i did get a bit fed up having to hand it in at airports because they imagine i would use it to hikack the plane i found a way to stop it being classed as offensive weapon i nickle plated it and polished it to look like chrome and it became a harmless keyring ????
I would never give anything to those TSA agents, before I give it up I would give it away to a stranger who just got off a plane. It’s theft! They seem to enjoy it sometimes.
Skip the story?!! I’m here for the stories!
OH yes!
Love 'em
RIGHT!@@donl1410
Bit of trivia:
During the filming of the second season of "Combat" Vic Morrow bitched about how heavy the steel pot was. The props department made up a light fiberglass replica that was covered with the camo cloth. The helmet cover came from parachute material. At the end of season two, the other cast members caught wind of Vic's lightweight pot, and they too had fiberglass replicas made. The real thing was way too heavy to be running around doing stunts in.
That was my favorite '60s TV show. I always wanted to be like the "Sgt. Saunders" character. In 1972 I was drafted, and I got a dose of reality. No Sgt. Saunders for me!
During my time at my duty station, a warehouse filled with "C rats" was nearing its expiration date. They made us eat nothing but the meals for thirty days.
The packets came with four cigarettes. No smoker went near them. But nearing the end of the month, the smokers did smoke them up because they were short on cash.
I never wanted it but got it anyway.
In the field, I saved the cigarette packets and traded them for the cans of fruit. Those fruits were such a treat after a hot day of slogging. Of course the communist smokers said that we nonsmokers should have to just give them the butts. Nah.
Vic also wined about how heavy the Thompson was. I read they also dummied that up too. Great show, but...
@@donl1410 The Thompson is heavy but, in close in work it is amazing. I was taught to lay it on its side with the mag to the left. Aim to the left of your targets and squeeze the trigger. The climb pulls it to the right automatically and works real well with moving targets.
@@richardross7219 Thanks very much! Nice to hear someone with actual knowledge! I'll definitely remember that.
When I was a kid the Nati 0:03 onal Guard would come down to the Waterworks Park in Coldwater and bivouac overnight.
The guys would want hamburgers but couldn't leave the park.
Kids would ride our bikes down and take orders for food from Burger And Chix in downtown. This was before McDonalds got to Coldwater.
It was a 6 block ride so easy peasy.
They gave us money to pick up the order and when ee got back they would give us a buck or two.
I was getting paid $1.25 per yard for mowing so that was big money.
They also gave us boxes of C Rations. We thought that was great. A P38 came in every box.
It was late 50's early 60's. The army was still cool and our Dad's and Uncles were heros from WWI, WWII, and Korea.
Every box had a P38.
We would camp out and heat our food over a campfire. Couldn't do that with an MRE.
The pliers look great after your cleanup and polishing.
Rounded edges don't wear out your tool pouch.
Starret is one of the best tools yoi can get.
I learned to use spring calipers before verniers and dial calipers were around.
They reach a lot further than a pair of dial calipers too.
Dave- those were great times!
You just killed me... been 18 years since I moved away from my hometown that I grew up in old water mi. The colorful drug users have vandalized and used that park for other things but I always had respect for the bronzes. You may not remember but there was a small graveyard down from Morse street with many very old military Graves. We use to ride the hole run up and down the main street on our BMX bikes like you past the old Victorian homes with all that stained glass. You'd be surprised Jeannies diner across the street from that park in downtown is still up and running.
Thanks for the memories!
John don’t change, I like your show the way it is. You’re a historian to a lot of your experiences. It’s nice to be reminded about the past. I guess we can call you the guardian angel of tools and more. I always enjoy your show. Thank You
I remember the P-38 quite well 😩. We would all pitch our meat can in a pot of hot water and when we thought it was hot you would just grab one. There we quit a few varieties and you never new what you were having 😂
Awesome job on the tools today. Thank You for sharing!
One of my prized possessions is a P-38 given to me by my USMC SSG friend in 1987. At the start of the video I was thinking about sending you a Japanese can opener. The one in our kitchen is Daikoku. I have four or five extra in storage for zombie days. You see them hanging on the wall in every mom and pop restaurant kitchen. Great video. Beautiful restoration.
As a kid I had the Johnny 7 and my brother the bazooka. My scout master gave us each a P-38, a pencil with a note pad, and a dime for an emergency phone call at a meeting. I still have all three.
Son just gave me one of those steel pot helmets he found in a storage unit, and I've been teaching all my kids how to use a P38...love your show Scoutcrafter!
You are right about a lot of things and about that Japanese can opener. It should last forever. Especially since you’re only going to use it when the electricity is out. But all kidding aside I am happy to know about that little thing. I enjoyed your video.
In the late 1980s we Brits were still getting our ration packs with cans and so the small can opener was included. By the early 90s we moved over to pouches but I still carry a P38 on my keyring out of habit. Not used it for 30 years but if I am ever stuck with a can I know where it is 😀.
Yes, I agree with you. I don’t like change either. Those can openers were cool. It is interesting that P-38 and P-51 were World War II fighters. You are probably right, named after the size. The pliers is beautiful and so is the Starrett calipers.
Grew up waiting for my favorite show to come on every week yes Combat. Still one of the best series to this day.
I really hate change I'm like you I order the same meal at the restaurants we frequent. I still have my P-38 from 1973 good times!! I've never seen one of those nuts on a set of Starrett calibers, they turned out great and so did the pliers. I bought a bottle of bluing after Magdad's last review it looked like the simplest one to use. Great show ScoutCrafter
US Army 87-99. P38 and still pot. Bathing and shaving, then kevlar. What the hell could not wash out it. Lol good times.
You missed my favorite, Baa Baa Black Sheep! I still love the F4-U.
I carried a P-38 on my key chain for years, mostly because it worked great as a standard and Phillips screwdriver
It can also be used as a screwdriver both,box opener,fingernail cleaner and a tiny pry bar. Never leave home without it.
when i was in Army cadets at school in the late 70's , we had similar openers in ration packs with a small spoon on the other end called " freds " , found out later on it meant " F@$&%n rediculous eating devices " .
The Aussie army equivalent of the P38 can opener includes a spoon and is affectionately know as a FRED. Actually the official designation is Field Ration Eating Device, but you know how soldiers have their own names for things.
Most times change is not for the better. "New and Improved" is usually neither. I've still got a case of C Rats from 1973. There would be 4 P-38s in there. We used to heat our C Rats on our truck engines. Had a P-38 on my dog tags too. After a week in the field, it took only 3 seconds to open a can. I did not like MREs(Meals Rejected by Everyone). Good Luck, Rick
Hi John. I'm with you. I DO NOT LIKE CHANGE 😢. I do have a p 38 can opener. I used it a lot camping in the 60s and 70s. Man l really miss those days.love what you did with those pliers. Can't wait to what's up for wed. Have a great day. 👍👍❤...
you did not just go into the service- you became a Marine- be proud of the accomplishment.
In the early 1980s, when I served in the Netherlands, we always ate from a can during exercises, we had a pocket knife with a can opener in it. luckily still the steel helmet, but with a plastic inner helmet.
Great job John!!! I was in the Army in 1971. We had C rations from the Korean War!!! They were older than me!!! We still had the World War Two helmets and the P-38 can openers. I carry a P-51 on my key chain to this day. I recently opened a C ration pack that was issued to me in Cambodia in 1971. It was the pack that had the 4 pack of cigarettes and gum with spices and powdered coffee. It was emotional opening it. I was reminded of the fact that I used to eat the food cold so “Charlie” couldn’t smell it. I sold my cigarettes and made enough money to buy a used 1965 Ford Mustang Fastback that I still drive!! I’ve had it for 52 years and put 688,000 miles on it!!! I guess I not a big fan of change either!!! Take care John… thanks for the video!!! The old Army Scout.
Wow Dave!!! Just Wow!!!
We had an Army Navy store back in early 80’s to 30++ years.
we sold all these things you are talking about. M-65 field coats made in USA. Pouches, coat liner, P-38 I had to buy a box of 500. They worked great. Good video we watch all your videos
Yes! Back in the late 70’s and 80’s everyone had a field jacket! They were good coats! I really miss Army Navy stores. 😃👍
John we must be related somehow. I hate change also. I basically eat the same food all the time and wear the same clothes even though I have a closet full of new clothes. I was in the Air Force in the 1960s and we had OD fatigues. I see these camo fatigues now and think how ugly they are.
OG-107 fatigues / utilities 👍
OD everyday all day. 😃👍
@@ScoutCrafter You bet!
Still have my p38 that I used in Vietnam with the 1st Cav 1967-68
Interesting stuff thanks for that. The Australians had their own variation on a can opener/spoon for their troops the FRED (Field Ration Eating Device) although it was re-named by troops to F****** Ridiculous Eating Device !
I'll never skip a ScoutCrafter story or rant!
Manual can openers are the best, last forever, or near enough. The last winding opener the wife bought were rubbish, they ended up in the bin.
Rust covered calipers and dividers seem to follow me home lately, I always enjoy seeing them restored.
Thanks for your fun and informative videos.
Fantastic history lesson on the can openers. The pilers and calipers are just "lovely"! Thanks again SC.
I ate my cereal this morning from the same bowl I've been eating it from since I was 10 so yeah not a big proponent of change here. 😄
That is awesome!!!
@@ScoutCrafterThe thing has a charmed life.
40 years I've been eating my cereal in that same bowl and it has zero chips or cracks I don't know what ceramic they made it with but it's indestructible I swear.
It was a freebie promotional given away in a collaboration by Kellogg's and the local dairy.
Annoyed the wife though when we first married she's one of those everything must be a matching set types but I would not let her get rid of it.
I have a P-38 I got in 1967 at Army basic training. Still works too. I love those Starrett calipers, they are beautiful !
I have my P38 that I brought back home in 1970. My fingers ache just looking at it!
I threw all my p-38s in a "30 year drawer"(remember that?). I must have a hundred of them if I have one. Ah, memories.
I have the 3" Starrett Round Leg Calipers, insanely expensive though, list for $163.00 on their website but definitely nicer than the Flat Legs like that one there.........Funny I just bought one of those safety style can openers about two weeks ago, not only safer but the way the lid comes off leaves no lip on the inside of the can so get all the contents out easier.
We must be about the same age I went into the army in the mid 80’s. I remember the transition from the steel pot to the k-pot also from the solid green to camo. About the same time they ditched the kaki uniforms. 🤯
I liked the OG-107 green fatigues
We also transitioned from brick flack jackets to Kevlar. 😃👍
@@ScoutCrafter Love the story time, John
@@donl1410 That was my favorite uniform. My opinion nothing looked better than fresh starched 107’s jungle boots and a well formed black beret! But I’m a bit biased. RLTW…😬
@@davidhelmuth6654 👍 Very sharp!
Wow, great video. I grew up in the late 60s. I played army with my fathers M1 helmet. My father always carried around his p38 can opener on his key ring. Great memories. Funny you showed the swing-a-way can opener. I still use it today. Can't beat it. As an SM, I tried to teach my scouts how to use the p38 can opener. Let's just say not many enjoyed using it or ever could do it. 😮😂
The pliers and caliper turned out great!
Great video John. For a minute I thought you were talking about me. I don’t like change either!
I do like the can openers, never seen them before. PS Just give me an old fashioned can of Spam any day! LOL
I was born in 1965 and me and my brother used to watch Rat Patrol and combat on tv. I always love the theme song for combat and it would show the band that's and the helmet webbing. The 4:30 movie was good too they had shows like Von Ryan's Express and The Great Escape
Nice walk down memory lane, I still have my P38 and also the helmet. I was in the Army 1968 - 70. I used it many years when I was into Back packing. Good Times. Nice video.
I brought home a p-38 from Viet Nam and I don't know where it is now. That and my tags and the experience of being there couldn't get behind me fast enough. I believe you showed NeverSlip pliers before. What a great concept; they are new to me. That caliper is a beauty.
Thanks for the show ScoutCrafter.
Joseph- I can only imagine how happy you were to put those times behind you but at the same time you were born again over there. 😃👍
Even if you don’t like change, it’s difficult to get the same old items. For example, we had all GE appliances. When it was time to replace them, boy were they junk. Brands today are not the same as they were.
Bill- Many of the new refrigerators don’t last 5 years!!! 🫣😂👍
Wow - Yes, change sucks... for us!
Others seem to take it on, every chance they get - I do not understand that.
I always like the old ways, unless I like the new way...!
I'm reminded of my favorite saying of my Granddad's, "Life is so personal, and yet we all live there!".
Oh - And those Starrett, spring loaded calipers will BITE YOU!
I was at a flying field with my dad, who was flying his new R/C Heli ( GMP Cricket).
I was entertaining myself by haphazardly playing with these calipers with different depths and springy tension when - SNAP!
I got the worst blood blister on the tip of my finger!
I remember when they started making P-38s out of aluminum. You didn't bother to put those on your dog tag chain. After opening two cans they were so dull you threw them away. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe C rations were the last field meals to come with cigarettes, usually Pall Mall or Lucky Strike. Good memories John - Semper Fi!
Benson and Hedges, and Salem.
Yes Rick- I never got any in MCI’s. Aluminum P38’s. Geeze! 😂👍
At a military surplus store in Florida I saw they had a bucket full of those P-38 can openers. We keep one in our camper as a back-up, along with my Scout knife and other stuff. Useful to have on hand, for sure!
That spring loaded caliper is super cool. What a great design. The never slip turned out great, I have a pair with busted cutters that resides in the very bottom of my to-do bucket. 😂. Great stuff. Cheers
Just "T" your show up...and you knocked it out the park! Great start to the week, Mr. John! Those cutters came out great.. crazy the idea didn't stick...sucj a great desgin!
I have a P-38 on my keychain today, I'm 72 as a young pre-teen in our neighborhood playing "WAR" was a very big part of our childhood experiences, digging tunnels, fort construction even nighttime maneuvers some of which carried over in my early teens, I enjoy the smell of canvas and carry canvas tarps in my car for a variety of reasons / applications, thxs for sharing...say hi to "Pipes"
John ,When I was a kid in the 40’s I loved to go to the Army Navy store!!
In my time in the Corps 1975 - 1981 we called the can opener "John Wayne'. We also called the cracker a "John Wayne Cracker' ... I like the Ham and Eggs and Spaghetti! Everyone use to fight over the one cherry in the fruit cocktail! I had a Sgt that put grape jelly in his spaghetti! We made a peach cobbler out of John Wayne Crackers, coffee cream packets and peaches when we did Ft Drum and cold weather training! We got 4 meals a day in cold weather! So, we pooled our C-rat and became creative chef! I believe there are 52 holes in a John Wayne cracker if my memory serves me correct!
Wow! It’s amazing how creative some guys got with rations. We had a MRE called dehydrated pork patty, it was the least chosen MRE. One time we were training with a unit from the mid west and one of my guys complained about getting the dehydrated pork patty a marine from the visiting unit offered to trade and proceeded to rehydrate the pork patty along with some cheese and hot sauce and crackers made a meal that had all of us drooling! 😂👍
Combat!
, what great tv we had in the 1960s... I still prefer to watch TV series from that era... Lots of great westerns too
I've got an old 38 around here somewhere and toted one for ages till I got the Swiss Army knife with that can opener which is a cousin of the 38 and the scissors. The main thing it did was open tuna cans and trim fingernails. Maybe a screw or two but not many. And I ate tons of C-rations. Had a small conex full of loose cans. I just picked what I wanted and had some C-4 to heat it up with like a good Engineer but I was out of the 34th and in the 1St. Cav then BUT all the older Nam guys said to get a good can opener before I went over.. I got a good one and wore it out. SWEET pliers and caliper. Happy week and God Bless!
Hi John, I loved all of those shows you mentioned. I have always had a big interested in WWII. I’ve seen so many war movies, just love them even today. Never get tired of them. I’ve seen some so many times but never get tired of them. I’ve got a few P-38’s I always kept in my camping gear. The Japanese opener has a corner that’s got a slight bend to it. I bet that was to pry the cut can top open so you can bend it back. We loved to shop at the Army Navy Surplus store. I had my field jacket with the liner and winter putter gloves with the wool inner gloves in my pick up truck as an emergency coat. We also had the round brass items that you would wear on both sides near your collar. Nice Never Slip cutters. refurb. I’ve never seen the removable jaws before. I like the blueing. Nice to see the Starrett calipers with the smooth edges. I have a lot of these that need clean up. Thanks for another great video.
Best Regards,
John
John we all had and loved those field jackets! 😃👍
Still have my P38 I was issued when I joined in 1983. It's on my keychain and I still use it sometimes; never rusted or anything! We were issued those kevlar helmets with the liners. Hated them!! We felt like dorks. LOL I can relate.
😂👍
I love your stories! Those never slip pliers are cool. The replaceable jaws seem like such a great idea. But today is a throw away society. It would be nice to have some Klein linesmans with the replaceable jaws. I carry a p38 in all my get home bags and my mini survival kit in my truck. I love those Starrets. The quick release feature is slick. What a quality tool. Thanks for another great video. Have a great day.
I put together a kit for hunting. First aid items compass whistle fish hooks and line and a half dozen p38s. You would be surprised how many guys get groceries and forget a can opener. one hunter paid me $5 for the p38s. He was hungry and didn't want to go home to eat. Pride was in his way and knew he wouldn't live it down. North Idaho Bob
Changes and decision making. I like neither! Two great restorations. I wish I did more restorations of that quality. I'm deep in a bedroom rufurb now..
Once you finish Alex you’re good for twenty years! Unless the wife gets tired of the color. 😂👍
Great episode. I'm old school, not big on change either. M-1 steel ''pot' and liner, P-38 (still on m,y key ring), C-Rats. I was around in the day...hate to admit being 69
I did not know about the can openers or the NeverSlip pliers, or the quick release on the Starrett caliper, so a lot of useful information for me. Thanks.
The pliers and calipers cleaned up like new. Well done.
Dave.
I still have a p 38 on my keychain it's also amazing to find neverslip pliers with cuttersin that shape like the blueing and never can go wrong with sterrett that's the gold standard in machinest tools
I was never in the military, but I’ve always carried a P-38 either on my keychain or around my neck chain, at least as long as I remember. That Gangy can opener looks cool as hell. I’m ordering one for sure. The P-38 design is solid. I have a Swingline can opener in my kitchen and it really sucks, despite being a made in USA product, it does a really crappy job of opening cans.
Good episode. This is why I keep coming back to the channel. The blued finish on the pliers really looks nice.
John, you do bring back the memories coming from a military family we always had P 38 in our drawer. It was also required when I was in scouts to have a P 38 in our survival kit. Why I’ve never understood but if we came across a can in the wild we could open up lol.
I like some change, in others not so much. Clothing, give me back to before the 1990s or mid 1980s. Newer vehicle, no to much electronics and cheap plastic to go wrong. Can you imagine $5000 for a taillight? I went from the p38 to the P51 as it is easier on my hands. The Japanese one is cool but holds no benefit to me. Although the MRE is handy, I am still fond of a can. It probably has to do with the time period I was raised. I got to say if I was a soldier hauling it I would be more in faver of no cans. I do believe they had some Mountain House either in late Vietnam or the early 1980s. I would have to check Steve1999. Funny thing those MRE heaters go bad but those old fuel tablets seem to last longer.
I think the MRE’s have too many preservatives. Salty too! 🥴👍
Another great Mosh John, I'm with you, change is sometimes inevitable but I'm as happy with my car and house and furnishings as I was when I bought them, just don't feel the need for constantly replacing things.
Those pliers came out beautifully, the blueing is superb, they look in perfect condition but not restored which is a real art ! The Calipers too, I'd not seen the QR design before and they are so much better now with the smoothed edges !
Those tools came out beautifully. I especially like the pliers because linemans pliers are a very useful tool in my shop. The replaceable jaws make them even more cool. I have never seen a pair. The pliers you restored look like they are high quality. A late friend and Vietnam war veteran told me the small can openers were called "John Waynes". I never heard him call them p38 or p51.
Marine Corps terminology, I believe.
My friend was in an Army scout unit.
Great calipers 👍 love that quick adjustment wow 😮 I never saw that before and great story too 👍
I have a p38 on my day pack from my dad. Im 50 and I mis cap guns! they use to be everywhere in the 70's 80's. Even squirt guns in summer time. now you cant find one to save your life. And boys grow up, well you know, "tucked". Im so sick of it. its like I as a dad have no way to show my kids how I grew up, they stole it away from us. It's not right.
i almost got one of thoses Japanese opener when i was shopping on Amazon Japan, they're pretty cool i think but ah i always use my swiss army knife my dad gave me when i was 7, it doesn't get much use otherwise since i fear losing it,i've had it for 36 year so far
Went through the same changes as you in the Army, plus went from Jeeps to HUMMV’s! But that was a good change for me anyway lol. And don’t forget switched from 1911 .45’s to Beretta 9mm in my day. oh well.
Still carry my P-38 from Vietnam on my key ring! CE2 U S Navy Seabees.
My buddies neighbor was a Seabee, he was in WW2 and had raised many of the ships sunk in Pearl Harbor. I was amazed to hear his stories. 😃👍
Great Mosh today! The pliers, P-38 and P-51 can openers and the calipers. Lots of really good things. Thanks for sharing this.
I have carried one of my dad's P-38s every day since I was in scouts and I am 51 years old. I have used it to open bottles, cans, boxes etc. They also make a great emergency screwdriver!
I even have an emergency backup stash of a couple others that were his that I found when he passed away.
Great Video 👍. Those P-38 can openers are pretty cool. I seen some of the Combat series on that Me Tv 📺 station, and I must say it wasn’t a bad series. I think the John Wayne War movies were awesome, like Sands of Iwo Jima and Flying 🐅 Tigers 👍👍. The Japan 🇯🇵 version of that can opener did a pretty good job also, liked seeing the demo on that one . 👍 Those Never Slip pliers turned out Fantastic!👍 You can’t beat those Brillo soap pads for getting metal clean. I like the Bluing method you done to the pliers, it really gave them the N.O.S. Look . Again fantastic job! 👍👍 Those Starrett 8 in. Quick release spring calipers turned out amazing! I liked how you got those edges of the tool smooth so it’s not as sharp. Again awesome job! and a pretty cool tool to have in your toolbox 🧰. I also want to comment on the 📏 rulers you cleaned up last week, I really enjoyed the information and demonstration on how to clean them up without ruining them or taking the ink off the numbers or lettering. I was surprised how Bar Keepers Friend did a amazing job in cleaning 🧽 off that mess you had to deal with on that one ruler, and also surprised that that acetone didn’t remove any of the ink off the numbers but did remove that tar like substance. I think you did a awesome job on giving us information and demonstration firsthand on how to clean those vintage wooden rulers 📏.👍👍I think I won’t be as nervous about tackling one of those projects, thanks to you ScoutCrafter 👍👍🔥. Another great shot of Old Glory 🇺🇸 flying in the breeze with that Beautiful blue sky! Well again great video and can’t wait to see what you do on Wednesday. Have a great evening. 😄👍👍
Hi Steven! I don’t know what formula ink they used on those rules but that ink was great! Really holds up!!! 😃👍. Thanks!
I still have a P 38 on my key ring. BTW, Why would I skip the story? I love the storys
calipers came out great, very nice design, havent seen those before
Vic Morrow in “Combat”! It always makes me sad when I think of him. Terrible accident. I think his daughter had a successful career?
Great job as usual. Those Starrett calipers are fire 🔥.
Sam- Me too, the way he went out was almost ironic.
Great show! Quick Note: I noticed that the GANGY 300 also had a lip that you can use to pry up the can lid. Plus a bottle opener.
Just an observation
Yes! A real old school Multitool! 😂👍
Great video. I remember wearing the still pot helmet in basic training at Ft Dix in the 80s. Then once I got to AIT in Ft LeonardWood we got the Kevlar helmets. Very disappointing.
😂 It totally killed the morale in my unit, we hated them. 😃👍
Love it. Still have my old P-38 on my keyring after all these decades.
Fiber wheel is on my list it does such a good job…🖖
Best $10 you will spend, just make sure you have a mask it gets a little dusty. 🫣😂👍
Need a rerun on fiber wheel. Surface conditioning wheels and clean up of 6 inch stained rust spotted etched metal scales aka rulers . I.have seen mention of India Ink being used to restore etching?
Like the song says….we change by not changing at all. We would’ve never thought you’d have 2 of those pliers in polish.😊just a lite touch to clean them up. The velvet from the velvet glove that covers that fist of steel 😮…haha! Have a great day buddy…sunny and 70 over here in western Pa.
Love the stories. Great plier restorations .
Great episode, I love the pliers and they turned out beautifully, thanks for sharing the story and see you Wednesday
BTW nice cleanup today!
Always gave our scouts a P-38 every year. Don't know if any of them ever used them.
I used to love giving my scouts military surplus. 😃👍
My Granddaddy had one a P-38.. and I carried it from BCT to everywhere else lol.. Didn't get My Kevlar till I got to permanent duty.. the worst MRE is chicken a la king .. I like ham slice and barbecued meatballs..lol.. granddaddy let me try the c rats.. great stuff man see you on the next. Love the pliers...
We had a MRE called Dehydrated Pork Patty. 😂👍
@@ScoutCrafter 🤢🤮 LOL
Tools came out awesome Scout. Really enjoying the tool haul restoration!
Gotcha 👍👍🔩🔩
I have several P38 openers that I used and were issued to me, I carried one on a key ring for so long it nearly wore thru the hole, I still have it and occasionally still use it (just for fun).. Thanks, enjoyed the video, appreciate it.
You weren't "livin' the dream", you were "livin' on the cusp".
Surviving.
Lovin' the STARRETT, John. Jeffandar
LOVE this episode! Thanks.
Neversink, Neverslip, Neverfall
Loved those non slip pliers
Beautiful pliers
Man that Starrett is beautiful
John, you think that the pliers idea didn't spread up because the replacement jaws were more or equal in value which made it not worth it to be replaced
It’s hard to tell, Kleins were so good that most other plier companies had a hard time beating them out. 😃👍
I have a handful of those P38s laying around the house.
I still have 30 yrs on have a p51 on my keyring and i use it i did get a bit fed up having to hand it in at airports because they imagine i would use it to hikack the plane i found a way to stop it being classed as offensive weapon i nickle plated it and polished it to look like chrome and it became a harmless keyring ????
I would never give anything to those TSA agents, before I give it up I would give it away to a stranger who just got off a plane. It’s theft! They seem to enjoy it sometimes.