Do you have to open a can without the tools? No problem: the lid of the can is made of a thin sheet of metal that is not difficult to penetrate. You can use a spoon, a chef's knife, or a stone to penetrate the lid of the can without contaminating the contents. After trying for a few minutes, you can enjoy the delicious food inside.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Using a Folding Knife
Step 1. Place the can on a stable surface
A hip-high table is an ideal choice. Stand up so you can easily hold the can.
Step 2. Place the tip of the knife against the inside edge of the can lid
Hold the knife so that it is perpendicular and not tilted. Hold the knife handle in such a way that your fingers won't hurt if the knife slips. The back of your hand should point upwards.
- This method is more effective than trying to saw off the lid of the can with a knife, which may damage the food in the can and contaminate it with metal debris.
- Make sure the knife folds are open and locked so they don't fold back.
- This method can also be used with a chisel knife or other thin, strong object similar to a folding knife.
Step 3. Gently hit the back of your hand
Use your other hand to hit the back of the hand holding the knife. This gentle blow will cause the tip of the knife to pierce and punch a hole in the lid of the can.
- Don't hit too hard, don't let the knife move out of control.
- Hit with your hands open, and touch your palms. This movement will help you control the movement of the knife.
Step 4. Slide the knife and make a new hole
Place the tip of the knife a few inches to the side and punch holes in the can lid in the same way.
Step 5. Continue until holes form around the edges of the can
Make a hole around the edge of the can lid, just as if you were using a can opener. The can lid should now loosen.
Step 6. Pry the lid of the can
Insert the tip of the knife into one of the holes. Use it to pry the can lid off. Gently pull the can lid off.
- If necessary, use a smaller knife to cut off the portion of the can lid that is still attached.
- Protect your hands with a towel or shirt before prying the lid off the can. This coating will protect your hands from being scratched by the can lid.
Method 2 of 4: Using a Spoon
Step 1. Place the can on a stable surface
Use one hand to hold the can tightly, while holding the spoon with your other hand.
Step 2. Place the tip of the spoon on the inside edge of the can lid
The lid of the can has a small part that is slightly raised and crinkled to bring the edges together. You should place the spoon at a point along the inside edge of the can lid.
- Hold the spoon so that the concave part is pointing towards the lid of the can.
- You will need a metal spoon for this method. Spoons from other materials you can not use.
Step 3. Move the tip of the spoon back and forth
Move it in a small part of the lid right where it is wrinkled. The friction caused by the movement of the spoon back and forth will thin the surface of the can lid. Continue to rub the spoon against the surface of the can lid until it penetrates.
Step 4. Slide the spoon and move it back
Move the spoon right next to the previous section. Continue to slide the spoon until it penetrates the lid of the can. The hole you make in the surface of the can will get bigger.
Step 5. Continue moving the spoon around the lid of the can
Slide the spoon and keep rubbing it with the can lid until it goes around it. The can lid should now be loosened. Do not invert the can, or your food may spill.
Step 6. Pry the lid of the can
Slide the spoon over the edge of the can lid. Pry the lid of the can up until it opens. Carefully lift the lid of the can to remove the contents.
- If you find it difficult to pry the lid off the can with a spoon, use a knife instead. You can use a knife to remove the small portion of the can lid that is still attached.
- The lid of the can is quite sharp, so be careful not to hurt your finger while prying it. Use a sleeve or towel to protect your fingers if necessary.
Method 3 of 4: Using a Chef's Knife
Step 1. Place the can on a stable surface
Your hip-high table is an ideal choice. Do not place the can on your lap or between your legs. The knife could slip and injure you.
Step 2. Hold the knife where the blade and handle meet
Hold the top of the knife with the palm of your hand where the blade and handle meet. Your finger should be on the hilt of the knife, away and safe from the sharp blade.
- Make sure to hold the knife tightly. This method is quite dangerous if your hands or knives are slippery.
- Do not use a knife smaller than a chef's knife for this method. A chef's knife is large and heavier than a fruit knife or butcher knife. You will need a heavy blade to make a good hole in the lid of the can.
Step 3. Place the heel of the knife against the inner corner of the can lid
The heel of the knife is at the widest part of the blade, at the lower end. Place the heel of the knife on the raised edge of the can lid.
- The heel of the knife should be placed just below the grip of your hand on the handle of the knife.
- Make sure it's stable on the edge of the can, so it won't shift.
Step 4. Press the heel of the knife into the can lid
Press hard so that it punches a hole, and a small hole forms in the lid of the can. If you're having a hard time punching holes in the can, try standing up and leaning your weight on the heel of the knife. Hold the knife with one hand. Place one more hand on top. Press the knife down with both hands until the can lid is perforated.
- Don't hit the knife into the can to make a hole in it. The knife could slip and injure you. However, press firmly and slowly until the knife pierces the lid of the can.
- Don't be tempted to use the sharp edge of a knife to punch a hole in the can. The can heel is more stable and less likely to slip. In addition, if you use the tip of a knife, you will damage it.
Step 5. Slide the knife and make a new hole
Slide the knife a few inches over the edge of the can lid. Use the same method to make a hole right next to the first hole.
Step 6. Continue until holes form around the edges of the can
Make a hole around the can lid, just as if you were using a can opener. The can lid should now loosen.
Step 7. Pry the can lid open
Insert the tip of the blade into the hole. Press up to pry the can lid off. Be careful to point the blade away from your body, so you won't get hurt if the knife slips. Remove and remove the can lid.
- If necessary, use a smaller knife to cut off the portion of the can lid that is still attached.
- Consider protecting your hands with a towel or shirt before prying the can lid. The coating will protect your hands from being scratched by the sharp lid of the can.
Method 4 of 4: Using Stone or Concrete
Step 1. Find a rock with a flat surface or a lump of concrete
Look for stone or concrete with a rough surface. The smooth stone can't provide enough friction to punch holes in the lid of the can.
Step 2. Place the can upside down on the rock
Placing the can upside down allows you to unscrew the lid, which is located at the top of the can.
Step 3. Move the can back and forth on the rock
Move the can over the rock until it rubs against each other. Continue rubbing the can and the rock until the stone or can lid looks slightly wet.
- Occasionally turn the can to check it. You should stop as soon as the rock appears wet. This means that the lid of the can is thin enough for the contents to come out.
- Don't rub the can too hard against the lid. Your food could spill on the rocks.
Step 4. Use a penknife to pry the lid off the can
The joint of the can lid should be thin enough that the edges can be pierced with a knife. Press the knife to gently pry the lid off the can. Lift the lid of the can open, then throw it away.
- If you don't have a penknife, try using a spoon, butter knife, or other utensil.
- Or find a rock you can use to push the can lid inside. This is not an ideal choice as you may end up contaminating the food with rock chips or soil.
- When removing the can lid, protect your hands with a sleeve or towel so you don't hurt yourself.
Tips
- Borrow a can opener from your neighbor! Even when camping, many people are willing to lend their can opener to others.
- Survival can openers (flat packs) can be purchased at military or camping supply stores. It's much simpler than a regular can opener, but easier to carry around and put in your hiking bag or backpack.
Warning
- Do not try to saw off the lid of the can with a bread knife. The food inside will be exposed to canned debris.
- Canned food that leaks or has holes before you open it should not be eaten, as the contents are contaminated and may contain harmful bacteria.
- None of the methods above are ideal, and all of them run the risk of injuring your body. The method here is not suitable for children under any circumstances. Be careful when trying it and don't rush to open a can without the right tools.
- Using the method above, canned flakes may be left in the food. Take care to avoid this possibility, or to throw away the can debris if you see one. Open cans in a well-lit room to help you pick up any debris that comes in.
