Most people don’t recognize this object anymore. Only true legends know about it. Here’s what you need to know

As the late 19th century witnessed the meteoric rise of canned foods, so did the need for a convenient method to access these metallic treasures. Enter the can opener key—a compact, indispensable invention that forever changed the culinary landscape. While its design differs significantly from today’s sleek electric can openers, the can opener key is the forerunner to our modern counterparts.

Before the can opener came along, early canned goods were sealed with formidable lids, requiring brute force and perilous tools to free. Sharp knives, scissors, and even hammers were commonplace, leading to injuries and food waste. The advent of the can opener key revolutionized this process, providing a controlled and efficient way to access the contents.

The Ballet of Can Opening

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