Progressive International Safety I-Can Opener

I just received this can opener, and had some difficulty figuring out how to use it, initially. I just cut my hand on slivers this morning (drew blood), but think it was my fault. It was the first can I opened, and I wasn't sure how to use the opener properly, and twisted on the can too much causing sharp edges. I opened my 2nd can and had no problems. To use, spread the handles apart and attach to the can, then close the handles. Use the ratcheting method to open the can. I'm still getting accustomed to the opener so I watch where I start making sure I go completely around the can as you cannot tell the can is being cut. To remove the opener spread the handles apart again and lift off. Turning the opener on the side you will have to spread the handles slightly to hook the grippers to the top side of the can, close and lift up to remove the can top. It is really convenient to be able to put the lid back on my cans of dog food. No more lost and/or broken pet can covers. Opening the second can was a lot easier. Will update review if I encounter further issues, but I expect the opener to function as advertised.UPDATE: 2/10/15: I do not use the ratchet-like back and forward method, but simply turn the handle in a continuous circle to open. It takes about 6 complete turns and you can hear when the final cut is made. The opener works great!

I like side opening can openers because they leave a nice clean edge and don't drop metal splinters into the can. I also like that most of them are ambidextrous, as I'm right-handed and my girlfriend is left-handed. The first side opener that I bought, a Kuhn Rikon, worked well but the traction wheel wore down and became useless after about six months. All the teeth were worn flat and could no longer grip the can. I would not buy another of those.I bought this one next. This one is more durable but is a little harder for me to use and my girlfriend agrees. I like the ratcheting lever on the top, which works like a socket set ratchet. However, it is much faster and easier to open cans if you can simply spin the lever in a 360 degree circle and not ratchet it. This is hard to do that with this opener and here's why: You have to grip the handle with one hand and spin the cutting lever with the other. My problem is that the cutting lever is too long, reaching almost to the end of the handle. The clearance between the two is too small for it pass while holding the handle, so I am forced to use the ratcheting function. The ratcheting function works well but it is much slower to open cans this way. If the cutting lever were maybe an inch shorter or the handle an inch longer this opener would be perfect for me. If occasionally opening a lot of cans in a hurry is not an issue, then this opener may be perfect for you.

I have had this style can opener since 2006 (different maker) and still going strong. I know I can't live without it so I just ordered a second one from Amazon just in case.I think this is the best can opener ever! I particularly like the rachet movement instead of turning a handle or knob. The rachet style is great if you have arthritis in your fingers or problems with your wrists (as another reviewer mentioned). It doesn't matter if you are left handed (like me) or right handed - a bonus for sure.This can opener is very easy to attach and the lid lifter takes the mess out of removing the lid. I also found that opening a can is much quicker than the other styles where you are constantly turning and turning. I've never liked the electric can openers as I've had cans plop down on the counter and make quite a mess.Although the product description says that it is safe to put into the dishwasher I never put anything that has plastic parts into the dishwasher. I think it lessens the life of a product by drying out gears and such. I also use a little mineral oil (just a drop) once in a while around all of the moveable parts. Maybe that is why it has lasted three (3) years. I'd like to think so anyway.This is definitely a 5 STAR product. I can't imagine ever reading a bad review for this product.

Bought this because my significant other is left handed and I am right handed, and wanted to be able to only have one in the kitchen! It's also great because, when parents come to visit, they have arthritis in their hands, and this is super easy to use. Am thinking of buying one for them for the next holiday!I like the safety feature, because my S/O would usually just put the can in the fridge with the (sharp edged) top in the can. I figured I'm not going to be able to change that habit, but at least the safety seal breaker on this product gives it a slightly sealed feeling. (Don't worry, he doesn't eat food if it goes bad!)Awesome product. Will buy again. Slightly weird to get used to at first because it's on top instead of on the side. Check out some of the youtube videos that have been made if you want to see how to use it! Four star, only because of the adjustment period and that it's not for can opening noobs!

Bought to replace swingline which I had used for years. Took a couple tries to figure out how to get this opener on the can, but now I can do it easily. Was even able to use it when I broke my wrist.Pros: No sharp edges. Leaves inside of can with straight edge so it is easier to scrape with spatula and to flatten completely. Seems to need less strength for both turning and holding onto the can that any of the swinglines I've had over the years.Cons: The part you turn is pretty close to the handles you hold to maintain grip on the can. This would be perfect if the turn handle were a bit shorter (so you don't run over your other hand when turning) and had a piece on top near the end so you could grip it away from the other handles. If it folded down over the end of the turn handle, it wouldn't take up any more room in the drawer.

I read the product reviews and ordered what seemed to be a unique product. When I received the can opener, it seemed to be of good quality. The look and feel was nice and it gripped the can nicely.However, it failed to make even an indent in the can's surface, let alone open it. It performed a loop around the can, damaged the rim but did not even scratch the lid. It was very disappointing because the product seems to have a good feel but I would not like to experiment with getting a replacement.