Looking for solid can opener with replaceable blades

Submitted by AggressiveCat9682 t3_10hxkmk in BuyItForLife

I’ve looked through the past threads, I’ve tried most of them, but they always rust and/or get super dull. I think it’s because I use it on canned tomatoes a lot? I’ve tried rinsing it and drying it then leaving it out but it doesn’t stop it. It also doesn’t help that I live in a disgustingly humid area.

Is the a can opener that actually works AND has replacement blades available? I want something more cost effective than buying cheap ones that break after two uses or continuing to buy the OXO, ez duz it, kitchen maid ones that last 6 months. We buy canned tomatoes, beans, and corn to save money but going through this many can openers probably isn’t cost effective…

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bblickle t1_j5b5lqt wrote

Maybe something commercial from a restaurant supply? Maybe look at the parts section first to get an idea which models are repairable.

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Altruistic_Serve_327 t1_j5cvtyd wrote

Get a safety can opener dosnt use blades to cut it opens the seal on the side of the can. Also no sharp edges.

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Quail-a-lot t1_j5deml6 wrote

Replying to AggressiveCat9682 (#1,432,518)

Star-Frit!

As an aside - for money saving, I cannot recommend enough that when tomatoes are in season buy them fresh in bulk and dry them. I slice them and use a dehydrator, but an oven can work if need be. So much cheaper than canned! Just add more liquid as needed. The dried tomatoes also allow me to never buy tomato paste. I just smash some with mortar and pestle instead. Take that stupid recipes that only want one tablespoon of tomato paste! And when you dry stuff, it won't take up room in the freezer. You can get creative storing em. I've slid jars in trays under the couch before even. Dried fruit is also so much cheaper than canned.

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unrealun t1_j5f7mf9 wrote

I've been using this one, from OXO, for years: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000079XW2?th=1

It stays clean, no sharp edges on your can. It'll take you a couple of minutes to get the hang of it, but after that you'll find it fast, easy and definitely buy-it-for-life. It'll easily outlast me.

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LurkingNemo t1_j5wf2bp wrote

It seems like you've already been trying my main suggestions. I'd otherwise start suggesting looking at commercial models.

For anyone else who might come into this thread, or to give my input anyways.

For something new: EZ-DUZ-IT brand. They took over the US manufacturing facility after Swing-A-Way moved to china.

For something used: find used Swing-A-Way openers at thrift shops. I recently picked up a couple at Goodwill for a couple bucks or less each.

Their assembly is the same for new or used. Their gears and blades unscrew from the body and can be touched up or replaced. If rusted they can be touched up with a scotchbrite pad, vinegar, etc. Putting them on a machine screw and nut will let you mount the blade in a drill and touch them up quickly with scotchbrite. You could sharpen them with a file or sandpaper, but that's prob getting into more effort than its worth because...

You can also buy entire rebuild kits online from Sierra Trading for about $9. New gears and blades; direct replacement.

Search here on BIFL for other threads about the Swing-A-Way including photos and details for the repair kits.

Additionally I've had good results with the Oxo Smooth Edge Can Opener sold at Target. It has a single handle, not the split-handle model shown on Amazon or Oxo's website.

But it sounds like maybe you're opening a lot more cans than I am. Maybe it's worth it for you figuring out how to sharpen the swing-a-way blades.

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