02-16-2021, 06:40 AM
I bought one of these manual can openers 6 years ago - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007DK6SG0/ Has not given me any problems so far. It is supposedly made by the former American manufacturer of the Swing-Away opener before production was moved to China.
Pros - the gears, knurled drive wheels, and cutter are hardened enough that I have seen no problems with wear, the handles are rigid enough to keep the gears aligned properly. The last Swing-Away I purchased just stripped out those within a year.
Cons - the carbon steel used will rust. The can opener will need to be thoroughly dried after washing, a light coat of vegetable oil or food grade mineral oil will keep them from rusting. A few spot on the chromed metal handles are left rough, a bit of burnishing cleaned that up.
Pros - the gears, knurled drive wheels, and cutter are hardened enough that I have seen no problems with wear, the handles are rigid enough to keep the gears aligned properly. The last Swing-Away I purchased just stripped out those within a year.
Cons - the carbon steel used will rust. The can opener will need to be thoroughly dried after washing, a light coat of vegetable oil or food grade mineral oil will keep them from rusting. A few spot on the chromed metal handles are left rough, a bit of burnishing cleaned that up.