On 5 January 1858, Ezra Warner received US Patent No. 19,063 for an “Instrument for opening cans”, often cited as the first US can opener.
It was a rugged bayonet-and-sickle style tool that pierced the lid, then used a guarded curved cutter to work around the rim.
This was not really a domestic tool. It could be dangerous to handle, so it was aimed more at grocers and institutional settings than home kitchens. Warner’s design also found use with the US Army during the Civil War.
Early cans were so tough that people were told to use a hammer and chisel, so this patent marked a practical shift toward purpose-built openers.
However, its biggest legacy was what followed. Once an opener existed, inventors could iterate toward safer grips, enclosed cutting wheels, and smoother cutting actions, which ultimately led to practical household can openers.
| Country | Kind | No. | Published | Title | Download |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US | Patent | 19,063 | 05.01.1858 | Instrument for opening cans |
Last updated on 18 February 2026