There seems to be some confusion among users of this product. Even the company refers to it as "side-cutting", when it appears to me that it actually opens up the top seam of the can. The removed lid will then fit neatly and snugly back; good for several days in the refrigerator. Since it does not cut in conventional fashion, one also doesn't get any brackish or metallic taint/ taste to the contents. To use, the opener is placed atop the can, with the turning handle "up". [ Think "perpendicular" to the placement of a conventional opener.] Squeeze the grip handles with moderate pressure until the top seam is "pinched" in the roller mechanism, and instrument closes fully. Then simply turn the handle as one would with a conventional opener, one full revolution. On some cans, it will be immediately obvious that it has opened; others may require slight upward pressure, after removing the opener. It doesn't take "King Kong" strength to operate, but some of the elderly, arthritic, or others with reduced grip strength may find that this is not the ideal opener for them. I use this opener almost exclusively, and love it - but my wife can't stand it. This personal preference may explain some of the poor reviews [ I cannot think of any other reason for them.] This is the most hygienic opener I have ever used, as no cutters ever touch the contents of the can. Partly for this reason, I gave it a 5-star rating for "easy to clean" - little cleaning is actually needed. Design, materials, sturdiness and functionality are all first-rate. I gave it a 4-star rating for ease of use because of the slight learning curve involved, as well as the fact that those with significant impairment of the hands might be better served with an electric opener. Mine has opened many hundreds (1000 + ?) cans, and seems to work as well as when it opened the first one, quite a few years ago. In addition to cooking at least two meals a day at home, I also am the principal cook for a local veteran's charity. We usually prepare our luncheons in commercial/ institutional kitchens, and I use this opener exclusively, there, also. The largest cans I encounter in such establishments are the #10 cans, and it handles them with ease [Works just as well on tiny cans.] Although I have used this opener for years, I recently (August 2019) purchased two more, as I had mislaid the first (found a few days later.) The new ones appear as well made as the first, I expect that they will last as well, but they don't yet have the length of service of the original one. I have tried to relate my personal experience for the benefit of fellow customers, as well as clear up some confusion. I have not been compensated or remunerated for my review. I would close by saying that this item is an example of getting what one pays for (take a look at the Rosle garlic press as well) - the more cooking that one does, the more one will appreciate it. Just keep a close eye on yours if covetous fellow cooks are nearby [ just kidding - mostly].
