Pure magic! No mess. Nothing to wash. Never touches the food in the can!

I wanted to replace my Swing-Away can opener I had used for the past 20 years and found really good ones for less than $20. So why did I buy one at twice the cost? First, cost wasn't really a factor because a can opener is one of those items you buy every 20 years or so. So spending an extra $20 isn't going to make me lose sleep. I liked the idea that it was made in Germany, plus I also saw some videos on Youtube that impressed me. So I bought it, and I'm glad I did. What I liked: First, it's constructed beautifully, really solid. I needed to read the directions because I never would have figured out how to attach the opener to the can. Once I tried it, it worked flawlessly. You kind of hook the blade onto the lip of the can while holding the opener horizontal to the can, then turn the knob a half turn counter-clockwise, which locks it onto the can. To be honest, I can't figure out what this actually does, but it works because then you just start turning the knob clockwise until you've done a complete rotation. You then turn the knob a half turn counter-clockwise to release the opener from the can. Then you remove the part you just cut off, which is now actually a lid. There are absolutely no sharp edges on the lid or on the can. I also like the fact that the blade never touches the inside of the can, and the lid never falls into the can. Very sanitary. There is a slight effort to turn the knob while it cuts through the can, but not really more than my Swing-Away. I also really like the fact that there aren't two handles to squeeze together as in most can openers. There's just the handle you hold with one hand while turning the knob with the other. I really love this can opener. Of course, having just bought it, I can't attest to its longevity. But like I mentioned earlier, it appears to be made extraordinarily well and I expect it to last a very long time.

It's expensive, BUT totally worth it. This can opener gave me the same tingles as when I buy premium cottage shop hand tools, or camping equipment. It's weird, but it makes you want to cherish it; take good care of it; Have you're friends open a can of... Something when they come over. The way the lids lift off lacking a sharp edge is simply beautiful. Beautiful enough to get a grown man to write this love letter of a review. 5 Stars.

Even if the side cut gimmick didn't work ( which it does and well) this is great because of how little effort it takes to use. The best part, it won't jam your drawer like a regular opener.

Although we just got it, I like this can opener. It performs as advertised. My wife, however, does not like it. She considered the turning mechanism too small and finds it difficult to use. She also told me that the metal handle was too slender and hard ring at the end of the handle hurts her hand. Her first impression was negative, but maybe with more practice, she will like it more. I'm keeping it, but I have to get another one for my wife.