OXO"s Can Openers – Open Sesame! The first Can Opener was introduced in 1855, and its rudimentary lever design was basically a variation on a knife. The introduction of a rotating wheel came in 1870, but a breakthrough in design came in 1925, when a second, serrated wheel made its debut. This second wheel allowed a firm grip on the can while the user opened it. Finally, in 1931, the "plier-handle" design was unveiled, introducing the world to the form of can opener we all know and love. Now, all this great thinking came along before OXO introduced its first Can Opener in 1990, but what OXO brought to the table was a wide, comfortable turning knob that our users absolutely love. Always innovating, OXO has since introduced a number of new Can Openers, including ones that lock into place, provide a smooth edge, and make it easy to dispose of the can lid. Who knew? Fun Fact: OXO"s Smooth Edge Can Opener is quite the award winner. When it launched in 2003, it nabbed a Good Design and an International Design Excellence Award. The following year, it was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame. Read on to learn more about this amazing OXO product. OXO Good Grips Smooth Edge Can OpenerProblems Identified: Users need significant force to grip and twist manual can openers; Hard edges on metal can openers cut into hands when using forceThe gear and wheel often do not cut smoothly, leaving sharp edges on can or lidLid of can falls into food, contaminating it and making disposal difficult or dangerous Solutions: The soft handles provide leverage and the side-wind knob is easy to turn, requiring less force than traditional can openersThis Opener cuts on the side of the can, below the edge, making a clean cut with no sharp edges on the can or lidThe stainless steel cutting wheel penetrates the outside seal of the can, so the lid will not fall into food and the Opener stays clean.Lid pliers allow for no-touch lid removal; the lid is cut so that it may be placed back on top of the can if contents have not been used. The OXO Story: In 1990, OXO staged a revolution (of sorts) by offering an easy-to-use, high-performing alternative to uncomfortable and ineffective kitchen gadgets. OXO"s innovative take on the traditional Swivel Peeler, complete with its pudgy black handle, raised consumers" expectations of what could be expected from household products. In 1990, OXO staged a revolution (of sorts) by offering an easy-to-use, high-performing alternative to uncomfortable and ineffective kitchen gadgets. OXO"s innovative take on the traditional Swivel Peeler, complete with its pudgy black handle, raised consumers" expectations of what could be expected from household products. Ever wonder what makes an OXO product an "OXO Product"? OXO employees believe there are two rules that should guide product development: First, every new product must deliver a significant improvement over the status quo. Second, the functionality should never be sacrificed to make the product more attractive – above all it should work well.