Abstract: A can opener includes an elongate body, a lever hinged to the body for relative pivotal movement about a horizontal axis between open and closed positions, and a turning knob at a front end of the body. The can opener includes a traction wheel supported for rotation by the turning knob, turning a can, a rotary cutting disk rotatable by the knob for opening the can while the can is being turned, and a mounting plate rotatably supporting the cutting disk. The mounting plate is movable by the lever to slide linearly between a rearward position corresponding to the open position in which the cutting disk is spaced from the traction wheel and a forward position corresponding to the closed position in which the cutting disk is close to the traction wheel.