Abstract: An improved can opener for removing the tops of cans of both straight sided tin can containers and containers having recessed tops such as commonly found in extruded aluminum cans used in the beverage industry. The improvement modifies the conventional hand held, two handle can opener commonly available of the type in which the handles pivotally separate to allow entrance of the can bead for engagement by lower traction wheel and an upper cutting wheel, the improvement being an extended rest protruding perpendicularly outward and against which the recessed top containers may be positioned and held in that position in order to be engaged by the traction wheel upon the lower end of the bead and the cutter wheel through the top.