Abstract: In the invention of a manually operated can opener, an angular drive shaft attaches to the upper handle of a pivotally connected pair of handles. At the higher end of said drive shaft, a crank is rigidly attached and at the lower end, to rotate therewith, a combination of a polygonal feed wheel and a cutting wheel forming a gripping groove, attaches. Said gripping groove fits on the top rim of the can to be opened and assisted by a free-rotating smooth-rimmed pressure wheel, which attaches to the lower handle and fits under the bottom lip of the can bead, provides the forward thrust, when the crank is turned, while the cutting wheel pierces and closely cuts the can lid. The gripping groove and pressure wheel combine to form a controllable continuously variable clutch. The polygonal feed wheel also provides a means for the easy removal and replacement of the cutting wheel for cleaning of same.