Originally Posted by
Pontius Navigator
That was the first iteration after the traditional style knife. The next iteration was a blunt point which made its use as a can opener even less useful.
I remember we resisted the change and hung on to the earlier one as long as we could.
I joined in 1981 as a University Cadet and that iteration of the knife was bloody useless for most things. However I did carry it on my 58 Pattern Webbing (on the Left Ammo Pouch bayonet frog IIRC) when I was out on Exercise with the UOTC because it was bloody
brilliant at opening Compo tins.
Stab, twist and the tin is open! The Army took the piss right up until they saw how fast I could get into a canned baby's head!
Having said that, I rapidly sourced an earlier (straight bladed) dinghy knife for use when flying on the UAS. Unfortunately, when I got to BFTS the F/S Squipper confiscated it and gave me one of the blunt things.
He also changed my Mk 3C helmet from Medium to the Small size (because he thought he knew best) which caused me untold problems with headaches. He then attempted to deny me a Q mask (anti-allergenic), again on the grounds that
he knew best.
Right up until the Medics got involved that was.
Then again he was a particularly 'bandaged headed' individual so I guess he wanted us to experience his pain.....