Unsub, great photo.....shows very little has changed....the Canadians still have the best kit in S'tan. Their .50 is a Macmillan - here is the link -http://www.mcmfamily.com/mcmillan-rifles-tactical-tac-50.php. We and the US have semi auto Barrets...nowhere near as accurate at ELR...to many moving parts.Thanks for the offer of help....very much appreciated.Rosarms look great but as you say "shiny"....sandblasted would be very interesting.

But, how do you reckon the Canadian got a hold of a Kukri? Nylons or Whisky trade? Maybe cigarettes?

Andy, this is a great help. Got my photobucket membership done. Need to learn the rest of it....got a family birthday today so have to leave the computer...upsetting a few from being on it too much!

RajunCajun, in the early 70's there were Puma's, Opinel and Normark lock knives due to Whitby being the main UK wholesaler. Then Framar Hammerli brought in loads of goodies from the States...early 80's...Spyderco, SOG, Benchmade, all became available but most soldiers pockets stretched to a Buck or Gerber basic Hunter lock knife. Now, their pockets are no deeper unless you become an enthusiast and somehow find the money....with internet shops like Hiennie Haynes the choice is very varied.
Law changes seem to be bringing back slip joints so that carrying all the time is not a problem. Spyderco UK knife is popular for this and the wave leatherman tools as well plus the all conquering SAK. For the money...Opinels have always remained popular....but there is a lot of crap being bought from the Far East which cannot take an edge but looks good.YOU WOULD BE SUPRISED HOWEVER AT HOW MANY SOLDIERS CANNOT SHARPEN A KNIFE PROPERLY AND HAVE NO DESIRE TO DO SO.....A HUGE MAJORITY.

For my money this is the single biggest failing....I have sharpened knives for Colonels to Private Soldiers....they are amazed at how sharp a knife can get and actually seem afraid of the edge initially.

Implume, he was a great poet our Mr Kipling....Tommy is one of my favourites!