Hi Andy,

The Camp Tramp looks great. It looks like an 8" blade and the handle material looks like it is the same as SY knives....so is this one a Rat or a SY? If it is a Rat, what type of material do they use?

Mac,if I suggested this the first question I would be asked is "let's have a look at one"? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/doh.gif" alt="" />

Unsub, you certainly seem to know your FS history. This knife also got me started on this "bug"....my first knife was a black FS made by Nowell and distributed through Whitby...must have got it 30 years ago...1977 I think..
I still have it. I have been told the Mark I and some of the II's were made by the George Wostenholme Company in Sheffield. They had the best knifesmiths and were/are the premier knife maker in the City. They made the Bowie knife for Jim Bowie's brother when he commissioned it and have been making knives long before Marples began in the United States. The history of the knife you have would be worth looking into. The marks on the base of the handle at the hilt tell you who made it and who for. They seem to be similar to a "hall mark" and depending on who made it the value can increase dramatically. Wostenholme still make knives in Sheffield....they must have been going for some time now.

Implume, interesting fact about the cans. I reckon the Artillery guys must have struggled then.....LOL....one or two hungry faces there I bet not having a bayonet! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> The Cavalry boys probably had their servants do it for them rather than damage their swords! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Somethings have'nt changed much....