I guess the old bloke still likes me.

[Terry Hawker]

Gents,
Surprisingly enough, this USN Mk 2 Fighting Utility Knife is exactly the same type knife and scabbard that was issued to our class when we attended the US Army Special Forces Underwater Operations Course on Fleming Key in 1970.
The blade and inside of the scabbard were covered in what looked to me like axle grease. After seeing that goop on the day they were issued, those knives stayed in their scabbards until we turned them back in at the end of the course. Yes, it would have worked in an emergency, but hopefully a more appropriate dive knife without that mess is being issued these days.

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[browningautorifle]

Surprisingly enough, this USN Mk 2 Fighting Utility Knife is exactly the same type knife and scabbard that was issued to our class when we attended the US Army Special Forces Underwater Operations Course on Fleming Key in 1970.

That would be right. The SEALs were in the next compartment and as we sailed, we got together and talked gear. They bought these knives from QM in the boxes of a baker's dozen at $1 USD each and when they rusted or went to pot, they threw them overboard. No loss to them...

Yes, equipment has evolved miles. Even since I left a dozen years ago, everything has completely changed again.

[Terry Hawker]

Yes, equipment has evolved miles. Even since I left a dozen years ago, everything has completely changed again.

Jim,

Next you will be telling me they no longer use Emerson re-breathers!

Cheers,
Terry

[browningautorifle]

Emerson re-breathers

That one I can't say...

[Terry Hawker]

That one I can't say...

For fear of getting too far off topic, I will end this line of discussion with a thanks to Jim for posting a photo of what seems to be a much later model of the antique Emerson re-breathers we were taught to use. Thanks for the memories....

Cheers, Terry