Geez, I had forgotten the goodness of the original army-navy surplus stores.

I have noticed that what passes for a surplus store these days is not even in the ball park with the greats of yesterday.

Sad too. . I must have gone through a dozen E tools as a kid digging holes. Canteens for scouts. . real canvas tarps, Foreign and oddball insignia of all kinds. .

What kid couldn't use a US navy dye signal for ocean use. . They were great for that neighbors flower gardens or snow in winter!

Who could forget the myriad miscellaneous pouches and carriers. . The vietnam era web gear and pouches. .

Oh, especially those Vietnam era poncho's. . I still have a few and they still smell like vomit. . and still usable. .

Ammo cans a plenty. . 30 cal and 30 cal. . $5.00 a piece, all you wanted. . .now the darn things are $20.00 plus a piece!

The last great find, was the german three position e-tools with the one piece handle. . those got me out of a ditch more than once.