Down under dining
August 31, 2007|
Submitted by Eric Daniel
When Brian and Ian mentioned a down under device called the splade in the titanium spork commentary, I have to admit I was a little skeptical. Sure they do things a little different in Australia but a utensil that is a combination fork, spoon, AND knife? It’s a damn swiss army knife on a stick, I thought. But, remembering the old story of the King, the Marine, and the tale of the flying fish, I decided to check it out.
Please allow me introduce you to the Splayed. A staple in Australian department stores for over 50 years, the splayd is indeed a combination spoon/knife/fork. Shaped like a square edged shovel with teeth, the splayd has a sharp edge on one side for cutting. Admittedly I was a little concerned about putting anything in my mouth with a self described cutting edge, but seeing as how these things have been around for so long and since it would seem that the citizens of Australia haven’t all cut their tongues off with one, that they are probably safe to use by the common Joe.
Moreover, since a set of Splayds come in a handsome velvet covered box (8 to a box, so there’s one for every member of the squad), their use is sure to add a touch of elegance to what would otherwise be another ho hum MRE feast.
:)
Posted by: Brian | September 05, 2007 at 05:59 AM
The King, The Marine and the Flying Fish? You might have to elaborate on that one.
Posted by: Brian | September 05, 2007 at 07:09 AM
By request...
In 1644, Charles II, King of England was told a story about "Fish that fly like birds" by a returning ship's master. The king replied, "I have my doubts!" Sir William Killigren, colonel of the new British Marine regiment that was just raised that year said, "Nay, Sire, it is true. I have myself seen flying fish many a time in southern waters. I vouch for the truth of this strange tale, your Majesty." The monarch then told his Secretary of Admiralty, "Mr. Pepys, no class of our subjects hath such knowledge of odd things on land and sea as our Marines. Hereafter, when we hear a yarn that lacketh likelihood, we will tell it to the Marines. If they believe it, then we shall know it is true."
Posted by: Eric Daniel | September 05, 2007 at 08:45 AM
Kind of gives one a method of being able to talk through both sides of your mouth. Ha!
Aoye Mate!
Posted by: Erich Strong | September 05, 2007 at 01:30 PM
Haven't really noticed Splayed's in years and I live in Australia. I think they were meant to be an all purpose desert (as in goodies) type utensil. The cutting edge isn't sharp enough to worry about slicing your tongue.
Posted by: Jim Meade | September 05, 2007 at 10:58 PM
I am 41 years old have lived in Australia all my life (except for 9 weeks whihc I spent in the US) and I have never heard of a Splayde. There are 21 million people in this country so we are not all one homogenous group. Bit like saying people in Arkansas are the same as Vermont
Posted by: Paul Langtry | September 06, 2007 at 05:20 AM
40+ years ago, Marines were taught to dress an edge of their messkit spoon (left or right-handed) and it served to eat whatever was about.
Posted by: Scott McClellan | September 08, 2007 at 11:19 PM
What's wrong with the brown MRE Spoon? I keep an extra on in my pocket in case the one that comes with every MRE goes missing.
...and then I have my leatherman, which has a knife on it.
Posted by: SGTKinsella | September 20, 2007 at 08:04 AM
This links to a trojan downloader. Fortunately, our av software caught it
Posted by: rob | September 26, 2007 at 12:53 PM
this is the symantec description. http://securityresponse.symantec.com/security_response/writeup.jsp?docid=2002-101518-4323-99
Posted by: rob | September 26, 2007 at 01:03 PM
I got a catalog from The Duluth Trading co. and they have sporks in it. a set of 3 or 4 for $9.99.
Posted by: Marcus | October 05, 2007 at 09:44 AM