Thread: Where can I source genuine Army "FRED's"

guarenteed its been around longer than that...

I knew about it being called FRED back when I was in primary school.

Pretty sure they were called a FRED in the early 90's late 80's.........oh that seems sooooo long ago now

Originally Posted by THE BOOGER

I believe it is fairly new term my son started using it about 10 years ago in cadets,
Frigging Rediculous Eating Devise

They were taught that it was a Field Ration Eating Device.

............ADGies/ORs/cadets adapted it to the more common vernacular F**etc

Originally Posted by ramblingboy42

I was an infantry soldier, ate thousands of ration packs, opened thousands of cans and never ever heard the can opener called fred.

I must also admit that in my early army days I never used the term "FRED" but it appeared to become an excepted accronynm in the late 80's (that's the first time I became aware of it anyway).

For those who can not understand why I need these animals you obviously have not dealt with youth at risk undertaking wilderness therapy.

If I gave them a Knife Fork & Spoon, they would loose said KF & S.
Secondly said KF or S could be used as improvised weapon.
If I gave them a conventional can opener, they would break it (Fact proven on too many occasions in the field).
Plus some can openers can make an improvised weapon.
As for giving them a SAK (Swiss Army Knife) or similar that is just totally scary and dangerous (plus $$$)

The FRED is the ultimate utensil for my needs and safety, I am more than happy to have a juvenile recalcitrant tackle me with a FRED. Still a potential weapon but the lesser of longer & sharper evils.

Of note for those who hang FRED's on cord around your neck or as pointed out attached to Keys etc in your pocket then yes you will eventually get stabbed by the blade. When I issue FRED's to my team I always have an old bicycle inner tube to cut up into small rubber bands to place around the FRED. Also helps to insulate it when necessary and stop it from "Clinking" in tac situations.

I wrapped mine with electrical tape. Not as reusable as inner tube though. Thanks for the tip Thommo, I'll have to see if I can find an old bike tube.

Now, a contact on Australian Blade Forums believes they're made in Ballarat, either by Ajax Pressings (can't find them via Google) or Ballarat Pressings (who I can find - Ballarat Pressings - Laser Cutting, Metal Stamping, Tool Making ). I hope he's right & it helps you get your supply.

Another contributor mentioned his 1977 dated one had "CARR" stamped on it. So a quick search gives http://www.carrcomponents.com.au/index.htm
Might be worth contacting them as well?

Originally Posted by Ratel10mm

I wrapped mine with electrical tape. Not as reusable as inner tube though. Thanks for the tip Thommo, I'll have to see if I can find an old bike tube.

Now, a contact on Australian Blade Forums believes they're made in Ballarat, either by Ajax Pressings (can't find them via Google) or Ballarat Pressings (who I can find - Ballarat Pressings - Laser Cutting, Metal Stamping, Tool Making ). I hope he's right & it helps you get your supply.

Another contributor mentioned his 1977 dated one had "CARR" stamped on it. So a quick search gives Carr Components
Might be worth contacting them as well?

I believe CARR were/are a manufacturer in Adelaide famous for their zip fasteners......also stamped and manufactured anything they could get their hands on....they made millions of the shatty bits and pieces for Holdens and Wilkins Service washing machines in Elizabeth as well as "spoons, utensil (s)"