The world has indeed changed, some say for the worse, I say for the better, because in these extreme times it has become truly evident who our friends really are. We have new allies, some because they need us, however much they dislike us. Some old allies have been found to be friends of convenience, only aiding us when their own interests were better served. Some allies are now neutral, taking neither side but waiting on the sidelines for the correct moment to join the winning team. And yet others have failed to offer support for fear the reparations that may come their way, although we all know who they will ask for help should those reparations come to bear.

However, there is one ally who has been true to us and has stood by us though thick and thin despite the din of world opinion. This ally is the Government of Great Britain and the great citizens of Mother England. The staunch English attitude of "standing for what is right" in the face of overwhelming odds has never been truer or more evident than in these times. I would like to say thank you to the Brits. Thank you for your friendship, your loyalty and for the lives of your very best, that you send into harms way with us against a foe that threatens indiscriminately, the lives of the decent, the innocent and their future, the world over. Together we shall prevail or go down fighting together. America has no truer friend.

The British SAS

Who Dares Wins - The Motto of the British Special Air Service (SAS) quite literally the tip of the Spear of British Military Special Operations. Born out the necessities of War, the daring and vision of Lieutenant Colonel David Stirling and the personal Bravery and leadership of men like "Paddy" Mayne, the SAS have created a history of which can be categorized as; the bravest of men, in the most intolerable of conditions, carrying out the most impossible of missions. If there were a who's- who for bravery and daring, the SAS would fill many chapters. However, these men do not seek personal acclaim, for their actions and deeds are known but to their team mates and fellow brothers who have served with them.

The SAS and the SBS (Special Boat Service) have long fielded some of the finest special forces operators in the world and were the very model after which most countries in the world modeled their special forces units and training regimes. "Chargin" Charlie Beckwith spent over a year with them and passed their rigorous selection course, arguably the most difficult in the world and then returned to form Delta Force. He modeled Delta directly after their physical training and the SAS command structures. In this regard, the British SAS are the fathers of counter-terrorist operations, training and tactics. They modified, improvised or invented it from the ground up.

Any outfit that demands a such high standards of it's men, demands the same high standards in it's gear, or kit, as it is called in the British Armed Forces. SAS Kit is considered some of the finest in the world and is sought after and used by many members of our own elite special forces, including those now serving in Afghanistan.

Emerson Knives has long had a relationship with certain elements of the British SAS, albeit a secret one. Well, a secret it shall remain, until someday when books can be written and perhaps we shall all sit around, tip a pint a two and have a chance to tell our tall tales.

I say - Hail to those who stand ready to protect our flanks and cover our backs when only the toughest can endure. To the hardy men of the regiment, their gallantry and bravery stand among the tallest of the call. Thanks to you all, and God Bless Mother England.

Emerson Knives is proud to have been chosen as a representative and given the opportunity to bring to you the finest of the British SAS Kit. We will be bringing you books and videos on training, tactics, history and survival as well as survival kits, packs, sleeping bags and other field items. These items are the "Real Deal", and represent some of the finest special operations gear in the world. Many of the items are virtually unobtainable outside of the British Military.

British SAS Kit is like the men who use it, Hard Core, Bare Bones and built for extreme use. We will be bringing you new items as they become available to us, so check back often for the latest additions.

Ernest R. Emerson

California, Summer 2002