Durability: just how tough is the M9?

[pwcosol]

Thanks M.M. for posting the link to KDD's patent. I reviewed the patent description & accompanying photos. The clevis w/shear pin arrangement is an interesting concept to allow ease of assembly, repair, and retention of the blade to the guard & other components. The general idea certainly shares some similarities with the Phrobis design. However, the threaded blade tang and rod utilized to secure the blade to the grip/pommel do differ substantially. Whether it does or does not to the degree it might be considered a violation of patent 4,458,420 would be up to a court of law to determine.