I have an M9 that I purchased from AAFES in 1988, and it has a 1987 dated blade on it (>). The question that I have is in the finish on the blade. Most every M9 I see has the bead or sand blasted natural finish on it, but not mine. Mine is blued. How common (or uncommon) is this in an M9 for curiousity's sake.
The sheath that came with it has the accessory pouch which has had a sharpening stone in it that has been there for as long as I can recall (though I don't think it came with it). The sheath and hilt both have the Phrobis shark logo, it has a double retention straps (one over the hilt, one at the top of the handle) and a Bianchi marked pistol belt attachement. Much of the markings on the fastex are worn off through years of service, but it is the original.
I've carried this knive since purchasing it in 1988, and that includes two tours in the sandbox so it looks far from new. Along the way it got one hell of an edge on it thanks to a friend of mine, and it'll still shave your arm.
The finish on mine has always been a source of curiosity for me, but I've never had access to so many collectors and experts on these knives. Heck, until a few days ago I didn't even KNOW there were collectors and experts on these knives
. So, my questions are purely acedemic. This knife could be one in a million or one of a million for all I care. We've travelled half way around the world together three times (counting Germany) so it's definately earned the title of heirloom in my book.
Edited to add pics:
Saleen
Threaded Mode