As I recently discovered, I have a "chevron" M9.
I acquired this M9 sometime in 1999 or 2000 from an eBay auction. The previous owner claimed he used in in the Gulf War. I have no reason to dispute this as he told me this after I received the bayonet and the selling price was in line with current USGI used M9s. It also has some fading to the handle and scabbard. She is missing her pouch though and I have been meaning to get one for some time.
I was going to use it for Reserve duty. I did. I cut comm wire with it, practiced throwing it and sharpened it. It was rained on, thrown into the back of 5-ton trucks and several HMMWVs.
Ft. Sill was the worst to her. The 1st 2 week stint there (2000) was unusually dry. Dry to the point that the dirt looked more like powdered cocoa than dirt. The M9 was covered in this dust. The latch mechanism was gummed up something awful. I decided to take her down and clean her. Upon doing so, I found rust all over inside. CLP and my GP brush made short work of that.
The M9 accompanied me to Ft. Indiantown Gap, Ft. Dix, Ft. Sill and Twentynine Palms. I think she went to A.P. Hill, but I don't recall 100%. She also accompanied me as a Jeep knife, wedged between the drivers seat and door for any trouble that may arise. She was replaced by a Glock field knife in 2002 since the Glock was much skinnier and much cheaper.
Now I know she was made in 1987 by Buck and was one of the first.
When I found out via the recent
PHROBIS CHEVRON auction how rare my M9 is, I contemplated selling it. Now, after writing of some of its history, I am not sure I will sell it. Even though it will always be "just another M9" in my mind, it was one that has seen some of the same places I have...and many I have not.
Bill, I am still trying to get ahold of a digital camera to take photos for you.
Semper Fi,
Mike
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