U.S. Border Patrol Commemorative LB-7

[Codger_64]

In April of 1992, an order was placed by the U.S. Border Patrol ( Dept. Of Immigration and Naturalization ) for a commemorative LB7 to replace the previous 110 Lockback knives made by Buck which had, for some reason, proven unsatisfactory. Only 65 knives were ordered, to be serialized on the top front bolster #BP001 - BP065. The prototype was numbered BP0000. The knives were to be standard LB7's, have unetched blades, Winewood handles laser engraved “U.S. Border Patrol”, the rear mark side bolster engraved with the badge, pile side engraved with circular “U.S. Border Patrol” logo. They were shipped in the standard “Sharp Idea” UH box, with a black leather sheath.





The example I acquired isn’t as pristine as the photo sample shown above. However it is a good example of the issue, even without the box, papers, and correct sheath considering the low production of this SFO.

 

[lotoblades]

Thats an interesting story and a good looking knife!I wander what fault they found with the buck,not alot of diference expept the shrade's blade's a little beefer.

Lucky find:thumbup:

 

[Timstools]

Yes very nice, thats one type I would have liked for my own collection, oh well. The stamp sheild on the bolster looks great. Enjoy!
Regards Tim

 

[GMan351]

Did you just get that off of that auction thingy? There was one on there not long ago, but I was thinking it had the box and all.

 

[Codger_64]

Several of them have shown up on the unnamed auction site which rhymes with replay. This one has handling patina on the brass, no box or papers, and a tan sheath instead of the correct black one. When an order for 200 knives was places with ISC, they would make 220, hold the extras for warranty replacement. Of the 65 ordered in 1992, they might have run an extra 7 to 10. This explains how so many SFO's wound up in the coffers of the SMKW and BRK crew after the auction and now appear on that "replay" site. This one may or may not be an overrun. It may be an original that belonged to an agent since 1992. Or it could be a reject pulled from a barrel when the factory was emptied. I can't tell for sure until it arrives. At any rate, it will display with my Harry Gant Skoal and Harley Davidson LB-7's.

Michael

 

[Codger_64]

The Border Patrol knife arrived today. Iiiiiiiii....Like it! It is serialized after all. #BP0108. I can see no obvious defect other than some tarnish and a few dings in the brass from handling. With a number this high after an initial order of 65 pieces, I'd tend to think that there was a subsequent order. Does anyone else have one with a higher number?

Michael