Kalashnikov Bayonets of the World

It does look like the Izhevsk triangle and arrow on the cross guard. Perhaps a closer look at the right side of the pommel. There should be a small flattened diamond proof mark to confirm that it is indeed Russian. I have never herad of or seen any reference to a Russian AK47 bayonet with wood grip ...

Here is yet another scabbard variation. Mike

In answer to your last question. There are a couple used scabbards currently listed on eBay that are actually Bulgarian. Ebay # 202849090721 & 264557881264 . There are also a used and new real Russian scabbard listed eBay # 333237794194 &
152590175840 . Mike

This one is a bit of a mystery. It would be difficult to even make an educated guess. A closer examination for markings may be helpful, but even then not conclusive. Here are some observations. 1. The grip panels appear to have been replaced at some time. They do not seem to match the wear and weath...

I just noticed another difference on the random samples I grabbed for pictures. The Russian ones used hollow rivets with one domed head. The Polish ones have double headed flattened domed rivets. Note also the different sized heads on the rivets on the Polish hangers. Are you sure you want to try co...

Yeah, that sounds good, just collect the hangers and maybe the wrist straps too. As if identifying all the Kalashnikov bayonets and scabbards wasn't hard enough. It's taken years to build up collections and references, now we have to start all over again from scratch with very little information and...

Yes, Russian. Very early AKM 6X3 Type I hangers. Check them out in the "Russia" section, "Russian Snap Hook Hangers AKM - AK74" (there are two pages). Both are long since obsolete, but the 1st one is the basis for the one made and used by Poland up through the AK-74 series of rifles with minor diffe...

I am not really into collecting parade, presentation or commemorative items. I just concentrate on military issued items. But occasionally weaken. Here is one of my white leather Russian hangers with a white fabric wrist strap. I guess I need a white leather strap too? Mike

Martin, I agree with the pictures of the wrist straps you posted. The one identified as Iraqi may well be as it is different from any of the Yugo ones I am familiar with. Definitely not DDR. I have had many of them both used and new in sealed DDR inventory packages with labels. Very consistent with ...

While digging out the wrist straps I also found a different hanger that I found with some surplus military gear from the Balkans. The hanger was in with others that were supposedly Yugo. The size, metal hinge, rivets, "D" ring and snap hook all look Yugo to me. The fabric is synthetic weave green wi...

Here are a few more close ups. The 1st two show fabric color variations from light grey/green to dark green. The dark green ones seem softer than the light color fabric ones. The next two pictures are of a different unusual rivet style used without a washer. They also have a larger rivet head as com...

Here are some closeup pictures showing some of the differences in the Yugo wrist straps. The 1st two show the difference in strap width, narrow vs wide front and back. The last two show the different rivet head size. Also note the differences in fabric and weave. The rear of the rivets are typical h...

Sorry about that last picture. I was having some issues with downloading pictures and couldn't get it removed. I will post some more detailed pictures concerning the wrist strap variations. Mike

Here is a picture of a group of17 Tabuk bayonets and scabbard from another site. I am posting this to show the different variations in color and other small details. Also note the variations in the hangers as mentioned by Martin. They cross both directions. Interesting! Tabuk or not Tabuk? Mike Iraq...

Hey, it seems you aren't the only one. Looks like Martin, illian and I also have one. I know of a lot of other collectors that have one too. Better to have one as an example than miss out on an unusual item. Mike

I had not notice the way Richard's hilt strap crossed, just knew it was different than the Yugo made ones. I have been fooled by the hilt strap cross over before. I will have to check mine and my pictures. Looking forward to the wrist strap differences. I have had large quantities of Yugo wrist stra...

As a side note, I spent a long time with the one I received trying to make it fit. I took it all apart and tried to make it attach to the bayonet and scabbard. Not really very logical or functional. Talked to a friend in Poland and he said he knew that some guys where making them out of basically wo...

Martin, I'm afraid I have to agree with ilian. I have closely examined my hanger and the Y strap. It is obvious that it has been cut off the right side of the Y strap about 1/2 inch above the leather hilt loop. The lower part has been folded up and stitched at two places above and below the hilt loo...

Martin, You are correct. The Albanians did make their own version, ASh78, after importing various Chinese Type 56s. They also assembled them from an assortment of Albanian and Chinese parts before making there own completely (?). The main differences were minor and mostly in the front sight base, wh...

Here's another version of the original all leather, no buckle, hilt strap. This one was found along with other scrap parts and pieces in a container of reworked Russian AKM 6X3 Type I bayonets and scabbards, Also a scan from a Russian book with line drawings of the variaty of the hilt straps. From l...