Kalashnikov Bayonets of the World

Just noticed you never received a reply to this post. Very nice Polish AKM 6H3 Type I bayonet and scabbard. These were produced from 1968 to 1972 when they started producing AKM 6H4 Type II bayonets. The early ones had blued metal and Modofen plastic grips, later ones AG-4W grips and painted metal. ...

Did anyone else notice that the locking piece is missing on the chrome plated parade/dress bayonet on the right in the first picture? This is a copy of a page from the Polish reference book. I wonder if this is intentional on a "parade" bayonet or just an oversight? Mike

It does appear that we have another Romanian AK bayonet and scabbard(?) to find. The rifle does look like a basic Kalashnikov system. I wonder what the scabbard looks like? Just what we need another Romy bayonet to find. I am still hunting for a Romy AKM 6X4 Type II with Type II scabbard matching nu...

Something else to consider regarding the "matt" finished bayonets. At different points in time, most, if not all, the countries manufacturing these plastic scabbards and grips experimented with and changed to different base materials. Russia, East German, Hungary, Poland, etc.. It would ma...

If anyone is interested in learning more about the "Plastic" molded parts involve in the making of the AK bayonets we collect and study you can start here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Injection_moulding To understand this last series of posts be sure to scroll down to section labeled &qu...

I still believe that the matt finished ones that are found in excellent matching condition are a result of a difference in either the material or molding process. The formulation changed and/or less or different coloring dyes used creating a matt grey coloration. The usual molding process creates a ...

The third opinion has been responded to by Martin above. These Yugo M70 6X4 bayonets used to be quite rare. Then came the Balkan Wars and the various middle Eastern Wars. The aftermath resulting in large amounts of these bayonets being sold as surplus and imported to the USA. All different minor var...

Hi Alexander, I have also noticed several different variations of these "matt" finished bayonets and scabbards over the years. Please observe the one in my collection in the first pictures in this post above. It is not as overall matte as yours, but noticeably different than the other two....

I have used a wire clothes hanger and a pair of pliers in the past. Use the pliers to cut and straighten the hanger. You can try to un-twist the hanger were it joins to form the clothes rod hook. Use the twisted end like a corkscrew to dig in the scabbard. Or use straight piece wire an use it as a p...

I disagree with ilion. I believe it maybe a later made grip panel produced by an arsenal or sub contractor for rework / replacement usage. This bayonet is a late production one with the angular cross guard hook. the original number on the left side has been removed and the paint touched up during re...

Nice example! The original sewn leather hangers are hard to find. There is one on eBay now at the same price you paid for the bayonet and scabbard. Seems rather high to me. Watch out for hand made reproductions, sloppy stitching and hilt straps that cross the wrong way. Mike

Curt, as you mentioned, this bayonet and scabbard have been reworked. The scabbard originally had the internal tensioner, (drag), riveted in place. During the rework operation the rivet is often ground off to remove the drag and clean out the scabbard body. Question #1. Is the drag still there? If i...

Just a gentle nudge a year later. Just paid out around $100, which is a lot for a South African. I'm ok with funding this..the although we are not the most active forum out there, there is only so much new info that can be posted and I think we have accumulated more than anywhere out there. But if ...

Someone recently asked questions about an East German AK47 bayonet scabbard with a striped fabric hanger. I replied that I had seen several variations of these in person and pictures, but couldn't find the pictures. I just noticed this one on eBay. This is typical, but there have been other stripes ...

Here is a picture of an East German AK47 Bayonet that helps illustrate why some of these bayonets have modified grip panels. If the bayonet is twisted from side to side when mounted on a rifle, the locking lugs tend to damage the top front of the grip panels. I believe some of the grips were modifie...

Another picture showing details and military acceptance markings of the grey and green NBC scabbards. Mike

Here are a few more pictures of the GREEN VZ58 bayonet NBC scabbards along with a matching mag pouches and a belt/sling. One picture shows an assortment of markings and dates. Note that the oldest date, (1975), scabbard has slightly different stitching on the hilt strap. I have found very little inf...

As a side note, Poland did produce a grey scabbard, however it was a result of a phosphate finish, not painted. The phosphate is applied to bare metal and chemically bonds to the surface, similar to bluing or plating. This was done for reworking and export sales. Perhaps the grey painted scabbard is...

From the pictures, I can tell that this is indeed an early Polish AKM Type I scabbard. Originally issued with either a late 6H3 or early 6H4 bayonet. This can be confirmed by the style and placement of the stamped 4 digit serial number, the wire cutter stop at the tip of the scabbard and the marking...

Another thing to note is that the stamped marking on the metal parts and sub-assembly were done on the bare metal before the final finishing of paint and sealant/adhesive. The finish often covers or obscures previous markings. The final inspection and acceptance marking on the completed bayonet and ...