Kalashnikov Bayonets of the World

This was an East German, (DDR), AKM 6X4 Type II bayonet and scabbard that has been converted to mount on a Unified German G36 Rifle issued in 1995. Although no longer technically an AK bayonet, as it will no longer will mount correctly on a Kalashnikov weapon, it was before being modified. It was originally a new unissued DDR with matching numbers. The original cross guard muzzle ring was removed and a new larger diameter ring was then welded on. The painted black finish was then touched up and a newly designed fabric hanger was attached to make it compatible to the current German field gear. This attempt to re-purpose old surplus stock was never officially accepted and they were only produced in limited number. It seems most of them were imported into the USA and sold as military surplus items during the late 1990s. M.

Any idea who did the conversation on these?

I am not sure who actually did the cutting and welding etc.. A tag sewn on the top of the web hanger reads, "Mil-Tec". The folding plastic belt hanger part has a molded in name of a plastics manufacturer in Germany. Other than that the only ID is a paper tag in the box that reads, "Made in Germany Strum". Maybe it's just a coincidence but Mil-tec is a wholesaler / importer of surplus European military items and currently their ID is listed as Mil-Tec by Strum !? It is my understanding that the West German military looked into the possibility of converting some of the former East German military equipment for the use of the new Unified military. Whether the bayonet conversion was done by a military arsenal or a contractor is unknown. A small lot were made up as a feasibility test, but they were not accepted and ended up sold as surplus. Another theory is that Mil-Tec / Strum bought the surplus E.G. bayonets and had them converted to try to market them to the new Germany and possibility other countries. When this failed they imported them to U.S. and sold them as military surplus.

By the way, there are some variations in these G36 bayonets. The most obvious difference is the hanger hook part. Some are standard black military field gear hooks, others use a similar commercial chrome hook assembly. The plastic folding belt loop part is a standard West Germany piece used on various field gear and supplied by several different manufactures. Also the bayonet conversion could have been by done in one place and the hanger made up from parts by a different source. Mike

Here is a G36 conversion hanger variation with a chrome hook assembly. Mike

Mine with chromed hook

Nice variation! Does yours have a tag sewn on the fabric hanger? Does it have any other marking or information as to who converted it? Mike

No sorry i don't have any infos...

My variation of this hanger with the chromed hook actually came on a camping knife made by Suhl out of leftover KM87 parts.

This one was added to my collection recently and it came out of an author collection and is a piece that was showcased in the book “collecting bayonets”. Havent got the book, so can’t check

Two more variants from Mil-Tec

German packaging for the modified M.74 - G36 bayonet