North Korean AKM Variation #1

[Mr. B.]

This is a North Korean AKM bayonet with a green colored fabric hanger. M.

[RPBCPS]

Here are some photos of my NK AKM bayonet which I bought from a veteran, who told me he had recovered it in Panama during Operation Just Cause.

It is used and abused, but as a combat veteran myself, I appreciate that look....

[Mr. B.]

Very nice with an interesting history. The original theory that the different colors of the webbing indicated a difference in whether the bayonets were for internal use or for export. To me that did not seem logical and I have seen both green and tan web hangers come from various sources, both from veterans and importers. The North Koreans manufactured large quantities of these bayonets. They are a relative simple and inexpensive item to make, especially the scabbard, so why would they bother to make a color difference to differentiate between what they issued or exported. Maybe a difference in early verse latter production or just a matter of what color webbing was available at the time?
Mike

[RPBCPS]

Mike,
Thanks for that feedback.
Perhaps there was more than one factory making them in North Korea, so that was the source of the colour difference?
Richard