Kalashnikov Bayonets of the World

I was going through an old picture album recently. I found these pictures we took in the late 1960s at the John M. Browning Museum in the Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois, USA. Certainly not a Kalashnikov rifle, but definitely an AK bayonet. This originally was a US M14 rifle used in South Vietnam. It ...

I believe it is a common problem with the logo on the grip of the Romy Type II bayonets. I have had several, including a couple in new, unissued condition. Even on the new ones the detailed logos are chipped or damaged. I think some of the problem is in the hardness of the material used and the mold...

I believe it is a common problem with the logo on the grip of the Romy Type II bayonets. I have had several, including a couple in new, unissued condition. Even on the new ones the detailed logos are chipped or damaged. I think some of the problem is in the hardness of the material used and the mold...

Here are pictures of a standard rubber insulator and a scabbard with a spot welded stop. It would be interesting to see how your’e compare? Mike

This is one of the different scabbard rubber insulatorsI am aware of. Poland made a few that were 10 mm longer than standard. The scabbards were without stops. Never regular production. A few of the very 1st Russian Type I scabbards also had a different shape and length insulator and scabbards witho...

A couple quick notes, nice pictures. The wrist straps look correct and original! Is it just me or the lighting? The bayonet grip on the left in the last 2 pictures seems to have a more blue tint. The Egyptians used blue (indigo) dye to color the grip material. The mix is not always the same and some...

Nice pair of Egyptian AKM 6X4 Type II bayonets in the correct Type I scabbards. From what I can see the fabric wrist straps appear to be different, but correct. Interesting weave? Maybe my eyes are deceiving me, but the rubber scabbard insulator on the left appears longer!? I would be interesting to...

Nice complete example! Yes, typical Egyptian quality! To see the worst one ever go to “Egypt” ‘Egyptian AKM quality control sample’.
Mike

Unfortunately, as moderator, I do have to deal with it. When someone posts borrowed(?) pictures that are obviously fraudulent or altered they need to be pointed out. It also makes the other pictures suspect as well as the ethics of the member that posts them. Picture #1 is as originally posted. Noti...

Now you can also enjoy finding the metal belt clips that go with them. There are many variations of these. Also watch for other variations in construction for example slotted vs Phillips pommel screws. Have fun, but remember there are no end to variations on these bayonets and scabbards. No military...

There have been several discussions about softening and preserving leather. I would recommend talking with someone who works with leather. There are several products on the market, that can help, but use with discretion. Mike

Yes, Russia also had TWO different “transitionals” variations of the AKM bayonets. The one at the Izhevsk Arsenal was similar to the East German ones. Type I bayonets in Type II scabbards. The Tula Arsenal was slow to make the Type II scabbards so the transition was backwards. Type II bayonets in Ty...

Very nice PSL bayonet and scabbard! It is basically a Romanian AKM 6X3 Type II version. However the single letter, (H), numbers indicate it was matched and issued with a PSL marksman, (sniper), rifle in 1979. These were made in much smaller quantities than the regular rifles. Yours needs a wrist str...

This is a “Transitional” variation. The up-date from AKM 6X3 Type i to AKM 6X4 Type II was done in two steps. First the scabbards then the bayonets. In East Germany the original Type I bayonets were made as the “Modell 59” starting in 1965. The Transitional variation was made in 1979 and known as th...

Excellent examples! Now you need a black and a green one? Mike

I might have a couple new long ones and the a couple of short variations that are in good condition if you are interested. Mike

Not much you can do with the cracks / spilts on the smooth leather facing. The cracks are caused by the leather drying out. Replacement with a new one and then prevention with leather care products is about the best thing to do. Check with someone who works with leather. Mike

Looks like a very nice Russian AKM 6X4 Type II 2nd variation bayonet and scabbard from the Izhevsk arsenal. Complete with the correct hanger and strap. I can’t tell from the pictures if it is un-numbered or they have been removed. If un-numbered it is a reserve bayonet. Most of the bayonets and scab...

Nice clean example. This one has the hand etched number on the cross guard indicating it was paired with a rifle when imported in the USA. I prefer to call these Chinese AKM bayonets. The Type 56 refers to the military issue bayonets. These AKM bayonets were made for the civilian export / import mar...

Very nice example! Complete and matching numbers! Mike