Around 1968-69, the Russians began to field a new AKM bayonet, which had many interesting improvements over the earlier model. It was to be the final AKM variant, and was also issued with early and mid-production AK-74 rifles, without change, until about 1984. This bayonet is characterized by a square-shaped handle of Bakelite, with a metallic pommel. The saw-tooth, Bowie type clipped blade was basically unchanged from the previous design, and the sheath was originally metal but very soon was converted to a new, ribbed Bakelite pattern, which made it unnecessary to include a separate rubber insulating collar. These bayonets were also manufactured by both Tula and Izhevsk, although it seems Izhevsk versions are more commonly found today on the collector's market.
This image presents two bayonets if near identical design, the top example was made at Izhevsk and the lower bayonet at Tula. Note the numerous features that can identify one from the other. Of course arsenal codes are prominent, on both the sheath and the grip panels. This is not always the case, many of these bayonets omit the arsenal code on the grip, it is my opinion these are earlier production models. Tula models have the characteristic rounded, weld on the rear of the wire cutting lug, while all Izhevsk examples have this weld ground flat. Tula bayonets usually display numerous white, or gold colored "cartouche" type proofs along with ink stamps, while Izhevsk bayonets normally have black or purple ink stamp proofs throughout.
This Izhevsk Type 2 AKM/Early AK-74 bayonet has a standard smooth leather bely hanger and a green cotton web lanyard/wrist strap. Earlier examples may have leather lanyards. All rivets on Russian bayonets appear to always have "hollow" backs, while those from Germany and Bulgaria will have solid backed rivets.
Tula bayonet has lighter Bakelite grips and sheath, large "star" arsenal codes, pebbled grain leather, and gold cartouche proofs. Note mold numbers on grip panel. All hardware, with the exception of the leather thorn on the belt hanger, are finished in a matte flash chrome plating.
Close-up view of hilt, showing bayonet mounting rings, marbled Bakelite plastic, ink stamps, and standard "OTK" inspection code on Izhevsk model (top). Note diamond stamps and ink proofs, almost exclusive to Russian manufactured arms.
Detailed close-up view of Tula cartouche proofs. These are almost always seen on bayonets made in Tula, even on worn examples the paint stamps in the groove of the grip (designed to clear the cleaning rod) can normally be found in good shape.
Next Page: Type 2 Bayonets of the Warsaw Pact
Return to the Bayonets Index Page
