Wearing and Displaying an AKM Release Button

[Mr. B.]

Previously we have discussed the preferred way to wear and display a Romanian AKM hanger and scabbard. Perhaps this is a good time to discuss what is the preferred or correct position to wear and display the release button on all AKM Bayonets. It's obvious from the way they were designed and made that there is a FRONT and BACK to an AKM Scabbard either Type I or II. Is there a front and back to an AKM 6X3 or 6X4 bayonet? Does the release button go to the outside, (front), or to the inside, (back)? This is confusing because the blades will fit in the scabbard either way. Does anyone have any information or opinions about what is correct or preferred?

Below are a Russian early Tula AKM 6X3 bayonet and scabbard with an East German, (DDR) AKM 6X4 bayonet and scabbard for comparison. They are pictured with the buttons positioned toward the FRONT and BACK. I picked these two off my wall as both have unique release buttons. What is your opinion as to which is best for wear and display?
Mike

[LanceF250]

I Agree with how they are displayed in picture #1. The release button and wire cutter to the outside. I also prefer to have the loop of the wrist strap to the outside so the rivet is visible. That is all for my personal preference to display them.

As far as that being “correct” I have no idea, but it would make sense to have the flattest surface possible against your body for comfort and safety.

[Mr. B.]

Hi Lance,
I also prefer the button to the outside, (front), and display my collection that way also. To me the right side of a bayonet is always the front side when inspecting, describing and displaying. I also agree with your reasons, protrusions to the outside, flat surface to the inside. Freedom of movement for the wearer. Another collector reason for the button in front is that the button can be an identifying feature and helps to differentiate variations. I also think it gives character to the AK bayonets visually when displayed.

There is also another practical reason for the button in front. Please notice that all the AK bayonet hangers have hilt straps that cross left to right when looking at the front. The left hilt strap points to the right and the right side has the stud or thorn. When removing or replacing the bayonet in the scabbard the hilt strap stud can interfere with the bayonet wrist strap if the button is not worn to the front. This can be observed by collectors as they inspect various bayonets.

It has been brought to my attention that there is also a valid reason to wear or display the button to the back. Many of the ComBloc countries that manufactured and/or issued AKM bayonets placed the serial numbers on the front of the scabbard and the back, (left), side of the bayonet cross guard. Some collectors display bayonets in this way to be able to see and display the matching numbers. For me this is a not a concern as almost all the bayonets I display have matching or no numbers.
Mike

[Mr. B.]

Here is an extreme example of the hilt strap stud interfering with a bayonet wrist strap when removing the bayonet from the scabbard when the release button is to the back. It is also difficult when replacing the bayonet with the button to the inside. This is also true to some extent on all AKM 6X3 and 6X4 bayonets with Type I and II scabbard regardless of hanger style.

This is a Romanian AKM 6X3 bayonet and scabbard with the all leather wrap-around hanger.
Mike

[Mr. B.]

Lance,
You got ahead of me on the subject of the AKM bayonet wrist strap. I also prefer to display all my bayonets with the wrist strap loop or buckle to the front, (outside). I do this for the reason you mention. To be able to easily observe and identify the type of wrist strap, sewn or riveted loop or buckle. To be consistent, the wrist strap has to be installed from the front, (button), side. There are also different opinions about this as well as to whether the wrist strap should be enclosed by the hanger hilt strap. Also different ways to place the wrist strap in the small upper buckle. More on this later.
Mike

[LanceF250]

I had not considered the wrist strap interference, I have always stored and displayed them with the wrist strap stowed in the hanger for a neat, squared away appearance and consistency.

[Mr. B.]

I agree with Lance. If I were to wear an AKM bayonet and scabbard in the field or even a parade, the hilt strap would secure exactly as show in the picture above. The hilt strap is located low and is tight enough to secure the wrist strap attaching buckle. Not much chance of it dangling loose.

However, for a collector to display the AKM bayonets uniformly there are too many variables. Does the hanger hilt strap position low or high on the hanger. The grips are narrower at the cross guard and near the pommel and the hilt strap can vary in tightness. There are all sorts of hangers, single snap, double snap, wrap around, etc.. Some hilt straps are loose, some tight, some attach high on the hilt, others low. Some hangers like the Romanian wrap arounds have high, tight, hilt straps that make enclosing the wrist strap difficult if not impossible. Note the previous picture.

For consistency and uniformity, I display my collection with the wrist strap outside of the hilt strap as this seem too work with almost all the variations. Pictured below is a snap shot of part of my collection showing the method I use. Easy to locate a particular item and inspect and compare. Hangers mounted on short wood pieces allow easy removal if needed.
Mike