This is my Polish AKM Type II bayonet fitted with the Type I scabbard, Cir. 1968. As there is an official Type II scabbard, this is a prime example of just one of the hundreds of variations found. The AKM Type II bayonet/Type I scabbard combination was used by Egypt, Poland (shown here), and Romania.

In addition, the Poish-produced versions of the AKM Type II do not have the sawteeth like those produced in other coutries.

Introduced in 1965, the Type II brought with it two significant changes. A squared-off steel pommel was added, to address the fragile nature of the Type I's bulbous plastic pommel. Revolutionary as it was, the Type I design couldn't change soldiers who seem naturally inclined to use the pommel as a hammer. The second major change was a new scabbard (not shown). Advances in plastics technology had reached the point where the scabbard body could be made of molded plastic, with only a metal end for the wirecutter. This eliminated the need for a rubber insulator, as the plastic scabbard body was non-conductive.

The AKM Type II bayonet was produced by Bulgaria, China, Iraq, East Germany, Poland (shown here), Romania, Russia, and Yugoslavia.