Overview
Like all Eastern Bloc bayonets, this Bulgarian bayonet differs little from the USSR pattern on which it was based. The blade is fullered and single edged and has a matte finish. The grips are a reddish brown plastic and are riveted to the blued handle. The scabbard is blued steel. #557 on the butt.
Following the Second World War there was some debate as to whether bayonets would be required in future conflicts. Like many other countries at the time, the USSR designed the AK47 rifle with the intention that it would not be used with a bayonet. When it was later decided that a bayonet would be required, rather than add a bayonet lug to the rifle, the USSR adopted a bayonet that did not require one. The AK47 is modeled on the Swedish M1914 bayonet, which itself was designed after the adoption of the rifle. Both the AK47 bayonet blade and scabbard were patterned after the M1940 bayonet used with the Tokarev SVT–40 self-loading rifle.
Bulgarian AK-47 bayonets are known for their solid construction and functionality. The blade is straight and single-edged. The bayonet comes with a scabbard with metal fittings, ensuring durability and protection. This bayonet is almost an exact copy of the Soviet AK-47 bayonet. Unlike the Soviet model, this bayonet has no manufacturer markings on the crossguard, and the number stamped on the handle is perpendicular to the blade. Additionally, the Bulgarian bayonet-knife differs from the Soviet model in that the attachment strap for the hanging sling is typically fixed with 1-2 rivets.