The M1939 was an early attempt to produce a dual-purpose bayonet-knife.  As a result, both the bayonet and the green leather scabbard, bear a strong resemblance to a common utility knife.  The Arctic Birch grip is one-piece, wrapping around the lower tang, as was done on the early German M1898 bayonets.

10,000 bayonets were produced in 1941-1942 by Oy Veljekset Kulmala Ab (Kulmala Brothers Co.) for the Civil Guard (Suojeluskuntain Yliesikunta or Sk.Y).  Most of these bayonets were destroyed for scrap, making surviving examples scarce today.

Veljekset Kulmala was established in 1927 and is still in business today. They manufacture and import equipment and ladders for rescue and fire fighting. Their current product line includes equipment for both professionals and household use.

The M1939 bayonet has been reproduced in quantity for sale to U.S. collectors.  Some (not all) reproductions are blued or are marked with a year of production (e.g., 1999) to avoid their being passed off as originals. The maker mark is very hard to reproduce and poorer fakes may have the four periods omitted or have the first and last letters overhang the blade.