Czech VZ-58 Bayonets

Pictures (click to enlarge)	Description	Blade Length		Overall Length		Muzzle Ring Diameter		Markings
		in.	mm.	in.	mm.	in.	mm.
	This is an example of the earliest type, with wooden grips, short tang, and no lower crosspiece extension. This scabbard is made of smooth leather.	6.75	171	11.25	286	n/a		Ricasso: "D9460" and "30" Scabbard: "13" in yellow paint on belt loop. Illegible marking on tip.
	This example has composition grip scales, but still with the short tang and without the lower crossguard extension found on later examples. The grip scales are secured by two rivets. This scabbard is dated 1967 and is made of smooth leather.	6.75	171	11.125	283	n/a		Ricasso: "M6382" and "11" Scabbard: Crossed swords, followed by "OTK", "S-4", over "K", "K.V.", "1967"
	An unusual example of the early, short-tang/no lower crosspiece type, with composition grip scales secured by three rivets. It is suspected that the three-rivet examples may be the result of repairs, rather than original manufacture.	6.50	165	10.875	276	n/a		Ricasso: "N 0253" and "11"
	Mid-production example still has the short tang, but incorporates the lower crossguard extension. Unusual variant with no visible rivets securing the composition grip scales.	6.625	168	10.875	276	n/a		Ricasso: "N 3908" and "102"
	This mid-production example also still has the short tang, but incorporates the lower crossguard extension. This variant has a single rivet securing the composition grip scales. The scabbard on this example is unmarked and made of pebble-grain leather.	6.75	171	11.125	283	n/a		Ricasso: "Y 3864" and "442"
	Late-production variant with the full-length tang that protrudes beyond the grip scales. The grip scales are secured by two rivets. The scabbard on this example is made of coarse-grained leather.	6.75	171	11.25	286	n/a		Ricasso: "M8065" and "399" Scabbard: Illegible marking on tip.
	Green vinyl scabbard for use with the VZ–58 bayonet in nuclear, biological, and chemical warfare environments. This scabbard is part of the soldier's chemical warfare kit. The kit contains a vinyl suit, a vinyl magazine pouch, and a this vinyl scabbard. A special scabbard was necessary due to the difficulties encountered with decontaminating the absorbent all-leather scabbard, once exposed to toxic agents.	n/a		n/a		n/a		Front: "1976 2" Reverse: crossed swords and "76"
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© Ralph E. Cobb 2009 All Rights Reserved

The 7.62 mm. Czech VZ–58 assault rifle (7,62 mm samopal vzor 58) is a refinement of the Kalashnikov AK47 design. The VZ–58 was made from 1959–1984 by Česká Zbrojovka a. s. of Uherský Brod, Czechoslovakia. The VZ–58 is still the standard infantry weapon in the Czech Army, in use today by Czech troops serving in Afghanistan.

The VZ–58 knife bayonet is unusual in being made from a casting, rather than a forging. The press catch is in the crosspiece, initially eliminating the need for a steel pommel. However, the lack of a pommel resulted in broken grip scales, as was encountered with the AKM Type I bayonet, because soldiers are pathologically drawn to use the bayonet as a hammer. Later production featured a full-length tang that extended rearward to protect the grip scales.

There is a surprising amount of variation in the construction of these bayonets. Crosspiece length, tang length, grip materials, and number of rivets securing the grip scales varied throughout production. Leather scabbards also exhibit many variations in color and surface. In addition to standard types, dress bayonets exist, along with a vinyl scabbard for use on a chemical/nuclear battlefield. The Finnish M1962 bayonet was patterned on the Czech VZ–58 design.













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