5 Features of the M9 Bayonet That Make It Popular

The M9 bayonet is one of those designs that you either love or you hate. But, as vocal as the negative reception may have been, it’s a design that won’t die. And, for every one that doesn’t like it, there are just as many in support. 

If you’re on the fence, here are 5 things about the M9 bayonet that substantiate it. 

The Blade Length and Size

The M9 bayonet, though it may have been primarily designed as a weapon (it is a bayonet, after all) is highly utilitarian, especially compared to the sword and socket bayonets of yesteryear that were quite literally useless as anything but offensive implements. 

The M9 has the look and feel of a survival knife, with a 12 inch overall length and a 7 inch blade. It lacks the specialization of sword and socket bayonets and other earlier patterns that limit their utility. 

In fact, unless you recognized the pattern, if you had it detached from an M16, you might not even know it was a bayonet at all, if it weren’t for the barrel ring. It looks and carries just like any other knife designed for general utility. 

It Has a A Sawback Design

On that note of general utility, the M9 bayonet sports a few features that are intended to improve its versatility in the field. One of those features is a sawback design. 

Earlier patterns, such as those designed by the Germans in the First World War, created a lot of bad press because it was alleged that designs like these inflicted horrific wounds, and there may have been some truth to this. But the case is that a sawback design can also significantly improve on the functionality of a bayonet, knife, or any other bladed tool.

The fact of the matter is that a straight edge, as useful as it can be for cutting certain soft materials, is not particularly effective at cutting through hard or fibrous media like bone, wood, or plastic. Even some textiles and ropes are tough to cut with a straight edge. 

As a result, the serrations on the spine of the M9 bayonet significantly improve its utility. If you ever can’t get through something with the main edge, just let the spine do the work.

It Sports a Unique Feature Near the Tip of the Blade

What we’re about to explore is perhaps the most important element of the M9. take a closer look at one and note that there is a small hole near the tip of the blade. This is there for a reason, and it’s there for a good one. It’s not there to lighten the weight of the blade, either.

Now take a closer look at the sheath issued with the bayonet. You will notice that there is a lug on one side. This corresponds specifically to the hole in the tip of the blade of the M9. 

With the blade engaged with this lug, and the edge aligned with the side of the sheath, the two components can be rigged into a makeshift set of shears or wirecutters that can prove surprisingly effective. 

In addition to this unique use of the M9 bayonet, it has also been designed to serve as a screwdriver, bottle opener, and more. 

It’s Almost Definitely Tougher Than You Think

One of the things that often graces the reputation of the M9 is the pervasive allegation that it breaks too easily. Some claim that it breaks with a higher frequency than the M7, its predecessor, did.

There are just two facts that these allegations conveniently overlook.

One is that the original M9 prototype (Qual-A-Tec’s design) was the only one that had a zero percent failure rate during testing. 

The other, and more telling, of the two is that the M9 has a blade that is 20% thicker than that of the M7, with a greater cross-sectional area as well. 

Buck Knives Once Made a Version of the M9 Bayonet 

Here’s another interesting bit of lore about the M9 bayonet that’s not particularly well known. Buck Knife Company once made an official production run.

They don’t make them anymore, but you can still find them on the used market if you know where to look, and Buck’s M9 embodies all of the quality you’d expect from such a legendary American brand. 

That alone is reason to try to find one of these to add it to your collection. 

Explore M9 Bayonets for Sale (and More) Here

Interested in adding an M9 bayonet to your collection, or some other historically significant model? Take a closer look at the bayonets for sale that we have in stock here and get in touch with us if you have any questions before you buy. We’re more than happy to help you find what you’re looking for or answer any questions you have beforehand.