Rules for wearing a bayonet knife according to the regulations of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation

In the modern army, despite the widespread proliferation of automatic small arms, bayonet remains a mandatory element of military equipment. This is not just a bladed weapon for close combat, but also a multifunctional tool necessary for performing household work, cutting barbed wire and even using it as a knife opener. However, having a blade requires strict discipline, since wearing it incorrectly can lead to injury or loss of equipment at the most inopportune moment.

The wearing order is regulated Internal Service Charter and instructions on shooting. A serviceman must know not only how to secure the sheath to a belt, but also how to properly attach the blade to the machine gun, as well as how to safely remove it in a combat situation. Ignoring these rules is regarded as a violation of military discipline.

In this article we will analyze in detail all aspects of wearing a bayonet-knife, starting from the correct placement of the sheath on the waist belt and ending with the nuances of fixing them in various positions. Particular attention will be paid to the safety and technical characteristics of fastenings, which will help to avoid common mistakes.

Basic placement methods on the waist belt

According to the requirements of the regulations, the bayonet-knife is worn in a sheath, which is attached directly to the soldier’s waist belt. There are several options for fixation, depending on the type of belt and the presence of special equipment. The main requirement is the reliability of the fastening: the sheath should not dangle, fall off or interfere with the performance of combat missions.

Most often, the sheath is equipped with a special loop that is put on the belt. To ensure maximum reliability and prevent slipping when running or crawling, an additional fixing element is used - a strap or valve. This element wraps around the belt on the reverse side and is fastened with a button or Velcro, tightly fixing the sheath in a vertical position.

⚠️ Attention: Never carry a bayonet in a sheath without securing it with a strap if you are on a training ground or in a training area. Losing a weapon in the field entails serious liability, including criminal prosecution.

It is important to monitor the condition of the sheath itself. If the leather or plastic base has become unusable, and the fixing straps are worn out, it is necessary to replace the equipment. Using a faulty sheath may result in blade will fall out during sudden movement, which is dangerous both for the owner and for those around him.

The procedure for attaching a bayonet to a machine gun

The bayonet is designed to defeat the enemy in hand-to-hand combat, and can also be used to cut barbed wire and other engineering barriers. To perform these functions it must be correctly attached to Kalashnikov assault rifle (AKM, AK-74, AK-12). The joining process is automatic and takes just a few seconds.

First you need to remove the bayonet-knife from the sheath with your right hand, grasping the handle. The blade points down and forward. Then, grabbing the weapon with your left hand by the fore-end, with your right hand you insert the dowel (hole in the handle) onto the barrel of the machine gun until it stops at the front sight. After this, the handle turns to the right until the locking spring clicks.

Checking the reliability of the connection is carried out by gently rocking the blade. If the bayonet does not fit tightly, you need to remove it and repeat the procedure, making sure that the groove on the barrel is clean of dirt and sand. In winter, the metal can “seize,” so it is important to control the fixation force.

Removing the bayonet-knife is done in the reverse order: with the thumb of the right hand, the locking spring is pressed out, the handle is turned to the left, and the blade is removed from the barrel. All movements should be clear and confident, without unnecessary fuss, which can lead to cuts.

Technical features of sheaths and mounts

Modern sheaths for bayonet knives are made of durable polymer materials or special leather treated with water-repellent compounds. The design of the sheath provides not only for wearing it on a belt, but also for the possibility of using it in combination with other equipment, for example, unloading vests or pouches.

The key element of the design is the metal bracket or loop through which the belt is threaded. In some models, such as the scabbard 6X5 or 6X9, it is possible to attach it to a belt in a horizontal position, which is convenient when worn as part of a bulletproof vest. However, the classic statutory version assumes a vertical position of the blade with the tip down.

Particular attention should be paid to the condition of the locking spring inside the handle and the mating part in the sheath (if there is one). Corrosion or breakage of the spring makes it impossible to securely hold the blade. Regular lubrication of rubbing parts and cleaning of dust are mandatory during maintenance.

element	Material	Function	Requirements
Handle	Plastic/Rubber	Holding a weapon	No cracks, no slip
Blade	Steel 65Kh13	Defeat/Cut	No corrosion, sharpening
scabbard	Polymer/Leather	Protection and wearing	Loop integrity
Retainer	Metal	Belt Attachment	Tight fit

Interesting fact about sharpening

Bayonet knives often have one-sided sharpening or a “false blade” sharpening. This was not done by chance: this shape allows you to more effectively pierce the enemy’s winter clothing and make it easier to remove the blade without getting stuck in the ribs.

Safety rules for wearing and using

A bayonet-knife is a weapon of increased danger. Wearing it requires constant vigilance. The basic rule is that the blade should be removed from its sheath only when absolutely necessary—for training, cleaning a weapon, or performing a combat mission. The rest of the time it should be in the closed position.

When moving over rough terrain, especially as part of a convoy or when landing, it is necessary to control the position of the sheath. Protruding parts of the equipment can get caught on branches, cables or equipment, resulting in the loss of the weapon or injury to the soldier walking behind.

⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to use a bayonet knife to open cans, if this is not provided for by the design of a specific sample, or to chop wood. This leads to breakage of the blade and loss of combat qualities of the weapon.

The transfer of a bayonet-knife to another person must be carried out only in a sheath and with mandatory control of fixation. Throwing a weapon, even in a sheath, onto hard surfaces is unacceptable, as this can damage the cutting edge or deform the handle.

Equipment care and maintenance

To ensure long service life of the bayonet knife and its readiness for use, maintenance is necessary. Metal parts, including the blade and spring mechanism, should be wiped with a rag lightly coated with gun grease, especially after exposure to moisture or frost.

Leather sheaths require periodic treatment with special conditioners to prevent drying out and cracking. It is enough to clean polymer materials from dirt with warm water and soap and dry them in the shade, avoiding direct exposure to open fire or excessive heat, which can deform the plastic.

Check the sharpness of the blade regularly. Sharpening should be done in compliance with the factory angle, using appropriate whetstones. Littered Blade not only useless in combat, but also dangerous, as it requires more effort to strike, which can lead to the weapon slipping.

Frequent violations and ways to eliminate them

One of the common mistakes is to carry a bayonet at the ready or in your hands unnecessarily. This tires the hand and reduces reaction speed. The blade must be either in a sheath on a belt, or attached to the machine gun in a firing position.

Another violation is the incorrect orientation of the blade in the sheath. The blade should be facing back (toward the shank) so that when withdrawn upward, the cutting edge does not injure the owner's thigh. In some old models or if the scabbard is put on incorrectly, reverse installation is possible, which is unacceptable.

If you notice that the sheath strap does not fasten or the belt is too wide for the loop, you must correct the problem immediately. You can use additional straps or replace the sheath with a working one. Improvisation in matters of securing weapons is unacceptable.

Is it possible to carry a bayonet in a trouser pocket?

According to the regulations, carrying a bayonet in a trouser pocket is prohibited. This violates the rules for wearing military uniform and creates a risk of losing the weapon or being injured in a fall. The only correct place is the sheath on the waist belt.

Is it allowed to carry a bayonet separately from a machine gun?

Yes, in most cases the bayonet-knife is carried separately from the machine gun, in a sheath on the waist belt. The connection to the machine gun is carried out at the command of the commander or in the event of an immediate threat of enemy attack.

What should you do if you lose the fixing strap of the scabbard?

Using the sheath without a fixing strap (strap) is prohibited, as there is a high risk of losing the weapon. It is necessary to replace the sheath with a serviceable one or make a temporary fixation yourself using improvised means (for example, using a sling) until the replacement is made.

How to correctly pass a bayonet during formation?

When transferring a bayonet knife (for example, for inspection), it must be sheathed. The transfer is made with the right hand by the handle (in the sheath), the receiver also takes the handle with the right hand. It is prohibited to remove the blade for demonstration without a command.