Danish M1962 Bayonet
The Danish M1962 bayonet (Danish: Skyttegravskniv model 1962) is a close copy of the U.S. M5A1 bayonet. While designed to fit the M1 Garand (the Danish M/50 rifle), it was primarily issued as a combat knife (trench knife) to troops not armed with a rifle, such as those with submachine guns or pistols.
Key Specifications
- Production: Approximately 32,300 units were produced in Germany between 1960 and 1969.
- Design: It is a knife-style bayonet with a single-edged blade, no barrel ring on the crossguard, and a lever-style locking mechanism.
- Markings: Look for a crown over the abbreviation HTK (Hærens Tekniske Korps) or HMAK (Hærens Materiel Kommando) on the pommel or scabbard.
Production Variants
There are two main versions of this bayonet, both manufactured by German contractors:
- Early Production (E & F Hörster): These feature a peened pommel (the tang is hammered down over the end). These were often paired with "wood-grained" brown plastic scabbards.
- Late Production (Carl Eickhorn): These have a smooth pommel and are often marked "HMAK". The Eickhorn version uses a simplified single-piece casting for the latch and pommel, attached by two roll pins.
Scabbard Details
The scabbard is a copy of the U.S. M8A1 but features a unique British-style wire belt fastener to fit Danish web gear. Early scabbards were made of a brown laminated material called Durofol, while later versions are typically olive green plastic.
