M9 Bayonet questions

[Sharp Knives 86]

I've kinda got an itching for an M9 and I'm torn between a "like new" surplus version from either Ontario or Lan-Cay or a brand new Ontario. Do current OKC M9's use a full tang like I've seen on some versions or the partial tang with a threaded rod? Is either version better than the other? Are there any major differences with currently produced M9's compared to older models?

 

[dingy]

i suggest you get one OKC3S instead , it is surely has a full tang as i know.

 

[beachmaster]

Neither the M9 nor the OKC3S, not any other bayonete that I am familiar with save possible the Zero Tolerance, is full tang. They are stick tangs with threaded bayonet pommels.

 

[Stubai]

I have two older M9 military knives. Also the Phrobis and a Buck iteration, none of these sport a full tang. In my experience, these knives are very sturdy and are not likely to break despite the stick tang construction. If you can break an OKC3S in normal use, please send me the photograph or video asap.

 

[sac troop]

Can't think of any U.S. bayonets made in the last 50 years with a full tang. Stick tangs for the M4-M7's. M9's made for U.S. Government contract comply with specification MIL-K-70606. Which ever company that made it, the bayonet will be made to that specification.
From Technical manual circa 1993.

 

[Sharp Knives 86]

Neither the M9 nor the OKC3S, not any other bayonete that I am familiar with save possible the Zero Tolerance, is full tang. They are stick tangs with threaded bayonet pommels.

I have two older M9 military knives. Also the Phrobis and a Buck iteration, none of these sport a full tang. In my experience, these knives are very sturdy and are not likely to break despite the stick tang construction. If you can break an OKC3S in normal use, please send me the photograph or video asap.

Stick tang is what I should have said. I've seen some M9's with a "full" stick tang (tang is one piece and runs most the length of the handle but was still threaded) and one like the picture above.

Not to worried about durability since theres a nice destruction video of a guy stabbing small propane can and hacking brick with it plus it withstood him putting all his weight on it. Plus if it's still being issued today I would hope that means despite some failures (like all knives makers have) it proven more reliable than not but then again how many soldiers actually use their knives much either?

 

[Sharp Knives 86]

Can't think of any U.S. bayonets made in the last 50 years with a full tang. Stick tangs for the M4-M7's. M9's made for U.S. Government contract comply with specification MIL-K-70606. Which ever company that made it, the bayonet will be made to that specification.
From Technical manual circa 1993.

Forgot to ask, is the knife pictured the current MIL specs for the knife?

 

[sac troop]

I don't have information on updates to the specification. The handle profile has changed since 1993. I believe there have also been some small differences in the specifics of at least some of the hilt parts.
The Government has been liquidating some stock of bayonets recently. Mostly Lan-cay's, Ontario's, and even a few tri-tech's.
Personally I can't imagine Ontario making consumer versions of the M9's any differently than they do the Government contract ones, maybe someone will chime in soon.

Oh, the knife in the picture is an example of a first contract Lan-cay blade pattern. The differences are rather small.

 

[John A. Larsen]

I seem to remember that Ontario agreed with the USMC to make consumer versions of the OKC exactly the same as the military version. The USMC did not want some Marine losing a OKC, buying a consumer version to replace it, and a weaker or less substantial bayonet entering their supply chain. John

 

[Mister Moon]

Link removed, read the site rules.

 

[casca174]

Sharp Knives 86 ... I own a lot of versions of Phrobis', Buck 188's, LANCAY, LanCay, Lan-Cay's, Ontario's, Tri-Technologies, etc. If you're dead-set on getting an M9 Bayonet and want to know the best of the bunch as far as fit and finish, you should go for an early version of a Phrobis/Buck M9, or a Buck 188. There are plenty of good examples still available that aren't chewed up surplus versions, although you'll pay a premium price. Those Phrobis and Bucks M9s just had a nicer fit and finish when doing a side by side comparison to the newer M9's. Although I like Lancay's, some of their first contract grey-bladed M9's versions were very rough cut and not very pretty to the eyes. The newer M9's by Ontario and Tri-Tech are better with, black oxide blades, and can be found brand new for very reasonable prices. All have a similar construction with regard to the threaded tang as discussed with a few exceptions of prototype and Trial bayonets that had full tangs. M9M4 site gives a good overview of a lot of what's out there for M9's, OKC3S series, and some other interesting military knives.