SVT-40 bayonet. If I am looking for one what I need to know?

[james456]

I am looking for bayonet for SVT-40.
I did some research and this what I found:
1. 3 different type of bayonet
svt-38 type
svt-40 pre war
svt 40 war era
(In my opinion svt-40 pre war nicer looking. True of false?)
2. Price range from 70 bucks to 400+
Why such break down? Condition is one ? Refurbish and non refurbish?
My questions:
1. Which one more desirable?
2. What marking am I looking for?
3. What kind of wood am I looking for? Did they use different type of wood or not?
4. Some have numbers on the handle and some don't. Is it because it was recondition or because some did not have numbers originally?
5. Screws look different. Did they use different screws at different time? I understand during the war they wanted to save but I want to know is there any info on all type of screws?
6. Am I missing something? Anything else I have to look for?

I know there is a lot of fakes. But some do advertise as replica. If I cannot find any original can I go with fake to add to my rifle? Not necessarily my choice but I want to have rifle complete. Rifle is in great shape but mismatch and electroplated. I have got original adjusting tool and it cost me 50 bucks. I am scared that bayonet in excellent shape going to cost me 10 times more.

If anybody knows anything about it please advise. Picture would be great.
Great forum. Loving it!
Thank you!!

[Wesley's Dad]

Don't know much about fakes, but the market is still flooded with original, but postwar arsenal refinished SVT bayonets. That explains the huge price range. These almost always have web belt hangers, full blued blades, and electric pencil added serial numbers. There were some 10K or more of these release from former Soviet stocks around 2002-2003.