[1] The M4 bayonet, like the M3 fighting knife that preceded it, was designed for rapid production using a minimum of strategic metals and machine processes, it used a relatively narrow 6.75 in (17.1 cm) bayonet-style spear-point blade with a sharpened 3.5 in (8.9 cm) secondary edge.

Production of the grooved wooden handle was later simplified by forming the grip of stacked leather washers that were shaped by turning on a lathe, then polished and lacquered.

[1] There are two variations of this scabbard, both with an olive drab fiberglass body with steel throat.

The improved M8A1 scabbard manufactured later in WW II has the M1910 bent wire hook.

The scabbard throat flange is stamped "US M8" or "US M8A1" on the flat steel part along with manufacturer initials.