What knives were issued to all branches of the Soviet Armed Forces from the post-WWII era?

Puuko, Indigenous Finnish knife. Features a flat or in this case scandi grind.

NR-40, with a shallow flat grind that finishes with a steep grind which can be resharpened quickly.
Russians being known for practicality, a great many knives and tools were issued. The NR40 is the first iconic Russian knife. It’s influenced by the traditional Finnish Pukko knife, and the James Bowie knife. It combined the steep grind of a chopping axe with the thin edge of a Pukko, making the edge tough durable but easy to resharpen because you have to grind less steel to reach Apex. The NR-40 saw alot of action with reconnaissance units who worked in German lines.

NR-43, modernized handle, longer blade but other wise similar.
After WWII the AK-47 bayonet replaced the NR-40/43 as a tool and combat knife. It’s very thick blade but soft steel, with a wire cutting scabbard. It’s designed first as a utility knife, as a bayonet and lastly as a combat knife. The AK-47 itself happens to be designed as a melee weapon.

Standard AK-47/AKM bayonet, uses a softer steel, saw on the back, an axe-like edge which can be sharpened if needed.
The utilities department saw many new innovations after WWII; ballisong knife containing a multi tool in the handle, expandable knife with a blade tang, and variations of the Swiss army knife.
The tactical scene also has new editions; the Vityaz is a Cossack platoon knife that predates the revolution. A variation was adopted by the Spetsnaz when it was formed. The ballistic knife used by Spetsnaz takes the place as a single shot pistol, it’s not standard.

In the 1960’s the knife as a dedicated combat weapon was introduced with the Spetsnaz which is formed in 1957. The trench shovel, before and after, was what a Russian soldier would pull out for fighting instead of a knife, be he a regular infantry or recon scout.

It’s a thin shovel around the edge which allows to be sharpened to this standard (with proper sharpening tools) it can also be used as a cooking pan.
The NKVD (later KGB) also carried a backup edged weapon which are not regulated to specification or standard issued. They carried premium knives which varied in ease of carry and size depending on their functions. They are not exactly soldiers, don’t always know how to use it efficiently.

The Vityaz is a Platoon level knife used by Cossack officers, it’s a traditional knife.
A modernized variation of the NR-43 ‘SMERSH’ was issued to Spetsnaz units. In the mid 1970’s Kizylar produced the Voron (raven) and DV series of knives for special forces. And a high end line named after the Vityaz which uses high quality materials.

SMERSH-5 (compact variant)
SMERSH is a classical combat knife. The name is acronym for “death to spies” coined by counter intelligence troops. The SMERSH-5 is a modern derivative of the NR-43, the entire blade is machined down to a thin edge with a not so steep grind. It uses a moderately hard steel. It’s abit fragile for utility.

SMERSH-5 full size

Kizlyar Voron-3 is most widely issued knife to Spetnaz of the modern generation. It inherits the flat grind/v-grind profile with a durable drop point. Alpha, Vympel Spetsnaz units use this knife.

Kizlyar DV-2
The DV series of knives maximize blade width for thin body. The idea is to allow users to easily sharpen the blade, you have alot of steel at your disposal to remove in the process of sharpening before the knife is worn out. the DV-6 is a shorter variant. The GRU Spetsnaz Units prefer this survival knife.

Wanbasion Black Stainless Steel Knife Set, Sharp Kitchen Knife

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