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The Eickhorn XM9 is basically a KCB77 bayonet with a longer scabbard to provide better leverage when using the wire cutter. The blade has a tang that extends into the grip and there is a screw that passes crossway through the grip, securing it to the tang. I do not know how far into the grip the tang goes as I have never taken one apart, but it obviously goes at least past the screw.
The Eickhorn bayonet did not fare well in the 1986 trials. Every problem or failure during the trial was documented and this information was used in determining which bayonet was chosen. Eickhorn had a total of 42 seperate failures. The majority of the failures were related to the wire cutter plate on the scabbard. There were a couple of blades that nicked on the false edge while being used to cut wire, but there were no reports of broken blades.
The USMC initially contracted for the Bayonet 2000, not the newer, heavier Bayonet 2005 that Canada is currently using. The bayonet is probably constructed similarly to the KCB series, but the blade is not as wide and much thicker and it has the ergonomic grip.
My personal opinion is based solely on physical examination of the bayonets, not anything with field use. I think the KCB series of blades are rather thin, but as the trials showed they must be well made as there weren't any failures. I personally like the Marto submission. The Royal Ordnance is impractical, just like the British SA80. And the Imperial was basically an M7 with a little heavier blade. Phrobis won the trial hands down with only two reported failures.
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