Carlo, you bring up a good point. The Camillus (XM8?) appears to be a fine bayonet. I even bought one NIB (1A3). I wonder how it would have fared during the XM9 competition, or during the USMC trials resulting in adoption of the Ontario OKC 3S? Perhaps the thing I find unusual is how the bayonet is retained in the scabbard. The blade is not secured by anything other than the retaining strap, as there do not seem to be tension springs on the ones I have seen.
In any event, I suspect sliding the thumb forwards to the rear of the M9's crossguard would be the best way of determining blade orientation while held. If one feels or slides the thumb slightly into the muzzlering, you have a good idea where the blade is. The ergonomic grip may assist to marginally improve this as well.
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