Bayonets

Bayonets were designed to give the close-quarters combatant a tactical edge with longer reach. Traditionally used on the end of a rifle, there were many designs adopted over the years. From the early, simple plug bayonet (which made it impossible to also fire your gun), to modern representations that no longer pose any hurdle in firing. Size also changed as one-on-one combat became less a part of a battle plan after WWI. From the size of short swords to more manageable combat knives which serve utilitarian purposes, the advent of newer, better firearms made has made them almost obsolete. Almost. Lee Enfields, M1 Garands, and AK 47’s, along with other famous guns, were issued a variant, and many are still in use today, making them highly sought-after collectibles. Although the fighting style has changed, the function and use of today’s bayonets as combat knives are still effective in the field and look intimidating on parade.

Today the bayonet is rarely used in one-on-one combat, thanks to the effectiveness of firearms. The complexity of using a bayonet and the low stopping power of a single bayonet thrust makes it impractical. In modern combat, it's more efficient to put an enemy down with technology and firearms than with a bayonet. Despite its limitations, the bayonet is still issued by many armies. Additionally, the bayonet is still used for controlling prisoners and as a weapon of self-defense, and for utilitarian purposes in camp. Some even claim that training with one teaches a valuable level of aggression on the battlefield.

Current bayonets are often multi-purpose knives, such as the US M9 bayonet, an efficient fighting knife, or the Soviet AKM bayonet, which is also a groundbreaking survival knife that can be used as a wire-cutter. Some bayonets can also be used as utility knives, bottle openers, or throwing knives. There is also the obvious financial benefit of issuing one multi-purpose bayonet/knife as opposed to multiple knives to confuse and burden today’s soldiers.

We feature bayonet replicas, genuine military surplus bayonets, german bayonets, British bayonets, army surplus bayonets for sale, and accessories like hard-to-find scabbards and frogs to carry them accurately. 

  • M-1917 Enfield Bayonet with Scabbard

    Windlass Steelcrafts

    M-1917 Enfield Bayonet with Scabbard

    # 803131

    An exact reproduction of the classic WW1 Enfield M-1917 bayonet with simulated WW1 dates. Each bayonet comes with a green steel-mounted leather scabbard complete with correct hooks for the U.S. Perfect for re-enactors and collectors! Arrives sharpened...
    $109.95
  • M1 Garand Parade Bayonet

    Windlass Steelcrafts

    M1 Garand Parade Bayonet

    # 403430

    This reproduction M1 Garand Parade Bayonet was made to original WWII specs but with chromed steel fittings. Scabbard is issue OD green, but features matching chromed steel parts. Overall 14-1/2 inches.   M1 Garand Parade Bayonet is made to the...
    $79.95
  • Windlass Steelcrafts German WWII K-98 Mauser Bayonet

    Windlass Steelcrafts

    German WWII K-98 Mauser Bayonet with Scabbard

    # 803314

    This German WWII K-98 Mauser Bayonet is reproduced in exacting detail from a mid-WWII original and fits German, Yugoslavian, Czech and most K-98 clones. Comes factory sharp.   This bayonet is reproduced in exacting detail from a mid-WWII original...
    $89.95
  • Arisaka Type 30 Bayonet with Scabbard

    Windlass Steelcrafts

    Arisaka Type 30 Bayonet with Scabbard

    # 803278

    This reproduction Arisaka Type 30 Bayonet is a pre-1937 style with a quillion. The nicely blued blade is made from 1075 high carbon steel and comes factory sharp.   The Arisaka Type 30 Bayonet was used by Imperial Japan from 1897 through 1945 on...
    $89.95
  • Jungle Carbine Bayonet

    Windlass Steelcrafts

    Jungle Carbine Bayonet

    # 401262

    This Jungle Carbine Bayonet has the correct bowie blade for the Enfield No. 5 carbine. The blade is marked R.F.I., Rifle Factory Ishapore, and comes sharpened from the factory.   Correct Bowie blade bayonet for the Enfield No. 5 carbine. Blade...
    $94.95
  • Springfield Civil War Socket Bayonet

    Windlass Steelcrafts

    Springfield Civil War Socket Bayonet

    # 600188

    This Springfield Civil War Socket Bayonet is one of the many quality Civil War re-enactment blades and other weapons that we carry.   Attached to a rifle, this bayonet gave close quarters weapons an extra long reach. Designed for Springfield .58...
    $89.95
  • British East India Company Model F Musket Bayonet

    Windlass Steelcrafts

    British East India Company Model F Musket Bayonet

    # 720060

    This is a replica of a bayonet carried by the Sepoy Infantry in both the Indian Sikh Wars, of 1845/6 and 1848/9 and later in the Great Sepoy Rebellion (Indian Mutiny of 1857-58). The socket is specially designed to encircle the Model "F" bayonet stud...
    $149.95

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