Bayonet Knife: 11 Best Bayonet Knives for Personal Defense and Survival

Bayonet knives represent a blend of functionality and tactical versatility, designed to meet the demanding requirements of modern warfare and outdoor survival. This comprehensive guide examines the key features and performance characteristics of today’s leading bayonet knives, comparing their durability, cutting ability, and overall value to help you select the right tool for your needs.

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Reviews

1853 Socket Bayonet

Crafted from sturdy steel, this reproduction 1853 socket bayonet keeps the original’s 17-inch blade and 20.5-inch overall length intact while adding a period-correct brass-mounted leather scabbard. Most users report it fits perfectly on authentic 1853 three-band Enfield rifles, though some minor adjustments may be needed for replicas. The unsharpened blade looks every bit as impressive as the real deal.

China Made German Fighter Bayonet Knife

Chinese-made but with a German fighter influence, this bayonet-style knife stands out with its 12-inch length and striking black stainless blade. The stacked leather handle and OD green sheath add practicality and a touch of military flair. At 6.75 inches, the blade cuts through tasks with solid performance, though precise reviews are few – with an average rating of 4.1 from nine reviewers.

China Made Bayonet Knife

Made in China, this bayonet features a 9.75” black stainless blade with a black grooved handle and stainless guard and pommel. While some users praise its appearance and quality, fitting properly onto an M1 rifle can vary. The OD green synthetic belt sheath adds a practical touch to this detailed reproduction.

Assassin’s Creed Jungle Carbine Bayonet Knife

Made for Enfield No. 5 carbines, this Indian-made replica captures the authentic look and feel of a jungle carbine bayonet. The black-finished steel blade and dark brown hardwood handle recreate the classic Rifle Factory Ishapore design, though some might find the metal quality a bit disappointing. Overall, it makes a solid addition to your collection or movie prop setup, though fitting securely on your rifle may require some adjustment.

Smith & Wesson 3G Special Ops Bayonet Knife

The matte stainless blade glimmers under headlamps during night ops, while the OD green handle blends seamlessly into the darkness. The wire-cutting scabbard can double as a maintenance tool, keeping your gear sharp on the fly. When it’s just you and the wilderness, this Chinese-made blade proves surprisingly reliable for its budget price point.

SOG BY1001-BX BAR15T T/E Black Bayonet Knife

The SOG BAR15T Tanto Bayonet combines exceptional durability with a distinctive Tanto blade design. At 12.2 inches overall, it feelsbalances perfectly in hand due to its G10 handle and textured grip. While it’s primarily built for tactical use and self-defense, its impressive heft and solid construction make it stand out among standard bayonets.

China Made 926737 Great Bayonet Knife

Made from stainless steel with a sharp 8.88” blade, this bayonet-style knife has a black checkered synthetic handle and matching stainless guard and pommel. The full 14” length makes it stand out, though you might need to do some modifications to get it to fit on a real rifle - it’s definitely more of a stage prop than a practical battlefield tool. While not everyone agrees, those who like it seem really fond of how sturdy and well-made it feels for the price.

Deepeeka Enfield Bayonet

Crafted from high carbon steel, this bayonet features a robust 17-inch blade with a substantial 14.5 mm thickness at the base narrowing to 7.1 mm at the tip. The blade’s impressive length is complemented by a classically styled three-rivet leather sheath adorned with brass fittings and a practical brass hanging clip. While praised for its quality construction, some users note the absence of the distinctive green fullers on all three sides of the blade.

Assassin’s Creed 600851 Bayonet Knife

Made for serious gamers and collectors, this detailed bayonet grips you with its authentic heft and balance. The deep blue steel blade sings when you hit the sharpened edge against your palm, while the oil-finished wood handles whisper promises of grip and control. At 22 inches long, it’s a conversation starter that lives up to its historical inspiration.

WithArmour 057BK Bayonet Knife

A sturdy 9-inch fixed blade with a 4.75-inch 440C stainless steel blade and 4.25-inch black G10 handle. The full-tang construction adds serious durability, while the stonewashed blade finish gives it a subtle tactile texture. Keep it secure in the included black Kydex sheath.

Springfield Civil War Socket Bayonet

This well-made Springfield Civil War bayonet features a 17-inch blade and mounts perfectly on a. 58-caliber rifle. The brass-fitted leather scabbard adds that authentic touch to any Civil War collection. Most buyers are thrilled with their purchase, though a few noted minor issues with fit that required some adjustments.

Buyer’s Guide

A bayonet knife is a versatile tool with military and tactical origins, now popular among outdoor enthusiasts, survivalists, and self-defense enthusiasts. Understanding the key features and considerations will help you select the right bayonet knife for your needs.

Blade Design and Construction

The blade should be made from high-quality stainless steel for durability and corrosion resistance. Common blade shapes include tanto, drop-point, and clip-point, each offering different cutting characteristics. The blade thickness affects both weight and cutting power, with thicker blades providing more force but less precision.

Handle Design and Grip

The handle must provide secure traction in all conditions. Materials like stainless steel, aluminum, and glass-reinforced nylon offer durability and resistance to environmental factors. The handle shape and texture should enhance grip, particularly when wet or dirty. Some handles incorporate finger grooves or multicompound surfaces for improved control.

Overall Length and Weight

The blade length typically ranges from 4 to 8 inches, with longer blades offering more cutting power but reduced maneuverability. Total length affects carryability and legal restrictions in some jurisdictions. The weight should balance sufficient mass for cutting tasks while remaining comfortable for extended use.

Deployment and Retention Mechanisms

Modern bayonets often feature quick-release retention systems that allow rapid deployment. Common mechanisms include push-button, lever, and thumb-slide mechanisms. The deployment mechanism should be reliable yet simple to operate under stress. Retention systems prevent accidental deployment when carried, with options including spring-loaded, pawl-lock, and positive-lock designs.

FAQ

What is a bayonet knife?

A bayonet knife is a type of fixed-blade knife specifically designed to attach to firearm barrels, typically rifle barrels. It combines the functionality of a knife with the practicality of mounting on a weapon for close-quarters combat.

Bayonet blades are usually between 6 and 12 inches long, made from high-carbon steel for durability and often feature a full-tang design for reliable performance under pressure.

How do you attach a bayonet to a firearm?

Bayonets attach to firearms using either a bayonet lug on the barrel or the weapon’s handguard. The blade fits into a dovetail or tang slot that locks it securely in place.

The attachment mechanism typically requires one hand to operate, often with a simple push or twist action. Many modern bayonets also include safety features to prevent accidental deployment.

What’s the difference between fixed and folding bayonets?

Fixed bayonets are mounted permanently on the firearm and cannot be folded or retracted. They offer consistent balance and weight distribution but take up more space when not in use.

Folding bayonets mount like fixed versions but can be folded down for storage. They usually feature heavier blades to maintain cutting performance while folded.

What components make up a bayonet?

Key components include the blade, tang, crossguard, pivot pin, lock mechanism, and attachment points. The blade itself can vary in shape and purpose, from straight cutting edges to more specialized designs.

The tang connects the blade to the handle, while the crossguard protects the hand. Lock mechanisms secure the blade open or locked closed, and pivot pins allow folding designs to function.

Can bayonets be used as practical knives?

While primarily designed for military use, bayonets can be used as versatile knives. Their heavy construction and long blades make them effective for various cutting tasks.

However, their primary purpose is as a weapon attachment, and not all designs prioritize civilian use considerations like ergonomics or blade geometry optimized for non-combat tasks.

What maintenance is required for bayonets?

Regular cleaning with mild soap and water helps prevent corrosion. Dry the blade and components thoroughly afterward to prevent moisture damage.

Apply a thin layer of lubricant to moving parts, and check the lock mechanism regularly to ensure proper function. Store bayonets in a dry environment with protection from dust and debris.

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