Bayonets are a tangible piece of history something that when you hold you are literally holding a piece of history in your hand. If there’s one item that you may not want to be able to tell its stories it would be a bayonet, however, they are highly collectable and there are many different types dating back hundreds of years. Below I have detailed the more recent and more available
Bayonets of World War I (1914–1918)
World War I bayonets were designed with trench warfare in mind, where close combat and utility use were common. The most prominent type was the long sword bayonet, characterized by its length and multipurpose functionality.
The British Pattern 1907 bayonet, used with the SMLE rifle, was a typical example. It featured a 17-inch blade, designed not only for combat but also to reach over sandbags and into enemy trenches. Its length allowed infantrymen to use it like a short sword in hand-to-hand combat, although it was often criticized for being unwieldy in confined spaces.
The German Seitengewehr 98/05, known as the “Butcher Blade” due to its heavy, cleaver-like design, was paired with the Gewehr 98 rifle. It had a 14.5-inch blade and was robust, making it useful for both combat and general tasks like cutting wire or opening crates.
France used the Épée-Baïonnette Modèle 1886 (Lebel bayonet), a long, needle-like cruciform spike, effective for thrusting but less versatile. Its design made it lethal but fragile and difficult to use as a tool.
Overall, WWI bayonets emphasized length and thrusting power over practical utility, reflecting a 19th-century mindset not yet adapted to modern warfare realities. As trench warfare stagnated, the need for more compact, versatile weapons became clear.
Bayonets of World War II (1939–1945)
By World War II, the design of bayonets had evolved significantly. Emphasis shifted toward compactness, utility, and mass production rather than reach and combat power alone. Bayonets were shorter, lighter, and often designed with multi-use functionality.
The U.S. M1 bayonet, for example, was a shortened version of the WWI-era M1905. Originally 16 inches, it was cut down to 10 inches to better suit jungle and urban warfare. It fit the M1 Garand rifle and was designed for both stabbing and general tasks. The U.S. also issued the M3 trench knife and M4 bayonet (used with the M1 carbine), reflecting a preference for dual-purpose combat tools.
Germany replaced its long bayonets with the more compact S84/98 III, used with the Karabiner 98k. This bayonet had a 10-inch blade and was built with durability in mind. Unlike the WWI “Butcher Blade,” it was more manageable and less likely to break under strain.
The Soviet Mosin-Nagant spike bayonet was simple and rugged, with a permanently mounted or socket-style design. It was a four-edged cruciform spike—not ideal for utility, but effective for quick thrusts and easy production.
Japan’s Type 30 bayonet, used throughout both wars, retained a longer blade (15.75 inches), reflecting older military doctrine. It had a hooked quillon and was often used with the Arisaka rifle.
WWII bayonets balanced combat effectiveness with practicality. Their evolution marked a shift from ceremonial or psychological impact toward efficient battlefield performance and adaptability