This page last updated on 1/15/17
Bayonet Terms:
HILT or POMMEL: The very end of the handle which typically is where the blade tang and handle are fixed. Also includes the Mortise Slot, Attachment Slot or Stud Slot opening to slip onto the lug or stud of the rifle and moveable piece which locks the bayonet onto the Stud or Lug of the rifle. The catch or lock is released by a Press Button or Press Release.
HANDLE or GRIP: Located between the blade and the hilt which is where the bayonet can be held by the hand. The opposite end of the blade with is used to hold and use the bayonet. Typically a solid piece of metal, wood or plastic or can be removable pieces which are called grips.
FLASHGUARD: A metal plate added to the spine of the handle to protect the wood grips from the gunpowder blast from the rifle when firing.
GUARD: The transition piece between the handle and blade typically made of metal or plastic to help prevent the hand from slipping over the blade when in use as a weapon or tool. On most bayonets, a hole in the top of the guard slips over the barrel. This may be called the Muzzle Ring, Guard Ring, or Socket.
BLADE: The portion of the bayonet which is used for thrusting, cutting and penetrating almost always made of high quality steel. There are several different blade shapes or styles: socket, cruciform, single edged knife, double edged knife, bowie and spear point. Specific parts of the blade are identified below:
Scabbard Terms:
HILT or POMMEL: The very end of the handle which typically is where the blade tang and handle are fixed. Also includes the Mortise Slot, Attachment Slot or Stud Slot opening to slip onto the lug or stud of the rifle and moveable piece which locks the bayonet onto the Stud or Lug of the rifle. The catch or lock is released by a Press Button or Press Release.
HANDLE or GRIP: Located between the blade and the hilt which is where the bayonet can be held by the hand. The opposite end of the blade with is used to hold and use the bayonet. Typically a solid piece of metal, wood or plastic or can be removable pieces which are called grips.
FLASHGUARD: A metal plate added to the spine of the handle to protect the wood grips from the gunpowder blast from the rifle when firing.
GUARD: The transition piece between the handle and blade typically made of metal or plastic to help prevent the hand from slipping over the blade when in use as a weapon or tool. On most bayonets, a hole in the top of the guard slips over the barrel. This may be called the Muzzle Ring, Guard Ring, or Socket.
BLADE: The portion of the bayonet which is used for thrusting, cutting and penetrating almost always made of high quality steel. There are several different blade shapes or styles: socket, cruciform, single edged knife, double edged knife, bowie and spear point. Specific parts of the blade are identified below:
- RICASSO: The flat area immediately in front of the guard which typically is where the maker markings are located.
- FULLER: One or more grooves in the blade body parallel to the back of the blade typically to reduce weight
- EDGE: The sharpened edge of the blade for cutting. Some bayonets have a false edge on the top of the blade to aid in penetration. Some bayonets blades are double edged which have cutting edges on both the top and bottom of the blade.
- BACK: The unsharpened portion of the blade opposite the True Edge.
- POINT: There are names for all of the various point shapes used on knives and bayonets. Typical point shapes include: spear, bowie and tanto (angular shaped)
- TANG: An extension of the blade, which is where the blade is attached to the handle or grips.
Scabbard Terms:
- BODY: This is normally the part that encloses the entire length of the blade. It may be made of leather, metal, wood, or plastic depending on the model and time period.
- FITTINGS: For scabbard bodies made of leather, most have metal pieces attached at both ends by staples or rivets to provide additional strength to the scabbard for heavy use in the field.
- FROG STUD or HANGER or BELT LOOP: The means by which the scabbard can be carried by the soldier on the belt or pack pack by a HOOK or DOUBLE HOOK or Leather Frog or Belt Loop. On many foreign bayonets, the belt attachment is by a separate piece of leather or web material which is normally called the FROG or HANGER.
- THROAT or MOUTHPIECE: The upper piece where the blade enters the scabbard.
- TIP or FINALE or FERRULE: The bottom of the scabbard.