bayonette

The bayonet is a knife, sword, or spike-shaped weapon designed to fit onto the muzzle of a rifle or similar firearm, effectively turning it into a spear. The primary purpose of the bayonet is for close-quarters combat, allowing a soldier to engage an enemy at a distance beyond the reach of hand-to-hand fighting but too close for effective rifle fire.

Bayonets were first widely adopted in the late 17th century, becoming a standard infantry weapon. Early designs often involved a socket that fit over the barrel. Later innovations included the plug bayonet, which inserted directly into the barrel, though this blocked the firearm's use for shooting. Modern bayonets are typically the knife or spike type, often with a crossguard, and can be detached for use as a combat knife or utility tool. They are still carried by many modern armies, though their battlefield effectiveness is debated and often considered a secondary weapon.