swordbayonet

A sword bayonet is a type of bayonet that resembles a sword in its construction and design. Unlike more common spike or cruciform bayonets, sword bayonets typically feature a long, double-edged blade, often with a fuller, and a more substantial hilt, sometimes including a guard. They were primarily developed for use with early rifles that had longer barrels and were designed to be effective not only as a stabbing weapon but also as a short sword in close combat.

The development of the sword bayonet coincided with the introduction of the socket bayonet in the late 17th century. Early examples were often quite ornate and reflected the sword-making techniques of the era. As firearms became more standardized and combat tactics evolved, the sword bayonet remained in service for a considerable period, particularly in cavalry and naval contexts where its utility as a secondary weapon was valued.

While most modern bayonets are designed for thrusting and are simpler in form, the sword bayonet represents a transitional design. Its dual role as both an accessory for a firearm and a standalone weapon made it a versatile, albeit sometimes unwieldy, addition to a soldier's kit. Examples of sword bayonets can be found throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, often associated with specific national infantry or naval forces. They are now largely obsolete, replaced by more specialized bayonet designs or removed from military service altogether.