Bayonet Terminology - A simple Glossary

The following blog has been written to help and inform collectors and dealers of the meaning of terms used when describing different bayonets. 

Some of the terms may apply to swords and knives but to be sure I would say this blog is for bayonets only. 

Many terms are used in listings that new collectors or potential collectors may be confused by. When people cannot understand what a description is referring to it may put them off buying that item which seems a shame so below is a brief glossary of terms that I hope will help. In is in alphabetical order so if the explanation contains a unknown term it will be explained later in the text. 

Attachment Groove - A slot, usually in the back of the bayonets hilt, to take the attachtment bar or attachment lug of the rifle.

Attachment Bar - A metal bar fixed to the barrel of the rifle and pointing forard.

Attachment Lug - A small lug or stud usually T-shaped, fixed to the barrel of the rifle near the muzzle. As with the bar it fits into the attachment groove and is held in place the locking mechanism.

Belt loop - A loop on the scabbard frog through which the belt passes.

Blueing - A blue-black finish used to prevent rust which is non reflective and astheically pleasing.

Catch Release - A button usually protruding from the side of the pommel.

Catch Mechanism - The mechanism whereby the bayonet is locked in position on the rifle.

Crossguard - The part of the hilt next to the blade that protects the hand and may have a muzzle ring and a quillion.

Edge - The sharpened part of the blade used for cutting. Some bayonets may be double edged.

Frog - A leather or webbing attachment that connects the scabbard to the belt.

Fuller - A groove in one or both sides of the blade to lighten and strengthen the blade. Sometimes called a blood groove.

Grips - Fixed to the sides of the hilt to add comfort and make less likely to drop the bayonet.

Hilt - The part of the bayonet which is held (the handle).

Knife Bayonet - a bayonet with a short blade.

Knuckle Guard - The quillion extended from the cross guard

Muzzle ring - A ring usually found on the Crossguard that provides a secondary means of attachment for the bayonet.

Pommel - The end of the hilt usually houses the catch mechanism.

Quillion - A straight or curved extension of the crossguard either decorative or to protect the hand. Fighting quillions were used to catch the enemy's bayonet so it could be twisted and snapped.

Ricasso - The part of the blade next to the crossguard, which is unsharpened.

Sabre Bayonet - A bayonet with a long or curved blade.

Sawback - A blade with saw teeth along the back edge.

Scabbard - A leather, metal or plastic sheath for the blade.

Sword bayonet - A bayonet with a long, straight blade.

Tang - An extension of the blade forming the hilt, to which the crossguard,grips and pommel are fixed.

Yataghan - A recurving blade - in other words a blade that first curves in one direction and then curves in the other direction.

For examples of  bayonets view my items on sale !