This compact and thorough guide contains descriptions, technical specifications, and illustrations of fighting knives and bayonets developed and used in countries around the world--France, Belgium, Germany, Britain, the United States, Australia, China, and Central America. Accompanied by fascinating, detailed historical background, it explores the development of these wide-ranging and adaptable weapons from the earliest effective fixed blade copper combat knives, bronze daggers, and short swords used in ancient warfare; the rondel, baselard, and quillion steel daggers of middle ages; to the bayonets and trench knives of WWI; clandestine-edged weapons developed for the SOE and OSS during WWII and beyond; and the various combat knives used by Contra rebels in the Central American jungle.
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