K4 Bayonet
| K4 Bayonet | |
|---|---|
| File:K4 Bayonet.png K4 Bayonet | |
| Type | Bayonet |
| Place of origin | Arthurista |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2003-present |
| Used by | Commonwealth Defence Forces |
| Wars | Arthuristan Civil War |
| Production history | |
| Designed | 2002 |
| Manufacturer | Eickhorn Arthurista |
| Produced | 2002-present |
| Specifications | |
| Length | 33cm |
| Blade type | Forced laser-cut 440C Stainless Steel(standard) or 9260 tool steel (special forces bayonet) with anti-corrosion finish , semi-tanto point with full tang |
| Hilt type | Metal guard, latch, & clasp, with Kraton(polymer) grip |
The K4 bayonet was introduced in 2013. It is also compatible with the Emmerian M18, Eaglelander Model 35A2 and other weapons commonly found in the international armaments market. The domestic Arthuristan model features a 'socket' handle with an offset blade, in ordr to fit the L87 rifle. Those sold on the export market utilise the normal centre-line configuration for knives and bayonets.
The standard variant of the K4 bayonet is forged and laser-cut from 440C Stainless Steel, which is relatively cost effective, though tough and very corrosion resistant. The K4M, or Special Forces Bayonet, uses the even stronger 9260 tool steel. Some corrosion-resistance is sacrificed, although this is mostly compensated by its coating. The heat-tempering of both variants ensures that it can be bent to up to 30 degrees without damage or fracture. The weapon's blade geometry is optimised to pierce modern kevlar ballistic armour, featuring a semi-tanto construction with an extremely sharp chisel-shaped tip coupled with a tough, relatively substantial blade body. The back edge of the tip can also be sharpened for increased piercing capability. During testing, the blade successfully pierced a ballistic-gellatin dummy protected with a kevlar ballistic vest and aircraft alluminium. When used as a combat knife, the Kraton-covered hilt prevents the blade from slipping from one's grip, even in hot and wet conditions. It is also worth noting that the hilt is modular; hilts of various thicknesses are available, allowing a soldier in the field to easily disassemble the bayonet and replace its hilt to fit his/her hand size.
The blade is normally housed in a polyester sheath. It has an extruding peg which, when fitted to the oblong slot near the tip of the blade, allows it to be used as a makeshift wirecutter, similar to the Emmerian M9 bayonet. The entire assembly is designed to fit easily into the STANAG MOLLE/PALS load carrying system.