A spike bayonet is a blade attachment for a firearm taking the form of a pointed spike rather than a knife. Most early musket bayonets were of this type. From around 1800 knife- or sword style bayonets began to appear, which could also be wielded by hand. In the early 20th century Spike Bayonets re-appeared, often folding or stowed under the barrel for compactness, such as on the French MAS-36, Russian SKS and German FG 42. The spike bayonet was also used on the Russian Mosin Nagant. The Lee-Enfield No.4 bayonet or Pig-Sticker, was a short spike (but fixed conventionally), and was unpopular due to its length. Spike Bayonets have not been popular with armies since the Second World War, apart from perhaps China, who attached them to their AK-47 and SKS variants (Type 56 and Type 68).
