When you think of the bayonet, the first thing you’re likely to think of are the grainy photos of Union and Confederate soldiers or paintings that depict Redcoats marching in formation. A new veteran owned company, Bayonext, has put an exciting, innovative and modern twist on one of the oldest battle implements still in use today.
You may be surprised to know, however, that the bayonet has been used in modern times as well. Bayonet charges have been used against the Germans in World War 2 and the Chinese during the Korean War, even some as recent as 2004 in Iraq and 2011 in Afghanistan. There are even some early unconfirmed reports of the British SAS leading a charge against ISIS fighters earlier this year.
The problem with nearly every bayonet is their need to be manually fixed to the rifle during a highly stressful situation. The military teaches hand-to-hand techniques in the event that one would have to defend themselves should they be separated from their weapon or run out of ammunition. During my own deployment, a soldier in my brigade was forced to do exactly this when an enemy fighter charged his position.
Bayonext has created a unique solution to this problem with their flagship product of the same name.
The Bayonext is an out-the-front bayonet that attaches to the rail system of the host weapon. Housed in an aluminum tube, the 4140 QT spike deploys with a vengeance with only the slight pull of its deployment collar. In essence, you have a single-action bayonet that is the only one of its kind currently available on the market. It is absolutely perfect for use in all environments, including CQB.
The Bayonext can also be used without being attached to a rifle. As a hand-held tool, it can serve various purposes with sportsmen and outdoor enthusiasts. As a secondary weapon, it can provide the extra protection one may need against wild game in any part of the world.
The Bayonext is attached to the rail system by using a couple of standard 1-inch flashlight mounts. Once the Bayonext is in place, a rubber sleeve can be attached over the spike to make it very low profile. Anyone viewing the product on the rifle would be hard pressed to figure out what it is until it is deployed.
For my testing, I wanted to see how the product would hold up to a variety of materials. The two common techniques to fighting with a bayonet are the thrust and the slash. For thrusting attacks, I used a heavy-duty off-road tire and wooden boards of varying thickness.
The Bayonext was able to easily pierce through the sidewall of the tire and on through to the opposite sidewall. The only thing stopping it from going further was my muzzle. Even then, two inches of thick rubber wasn’t a challenge at all.
With very little effort, it was able to puncture through inch-thick boards. Obviously, an attack against an adversary wearing a Kevlar vest without plates would be devastating.
Now I’m no Albert Einstein, but I think we can all agree that no scientific testing would be complete without watermelons. Sure, it doesn’t perfectly simulate damage to an opponent in a combat application, but it is damn fun. Either way, the victim of my slash attacks didn’t stand a chance against the Bayonext.
During my tests, I managed to run the tip of the spike against a hefty slab of concrete floor, which bent it. However, I was able to use my trusty Leatherman to make a repair in the field in less than a minute. You can’t fault the Bayonext here, as it isn’t designed to pierce through concrete. That’s why we have this.
So what happens when you deploy the spike and it hits something that stops it before it can lock into place? Well, you simply back off a couple of inches and give it another thrust! There is no rail or track for the spike to come off of in the event that it is stopped during deployment like any out-the-front knife. Once it is deployed, closing it is as simple as pulling back on the deployment collar and pushing the spike into a firm object until it locks in place again.
The deployment collar also functions as a safety mechanism for the spike, which is a great feature to have. The collar has a notch that lines up with a safety screw. When they are aligned, you are able to deploy the spike. If you rotate the collar 90 degrees, you are in safe mode and the spike cannot be deployed. This is an excellent attention to detail that helps prevent accidental injury or damage to nearby objects.
The entire product is just under 14” long in the closed position and it deploys a 7.5” spike when opened.
Currently, the Bayonext is offered in Blackout, but there are Cerakote options in FDE and an Olive Drab Green. For $320, you get the basic package, which includes the product itself. The premium package includes two rail mounts, a case, and premium packaging, for $369. The Bayonext is only the flagship product and they plan on more innovation with accessories and other future applications.
Bayonext is a veteran owned and operated company from the small town of Claxton, Georgia. Doug Maddi served in the 75th Ranger Regiment before ending his career at the Army’s Program Executive Office Soldier where he helped acquire the best equipment and protection available for the individual soldier.
The Bayonext itself is machined and manufactured by Chris DeLoach and Michael Smith with Trinity Precision & Arms inside Smith’s Hydraulic, Inc.
Order yours now from Bayonext and keep an eye out for future products!
Author – Rodney Pointer is a former Army Infantryman. After graduating from Airborne School, he was ruthlessly assigned to Fort Polk, Louisiana to live out his days as a dirty leg. He served with the 2nd BN, 30th Infantry of the 4th Brigade, 10th Mountain Division. Following his deployment to Afghanistan, he received a Bachelor’s degree in Intelligence Operations. He currently works as a nuclear security contractor.