'FULLERS' on Edged Weapons. - JUNGLE CARBINE Bayonet

'FULLERS' on Edged Weapons (Blood Grooves ?)

A Fuller is actually the tool used by blacksmiths to form a groove in a sword, knife or bayonet blade.

                                   S M L E JUNGLE CARBINE BAYONET

A Fuller is used to lighten the blade without weakening it – on the principle that bending causes more stress at the edge of a blade (by leverage) than in the middle areas. - This gives lighter blades relative to size, or a stiffer blade relative to weight. A good example of this principle is an I beam.

The myth much loved by blood-thirsty correspondents is that the 'blood groove' is needed to reduce the suction resistance when pulling a blade out from the assailants body - by letting the air in and the blood out - this is total B. S.

  Recruit: Excuse me Sir, but have the Germans the same methods in bayonet fighting as us?      

- Instructor: "Lets hope so - As it's your only chance". (Punch 1917)

Terms such as "fix bayonets" and "blood groove" are useful in infantry training to focus the mind on a very personal and important life threatening situation.

A long sword blade can be made 20% to 35% lighter than a non-fullered blade without any loss of strength but this effect is much reduced in a shorter knife or bayonet. - Should the combatant find his or her blade to be 'stuck' in the torso - he/she apparently is best advised to twist & pull harder !!

By the way, - If you actually own a genuine  S.M.L.E. Jungle-Carbine Bayonet ( I do,- I bought it under advise in Sydney years ago) you might note that it is a rare item valued about the same as the rifle it fits! (Jungle Carbine Bayonets have a large ring to fit over the carbines flash suppressor).

Marty K