This compact and thorough guide contains descriptions, technical specifications and illustrations of fighting knives and bayonets developed and used in countries around the world including France, Belgium, Germany Britain, the US, 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.