Resident knife expert Randall Chaney reviews the Waffentechnik B2K bayonet for the Springfield Armory Hellion.
Does the Hellion bayonet perform in the real world?
Read on for the full evaluation.
The Waffentechnik B2K bayonet is a perfect fit for the Springfield Hellion rifle with the 20″ barrel.
Yes, the bayonet is arguably a relic of the past.
But more on that in a moment.
Gaining an Edge
Early bayonets were named after the Basque Bayonne region of France.
The Waffentechnik Model B2K is available in both black and OD green. It attaches easily to the 20″ Hellion.
They were called plug bayonets for obvious reasons and were used to dispatch game.
Later socket bayonets affixed themselves around the barrel and allowed reloading without removal of the knife.
In the late 1600s, regiments of the French Fusiliers and British Dragoons began using the bayonet in warfare.
In addition to normal blade testing, the author mounted the B2K bayonet on his Hellion for additional evaluations.
Thebayonnettereplaced the employment of dedicated pikemen to protect the musketeers during reloads.
It resists the elements well and is relatively easy to sharpen.
The bayonet has a special anti-corrosion coating on all metal parts and weighs in at 20.8 ounces.
A sheath is included with the Waffentechnik Model B2K. Not only does it carry and protect the blade, it also works with the knife to cut wire.
Overall length of the knife is 12.2.
The handle scales are made from PA6 GK30, a resin which is reinforced with 30% glass beads.
It exhibits toughness, heat resistance, and resistance to salts, chemicals, and corrosive media.
The Springfield Armory Hellion bayonet, designated the B2K, is made by Waffentechnik, based in Solingen, Germany.
Yeah, its a worthy polymer.
It feels very non-slip in the hand.
A serious sheath accompanies the B2K.
The bayonet sheath includes a sharpening plate to touch up the blade while in the field.
Waffentechnik calls it a Textile Wearing System.
The sheath is composed of a web nylon and a polymer scabbard, and is MOLLE- & IDZ-compatible.
A sapphire sharpening plate, drain hole, flat-tipped screwdriver, and lanyard tie-down enhance the TWS.
The bayonet and sheath can work together as a wire cutter. The author tested this with galvanized steel cable.
While softer than concertina, the Hellions bayonet clip cut through the galvanized items with a sharp snap.
My B2Ks edge required a minor touch-up to the 440A.
Owing to the good edge geometry, some passes on a Spyderco Tri-Angle Sharpmaker satisfied this task.
The B2K employs a NATO pattern for compatibility with M4/M16 rifles in addition to the Hellion. It has a flat ground Bowie-pattern blade made of 440A stain-resistant steel.
[Catch Randall Wilsons articleHow to Sharpen a Knife.]
A few ouchies were inflicted upon the B2Ks non-reflective coating during my testing.
Much like a current knife-forging television shows competition testing, I gave the bayonet no quarter.
My efforts only slightly dulled the knife, which was brought back to sharpness without argument.
I tried the sharpening plate attached to the polymer sheath body.
While only about an inch square, it necessitates working small portions of the knifes edge at a time.
I would reserve its use for emergencies.
But, it is very handy to have.
When tested on my personal AR-pattern rifle, the Hellions bayonet nested as advertised.
The B2K appears more businesslike than its Vietnam War-era-looking counterpart.
This lengthens the distance between the hands for more leverage.
As a bullpup, the Hellion cannot practically afford this purchase.
Final Thoughts
The Springfield Armory B2K is a hearty companion to the 20 Hellion.
