{"id":1733,"date":"2023-12-18T17:00:43","date_gmt":"2023-12-18T17:00:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/?p=1733"},"modified":"2023-12-18T17:00:43","modified_gmt":"2023-12-18T17:00:43","slug":"review-waffentechnik-model-b2k-hellion-bayonet","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/?p=1733","title":{"rendered":"Review: Waffentechnik Model B2K Hellion Bayonet"},"content":{"rendered":"


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By Randall Wilson<\/a><\/p>\n

Blades of all kinds pre-date firearms and remain useful as tools in everyday life. Resident knife expert Randall Wilson 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.<\/em><\/p>\n

Y<\/span>es, the bayonet is arguably a relic of the past. From the American Civil War to the trenches of World War I in Europe and beyond, we\u2019ve all the seen images of rifles with blades affixed at the muzzle. Whether they are a practical addition or not, there is admittedly a certain fascination for many of us with these implements.<\/p>\n

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The Waffentechnik B2K bayonet is a perfect fit for the Springfield Hellion rifle with the 20\u2033 barrel.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

To that end, Springfield Armory provides a solution for owners of the 20\u201d variant of the popular Hellion 5.56mm bullpup<\/a> that want to \u201cfix bayonets!\u201d. Unlike the shorter 16\u201d and 18\u201d variants of the bullpup, the 20\u201d Hellion features a handy lug for accepting a rifle-mounted knife \u2014 and Springfield has one to recommend. But more on that in a moment.<\/p>\n

Gaining an Edge<\/h2>\n

Early bayonets were named after the Basque Bayonne region of France. In the 1500\u2019s, hunters there carried a foot-long double-edged knife whose butt was inserted into the barrel of a musket. They were called plug bayonets for obvious reasons and were used to dispatch game.<\/p>\n

\"review\n<\/picture>
The Waffentechnik Model B2K is available in both black and OD green. It attaches easily to the 20\u2033 Hellion.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Later socket bayonets affixed themselves around the barrel and allowed reloading without removal of the knife. In the late 1600\u2019s, regiments of the French Fusiliers and British Dragoons began using the bayonet in warfare.<\/p>\n

Since a musket is very slow to reload, wielding a bayonet could certainly be a lifesaver at certain moments. The\u00a0bayonnette\u00a0<\/em>replaced the employment of dedicated pikemen to protect the musketeers during reloads.<\/p>\n

B2K Details<\/h2>\n

The Springfield Armory Hellion bayonet, designated the B2K, is made by Waffentechnik, based in Solingen, Germany. The B2K bayonet is employed by the Croatian Ministry of Defence for use on the VHS-D2 bullpup rifles that are produced by HS Produkt (the manufacturer of the semi-automatic Hellion).<\/p>\n

\"black\n<\/picture>
In addition to normal blade testing, the author mounted the B2K bayonet on his Hellion for additional evaluations.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Offered in black or OD Green, the NATO-pattern bayonet\u2019s flat ground Bowie-pattern blade is 7.3\u201d of 440A stain-resistant steel, which has a high chromium content and moderate carbon. 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. Overall length of the knife is 12.2\u201d.<\/p>\n

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. Yeah, it\u2019s a worthy polymer. It feels very non-slip in the hand.<\/p>\n

\"black\n<\/picture>
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.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A serious sheath accompanies the B2K. 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.<\/p>\n

Waffentechnik Model B2K Bayonet Specifications<\/h2>\n

Here are the specs on the Hellion bayonet:<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Blade Length<\/td>\n7.3\u2033<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Blade Material<\/td>\n440A Stainless Steel<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Overall Length<\/td>\n12.2\u2033<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Weight<\/td>\n20.8 oz<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Colors<\/td>\nBlack, OD green<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Features<\/td>\nWire cutter, sharpening plate, screwdriver<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Accessories<\/td>\nSheath (included)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
MSRP<\/td>\n$299.99<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n

Wringing It Out<\/h2>\n

The blade\u2019s clip and sheath combine to build a wire cutter that the manufacturer attests will sever hardened concertina. While I\u2019m fresh out of that around here, I did find some lengths of galvanized steel cable and rod at the hardware store. While softer than concertina, the Hellion\u2019s bayonet clip cut through the galvanized items with a sharp snap. Although there is a stop that keeps the blade from closing fully against the sheath, I would wear gloves and take special care when cutting in this manner.<\/p>\n

\"author\n<\/picture>
The Springfield Armory Hellion bayonet, designated the B2K, is made by Waffentechnik, based in Solingen, Germany.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

My B2K\u2019s edge required a minor touch-up to the 440A. It came reasonably keen from the factory, but I wanted to see if I could get it more \u201crazory\u201d for my assessment. Owing to the good edge geometry, some passes on a Spyderco Tri-Angle Sharpmaker satisfied this task.<\/p>\n

[Catch Randall Wilson\u2019s article How to Sharpen a Knife<\/a>.]<\/em><\/p>\n

\"sharpening\n<\/picture>
The bayonet sheath includes a sharpening plate to touch up the blade while in the field.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A few ouchies were inflicted upon the B2K\u2019s non-reflective coating during my testing. Much like a current knife-forging television show\u2019s competition testing, I gave the bayonet no quarter. From slicing rope to chopping hardwood to bashing the edge on an ammo container, the bayonet proved to be very tough.<\/p>\n

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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 knife\u2019s edge at a time. I would reserve its use for emergencies. But, it is very handy to have.<\/p>\n

When tested on my personal AR-pattern rifle, the Hellion\u2019s bayonet nested as advertised. I actually liked its looks when compared to my old U.S. Military M7 model, which I bought back in the 1980\u2019s. The B2K appears more businesslike than its Vietnam War-era-looking counterpart.<\/p>\n

\"cutting\n<\/picture>
The bayonet and sheath can work together as a wire cutter. The author tested this with galvanized steel cable.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In addition, I was able to acquire a 20\u201d Hellion bullpup to act as a host for the B2K bayonet. I found that it clicked on solidly and securely to the Hellion, no surprise considering the fact the bayonet is employed on HS Produkt firearms. I did note that the unique configuration of a bullpup (where the action is located behind the trigger group) made the handling of the Hellion with the bayonet different than when I fitted the B2K to my AR.<\/p>\n

\"springfield\n<\/picture>
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.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A little research into bayonet usage revealed that some techniques have the operator grasp the narrow neck of a rifle stock behind the pistol grip with the rear hand. This lengthens the distance between the hands for more leverage. As a bullpup, the Hellion cannot practically afford this purchase. From an ergonomic standpoint, the dominant hand has to anchor on the Hellion\u2019s pistol grip, which places the support hand just forward of it on the forestock.<\/p>\n

Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n

The Springfield Armory B2K is a hearty companion to the 20\u201d Hellion. With an impressive pedigree and clearly excellent quality, the Waffentechnik B2K Bayonet is a great accessory for your favorite bullpup. Priced at an MSRP of $299, it\u2019s available in black or OD Green from the Springfield Armory Store.<\/p>\n

Editor\u2019s Note: Please be sure to check out The Armory Life Forum, where you can comment about our daily articles, as well as just talk guns and gear. Click the \u201cGo To Forum Thread\u201d link below to jump in and discuss this article and much more!<\/em><\/p>\n

Join the Discussion<\/span><\/h5>\n

Go to forum thread<\/a><\/p>\n

Featured in this article<\/span><\/h5>\n

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\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span> \n\t\t\t\t\t\"Waffentechnik\n<\/picture>\n <\/p>\n

Waffentechnik Model B2K 7.3″ Bayonet<\/span><\/h3>\n


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\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span> \n\t\t\t\t\t\"Waffentechnik\n<\/picture>\n <\/p>\n

Waffentechnik B2K Bayonet Spec Sheet<\/span><\/h3>\n


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\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span> \n\t\t\t\t\t\"Spyderco\n<\/picture>\n <\/p>\n

Spyderco Tri-Angle Sharpmaker<\/span><\/h3>\n


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\n\t\t\t\t\t556NATO<\/sup><\/span><\/span> \n\t\t\t\t\t\"Hellion\u2122\n<\/picture>\n <\/p>\n

Hellion\u2122 20″<\/span><\/h3>\n


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By Randall Wilson Blades of all kinds pre-date firearms and remain useful as tools in everyday life. Resident knife expert Randall Wilson 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. Yes, the bayonet is arguably a relic of […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1734,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1733","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1733","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1733"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1733\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/1734"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1733"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1733"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1733"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}