Seitengewehr 84/98

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	Weapon: Seitengewehr 84/98 Type: Knife Bayonet Country of Origin: Germany Year Adopted: 1934 Overall Length (mm): 385.0 Overall Length (in): 15.16 Weight (kg): 0.50 Weight (pounds): 1.1

The Seitengewehr 84/98, often abbreviated as S84/98, was a German knife bayonet designed for use with the Gewehr 98 and later the Karabiner 98k rifles. Featuring a single-edged blade typically around 252 mm (10 inches) in length, it was compact, robust, and practical both as a bayonet and a fighting knife. The design was a refinement of earlier bayonets used during the German Empire, incorporating lessons learned from World War I to create a more streamlined and efficient weapon for the modern soldier.

The Seitengewehr 84/98 was produced in three main patterns over time, with the most widespread being the third pattern adopted in the 1930s for the Wehrmacht. During World War II, production ramped up significantly, with millions of units manufactured by numerous German firms including Carl Eickhorn, Mundlos, and J. A. Henckels. Variants can be identified by differences in pommel shape, blade fuller, grips, and manufacturer markings. Despite wartime constraints, quality remained relatively high throughout most of its production.

This bayonet saw extensive service during World War II and became one of the most recognizable German bayonets of the era. It was widely used by infantry and was often issued with a matching scabbard and frog. After the war, surplus examples were distributed across Europe and beyond, appearing in postwar conflicts and in civilian hands. The S84/98 is notable not only for its wartime use but also for its collectibility and association with the iconic Karabiner 98k rifle, making it a significant piece in the history of 20th-century military arms.