A week or so ago at DVD 2026, a UK defense expo, we spoke to Edgar Brothers about the socket bayonet for the Knight’s Armament KS-1. Edgar Brothers are KAC’s UK distribution partner and have been displaying the eye-catching bayonet at defense shows for a couple of years!
In 2023 the KS-1 was adopted by the British Army’s Ranger Regiment and elements of the Royal Marines as the L403A1 - Alternative Individual Weapon. Knight’s Armament developed the bayonet as a pre-emptive move to fulfil a potential request from the UK Ministry of Defence. KAC and Edgar Brothers are offering the bayonet for ceremonial purposes (hence the chromed, polished finish) and if desired not-so-ceremonial purposes!
While the Ranger Regiment and Royal Marines are specialist and operational units both still occasionally undertake ceremonial duties so it's not inconceivable that they might eventually want a bayonet (even if it’s just a ceremonial one)!
Edgar Brothers noted the bayonet on display is one of currently only 4 in the world. It mounts to the KS-1 much like a standard SA80 bayonet with a catch locking into a shoulder on the carbine’s muzzle device. An earlier version of the bayonet actually utilised the KAC suppressor’s mounting system.
The latest iteration of the bayonet also has an adapter which can be fitted into the base of the handle to extend the grip and turn it into a fighting knife. While the debate around whether the bayonet is obsolete in today’s technologically advanced warfare fitting that old meets new with the KS-1 bayonet. If it turns out it's needed for ceremonial or practical purposes, the option is available!
Is the bayonet still relevant on today’s battlefield? Let us know in the comments below.
