Killing with a knife is rare on many battlefields, but becomes less implausible in jungle warfare and the Pacific War, where opponents could meet at extremely short range. That environment differed sharply from open fighting in northern France or on the Ukrainian plains. Limited ammunition, mud, poor visibility, and infection could all shape close combat. A weapon that seems obsolete in long-range doctrine may remain useful under particular battlefield conditions.
Notable Point · 15:18-20:17
When bayonets and knives remain battlefield weapons
A discussion of bayonets and knives explains why terrain, visibility, ammunition, and weapon reliability can still force combat into arm's reach.