(2) The ring bayonet still left much to be desired. The lack of standardization made a secure fit difficult, and the rings had a tendency to stretch out of shape with use, rendering the bayonet useless. This led to the next development of a new bayonet, known as the socket bayonet. The socket bayonet was introduced in the early 1690’s. The lower part of the bayonet was shaped like an elbow, leaving the blade well out of the line of fire and seating the bayonet firmly on the barrel. Again, lack of standardization made it impossible to produce a single model which would fit even a small number of the weapons of one unit. Also, a sudden tug by an enemy would dislodge the bayonet from the barrel. These difficulties led to further advancements in bayonet design, in an attempt to find a rapidly attachable bayonet which could be held securely to the barrel. One development made the bayonet part of the musket itself. This was accomplished by splitting the socket sleeve of the ring lengthwise permitting a wider opening which could be hammered closed to obtain a snug fit. Experiments with slots, rings, catches, clasps, springs, and other assorted devices were made in an attempt to develop a more satisfactory bayonet. (3) The bayonet as we know it today has its origins at the beginning of the 19th century. Late in the 18th century a major bayonet modification appeared, the sword bayonet. This has been the prototype for most bayonets since that date. The now familiar knife blade bayonet came into general use about the same time as the introduction of the magazine rifle, just prior to the Civil War. There were a variety of shapes and sizes ranging from the sword-like, 24-inch blade down to the dagger-type, 10-inch blade. Typically, there were a variety of short-lived variations and multiuse bayonets. There were saw-toothed blades for use by engineer troops, saber-edged blades for use by the cavalry, spade-shaped blades to help the infantryman dig in, and bolo-knife blades for cutting through the jungles. In addition, there was a ramrod/cleaning rod blade consisting of a long cleaning rod, sharpened to a point at one end and folding under the barrel like the old fashioned cleaning rod. None of these modifications were adopted for long. At this point the rifleman had an instrument with which he could protect himself as he reloaded his weapon. It served to protect him and better his morale when rain had soaked his powder or wind had blown the powder from his pan. He could now defend himself against the sabre slashes of the cavalry or a charge by the infantry.