Extrema Ratio “Fulcrum” bayonet — French military issue, part of the French VIGI FÉLIN program. The Fulcrum is a combat bayonet designed and produced by the Italian firm Extrema Ratio, which manufactures both civilian and military-specification knives and bayonets. These bayonets were issued as part of the French VIGI FÉLIN program, as confirmed by the VIGI FÉLIN program sticker present on the back of some of the scabbards. This example is a French-contract piece, identified by the contract code “FAQ15” marked on the ricasso and the back of the scabbard (a contract/order code for the French order rather than a serial number unique to each bayonet), with the scabbard also marked “Fourreau” (French for “sheath/scabbard”).
The bayonet features a Tonto-style blade tip with a sharpened false edge — a configuration found on the military-specification versions — an uncommon blade geometry for a bayonet. The grip is ergonomically shaped and well balanced in the hand, and the bayonet uses an M9-style catch with double rockers for attachment. It is complete with its polymer scabbard, which incorporates a sharpening tool on the back and a built-in wire cutter, and its original drop-leg nylon harness.
The Extrema Ratio Fulcrum saw service use in limited numbers with French and Italian forces (and reportedly Swiss users), including French deployments in Afghanistan; the Italian military employed the type as well. As a French VIGI FÉLIN program-issued example — complete with scabbard and original drop-leg harness — this is an interesting and relatively uncommon modern military bayonet for the edged-weapons and modern-militaria collector.
CONDITION: Lightly used, with only small/minor scuffs to the scabbard and bayonet and no signs of heavy use or abuse.
Specifications
Manufacturer: Extrema Ratio (Italy)
Model: Fulcrum bayonet
Program/Issue: French VIGI FÉLIN program (program sticker present on back of scabbard)
Contract code: “FAQ15” (French order), marked on ricasso and back of scabbard
Blade: Tonto-style tip with sharpened false edge (military-specification configuration)
Attachment: M9-style catch with double rockers
Grip: Ergonomic; well balanced
Scabbard: Polymer, marked “Fourreau”; sharpening tool on the back and built-in wire cutter
Condition: Lightly used; minor scuffs to scabbard and bayonet; no heavy use/abuse
Markings: “FAQ15” contract code (ricasso and scabbard); “Fourreau” (scabbard); VIGI FÉLIN program sticker (scabbard back)
Included: Bayonet, scabbard, original drop-leg nylon harness
