2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
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Post by 2nd Bat on Dec 31, 2016 14:17:14 GMT -5
The 16 inch WW1 bayonet was frequently (but not always) cut down to the WW2 10 inch length. I made a bunch of 16" fake bayonets using appropriate shaped Halloween polyurethane swords. I redid the handles, redid the tips and cut down the length. They ended up looking quite satisfactory and I am pleased with how they came out. I kept five for my own use but found that actual scabbards didn't quite work (blades are slightly too thick). In addition even replica scabbards are expensive. In WW2 both the canvas and bakelight scabbards were issued the canvas ones being surplus from WW1. With my left over heavy khaki canvas and scraps of brown leather beltsI created a pattern sized specifically for my replica bayonets.
In a few hours work I got them done. When attached along the side of the haversack they look great. "Fix bayonets!"
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
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Post by 2nd Bat on Dec 31, 2016 16:17:59 GMT -5
I used the pictures of the reproduction canvas scabbards selling on eBay ($42.00 plus shipping) and while mine don't have the same level of professional finish I'd say I'm 90% there with nothing out of pocket. I'm going to make a couple more but will have to do one in OD canvas as I no longer have any long enough strips of this khaki canvas I scavanged.
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Post by hunterj on Jan 3, 2017 9:17:09 GMT -5
Which halloween swords did you use? sounds interesting! any pictures of them both?
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
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Post by 2nd Bat on Jan 3, 2017 20:41:41 GMT -5
They were originally a Takani sword with about a 24 inch blade and of course a totally inappropriate handle. I shortened and reshaped them and fabricated more correct handles replicating the WW1 early WW2 wooden handles. I made two of them using actual bayonet bakelight handles I bought on eBay. I also made several fake German Mauser Bayonets.
PM me with your direct email and I can send you pictures. That goes for anyone else who is interested.
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