WW2 bayonet.

Helderberg · Apr 4, 2016

I had acquired a WW2 bayonet years ago that had been brutalized and the grip was changed out to a hobbyist leather washer thing. My question is, was this model surfaced hardened or have I got a cheap imitation of the real thing. I ask this as I have been filing the blade to a new/usable shape and after some work the surface has become very easy to shape. It seems like the base metal is not as hard as the surface or am I just getting good at filing?

Any info would be very appreciated.
Frak.

The_Monkeyboy · Apr 4, 2016

We need more information before any of us can make a guess. There were literally dozens of countries making bayonets for over 100 kinds of rifles in that time period. Unless we know which bayonet, from which country, there isn't a lot of solid information we can give you. Post pictures, post additional information.

-Mb

Jens Schuetz · Apr 4, 2016

Helderberg said:
I had acquired a WW2 bayonet years ago that had been brutalized and the grip was changed out to a hobbyist leather washer thing. My question is, was this model surfaced hardened or have I got a cheap imitation of the real thing. I ask this as I have been filing the blade to a new/usable shape and after some work the surface has become very easy to shape. It seems like the base metal is not as hard as the surface or am I just getting good at filing?
Any info would be very appreciated.
Frak.

Just surface hardened on purpose sounds unlikely.
More likely is that the file glides more easily over the polished original surface and then bites better once it's roughened up a bit.
Also whoever worked on it before you, maybe even the factory might have created too much heat when filing the already hardened steel and work hardened the surface harder than what it was supposed to be.
All Bayonets I have are on the softer side.

And yes. Pictures please.

Helderberg · Apr 5, 2016

Thank you I will get some photo's shot and posted today.
Frank.

Helderberg · Apr 5, 2016

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This is where I am now. Have to smooth out the file marks yet. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Also, can this knife be heat treated safely with out fear of cracking?
Thanks again, Frank.

John A. Larsen · Apr 5, 2016

Looks to be an M4 Carbine Bayonet, which would have had a leather washed handle, and as Jens said most bayonets are on the soft side, so they do not snap off when used as intended. John

The_Monkeyboy · Apr 5, 2016

Could it be an M3 trench knife instead of a bayonet?

Charlie_K · Apr 5, 2016

The_Monkeyboy said:
Could it be an M3 trench knife instead of a bayonet?

It's hard to say on that. If I remember correctly, this particular blade got used a lot, in the M3 trench knife, M4 bayonet, M5 bayonet, M6 bayonet, and the M7 bayonet.

Helderberg · Apr 5, 2016

Then I should not try to heat treat the blade to increase the hardness if I am reading you all correctly? I will just smooth it and install new grips, sharpen and enjoy.
Frank.