WWII Bayonet Steel

L

LedSled

Joined
Jul 16, 2007
Messages
164
I have an old bayonet for a Springfield rifle, manufactured in 1943. When I got my HF 1x30 sander, I put a convex edge on it, blended all the way back to the Fuller (or blood groove) in a continuous curve. That old carbon steel has to be the toughest stuff I've ever seen. I wore out a couple of belts doing the job. Even at a 30-32 degree terminal bevel, it will knock the ends off very fine 2" hanging hairs, and I'm not talking about a wire edge. Holds it too ... you could chop wood with this thing.

Just wondering what kind of steel it is and how it might compare to the exotic new stuff. Idle curiousity ... comments appreciated.
 
Sounds reasonable. Thanks for the reply. I thought I was a voice in the wilderness here.
 
I have wondered the same thing. I have two Swedish rifle bayonets I sharpened one and it holds a very good edge. These are off of Model 96 Mausers.
 
Those "El Cheapo" HF 1x30's kick butt. I just got one; can't beat it for the money. :thumbup:
 
SlamFire,

That's a very definitive answer, and I'm impressed by the details of the heat treating. Quite amazing what they did in the middle of a war 64 years ago, isn't it?

Just FYI: the base of the blade on one side is stamped "PAL-MOD". On the other side is "OL", followed below with the letters "US" split by a torch insignia, and nearest the handle "1943".

Much obliged to you for taking the time to research and post.

Thanks very kindly,
Ray
 
Thanks again, SlamFire.

Incidentally, the handle LedSled comes from my tour as an officer in the USAF, many moons ago. Our first supersonic fighter was the North American F-100 Super Sabre. Because of its lack of maneuverability due to a small wing, our drivers called it the "lead sled." My other hobby is flashlights using light emitting diodes, or LED's. Combine the two ...

Again, very kind of you,
Ray
 
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