[Moparmike]

I bought a Czech Mauser with a bayonett. I was wondering if it is proper (and legal) to sharpen it, and if it is a dual sided blade, to sharpen both sides.

Thanks,

[Moparmike]

btt:)

[SkunkApe]

Interesting question. I'm anxiously awaiting informed responses.

Here in Michigan, I can't carry any double-edged knife anywhere but in my own home. Seems strange, as I can legally carry my .357 (or my 12-gauge, for that matter) but doubled-edged knives are just too dangerous, I guess.

On the subject of bayonets; I thought you were just supposed to poke people with them, not slash them. If that's true, it seems they only need to be pointy, but not sharp on the edge/s. Unless they were designed for other uses in addition to poking folks.

http://arms2armor.com/Bayonets/czech23a.htm

http://www.liongate-armsandarmour.com/bq455.htm

[Alan Smithiee]

a bayonet that is dull makes a more ragged and torn wound channel when thrust into a body causing more bleeding and some say causes more shock (how often have you cut yourself with a very sharp knife and not noticed it compared to cutting yourself with a dull knife), a sharp bayonet makes a nice clean wound channel that closes much more after up after you withdraw.

heard of this "it's illegal to sharpen bayonets in wartime"

as for what your local law is, that's a while other ball of wax.

[Sunray]

"it's illegal to sharpen bayonets in wartime" Nonsense. Bayonet fighting includes cutting and slashing as well as stabbing. If you get into a situation where you need to fight with a bayonet, you should have carried more ammo. Especially with an M16. You'll bugger up the rifle, big time.
I wouldn't sharpen a bayonet for your rifle. It's not like you'll ever need to use it the way it was intended. It'd be just one more thing you'd have take extreme care with when playing with it. Leave it dull.