If they could talk

[jmr40]

These were one of those impulse buys that I'm glad I made. I was ordering something else from MIdway 2-3 years ago and somehow found these for sale. The photo on their website looked a lot better but I'm glad I bought them as is. IIRC these were $39 each. They had the option for some in better shape at a higher price.

Official USMC Ontario Knife Company bayonets. That's a full 8" blade complete with some dirt probably from somewhere in the Middle East. Other than being dirty the knives are in good shape. The sheaths have seen a lot of use and there is a broken snap on one of them.

If I understand right they no longer issue bayonets. I will occasionally throw one in the storage box on my ATV but otherwise have never used them. Don't know if they will ever be worth anything but at least 2 of the grandkids will get a piece of history.

 

[FL-NC]

I have US bayonets for the Springfield 1903, Garand, and M1 carbine. I also have a WW2 era USMC navy issued MK2 K-Bar. One of my Garand bayonets I "obtained" during the "haitian vacation" in 1994. I often wonder where they have all been.

 

[jmr40]

Anyone know the story behind this specific bayonet. I'm not much at all into military history but this isn't the same one used by the Army. And I think this was a fairly recent; and short lived, issue for the USMC. But I could be wrong.

 

[lemaymiami]

Believe I saw video about this new piece of gear. Hope an active duty or recently separated marine will fill us in on these blades.

 

[rust collector]

You too can share the fun: https://www.amazon.com/Ontario-6504-OKC3S-Marine-Bayonet/dp/B000ET7E0Q

What Wikipedia has to say: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OKC-3S_bayonet

 

[jmr40]

I knew that new knives were available but would much rather have these with the history behind them.

Thanks for the Wiki link. I guess I should have thought of that. According to the Wiki write up it says they were issued starting in 2003. I didn't think they'd been around that long.

 

[rust collector]

There was a time when I was fascinated by bayonets, and bought all sorts of them for $5 and up in various states of decrepitude. Wire brushed and polished them, added new scales, cannibalized latch parts, but never ended up with a good using knife. They were made to take abuse, to intimidate and impress. Glad I never had to "fix bayonets" in the military sense of the word, and thankful to those who might have.

 

[lemaymiami]

Thanks much Rust... there was a video from a "how it's made" type show that did feature much of the info you provided - except the where and when of how it was actually issued... I wonder if that's still a current issue item for marines. Does look like someone did a good bit of design work to come up with something usable and hope the marine's actually experience with it was satisfactory. Just nothing like hearing from the boots on the ground whether an item works as hoped for...

 

[hso]

but this isn't the same one used by the Army

No, just the USMC.

It is about the best designed and manufactured bayonet that can be used as a knife.

 

[bikerdoc]

Gave mine to my grand son.

 

[Gordon]

an excellent blade profile and a good length for doing the deed ! I like them ! I didn't know they were made, I quit looking at AR bayonets after the Phrobis era .

 

[theotherwaldo]

-Looks like another one that I'll have to add to my Wall of Blades... .

 

[jmr40]

quit looking at AR bayonets after the Phrobis era

I have several AR's but these will only work on one of mine. Some of mine don't have a bayonet lug, some have 16" barrels and the shorter handguard. I have one with a mid length handguard that will accept the bayonet. Just a guess, but the shorter M4 may not work with them. The Marines were still using the longer 20" barrels up until recently.