Re-handling a swiss bayonet

[shinyroks]

So I think I have finally decided to bite the bullet and replace the wooden portion of the grip on my 1918/55(?) bayonet. The Bayonet was in a fire 1.5 years ago and the original does not appear to be salvageable due to deep cracking and shrinkage. The blade steel appears to be good, still has a good ring to it and a bit of tarnish from the fire-fighting goo. It was in the scabbard (which survived as well) and has been spending the majority of the time after sitting in WD-40 to preserve it until I got to it.
Since it is already damaged and in need of some major restoration as it is, I am not opposed to rehandling it away from the traditional look. This will be my first custom handle, so some ideas on materials and suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I am a bit worried about working around the nickel(?) plated steel on the pommel, don't want to remove that with a belt sander or other method while working the handle. I plan on using the original 2-rivet design. Pictures will come soon, don't have any with me at the moment.

 

[shoobe01]

Crazy thought since you have the originals, they are just damaged: use those as the host. Embed them in some epoxy resin which you cast to the proper shape, so they are stabilized, you can use the bayonet, but you keep the original and have the personal history of it surviving the fire.

 

[shinyroks]

Crazy thought since you have the originals, they are just damaged: use those as the host. Embed them in some epoxy resin which you cast to the proper shape, so they are stabilized, you can use the bayonet, but you keep the original and have the personal history of it surviving the fire.

That's an interesting thought, it would avoid all problems associated with fitment, metal damage, etc as well. Might actually get a really neat pattern with a light sand over the burned wood as well... any suggestions on making a cast? or just get it close then buff to shape? Or do you mean remove the original scales and re-install?

 

[Random 8]

Put up a picture of the original.

 

[shinyroks]

Put up a picture of the original.

Will do when I get back home

 

[theotherwaldo]

I picked up a stripped 1879 Gras bayonet and scabbard in a junk lot. The blade was in less than ideal condition.
I also picked up a gear shift knob patterned after a combat knife handle.
In addition, I had a couple of tubes of epoxy that were approaching their "use by" date.
You can imagine what happened... .

 

[shoobe01]

I have never done it, just have seen the result of friends who cast stuff. My woodworking resin is all for attachment and flat surfaces, so I have little to help contribute technique-wise. But I have seen stuff like it, seems cool.

I'd think this would be removal, and creating a mold cavity to match the original shape, not just pouring resin over it as installed.

 

[shinyroks]

I picked up a stripped 1879 Gras bayonet and scabbard in a junk lot. The blade was in less than ideal condition.
I also picked up a gear shift knob patterned after a combat knife handle.
In addition, I had a couple of tubes of epoxy that were approaching their "use by" date.
You can imagine what happened... .

Yup, got the thinker going...

 

[shinyroks]

Pictures!!

 

[shinyroks]

I can see there is a bit of good walnut under the ash, but not enough to make a sand down and oil approach worthwhile.

 

[Random 8]

I can see 3 options.

Hard: Drill/grind/remove and scrap the existing scales and rivets. Replace with Modern walnut and nickel rivets. Belt sand roughly to shape, finish with light torch charring and linseed oil/wet sanding. This will give an aged look. This approach will require advanced knife making skills.

Easier: Sand down to sound wood. Brush on a heavy coat of clear epoxy and loosely wrap with an expendable material such as painters tape to hold the whole mess in...sort of. Gently belt sand, then go to files and fine grit sandpaper, shape to desired contour. Buff. You'll get a shiney monstrosity, but should look sort of cool.

Easiest: Wrap wood with several layers of unwaxed cotton thread of various color(s). I'd probably go red/white or match the colors of a particular canton if you wish. (You'll find this at a fly or rod tying supplier). Treat with clearcoat ferrule dressing (rod making or archery supply). You'll have some sort of Faux parade bayonet that probably never historically existed, but may look pretty cool.

 

[shinyroks]

I can see 3 options.

Hard: Drill/grind/remove and scrap the existing scales and rivets. Replace with Modern walnut and nickel rivets. Belt sand roughly to shape, finish with light torch charring and linseed oil/wet sanding. This will give an aged look. This approach will require advanced knife making skills.

Easier: Sand down to sound wood. Brush on a heavy coat of clear epoxy and loosely wrap with an expendable material such as painters tape to hold the whole mess in...sort of. Gently belt sand, then go to files and fine grit sandpaper, shape to desired contour. Buff. You'll get a shiney monstrosity, but should look sort of cool.

Easiest: Wrap wood with several layers of unwaxed cotton thread of various color(s). I'd probably go red/white or match the colors of a particular canton if you wish. (You'll find this at a fly or rod tying supplier). Treat with clearcoat ferrule dressing (rod making or archery supply). You'll have some sort of Faux parade bayonet that probably never historically existed, but may look pretty cool.

I might try the first. Thanks for the tip!

 

[RA40]

Some stainless Corby type bolts may be an option if the head diameter is close/matches.