K31 bayonet refinishing

BigMike349 · April 25, 2014, 02:07 PM

I have this feeling I'm going to upset a lot of collectors but I'm looking to refinish a k31 bayonet. Let me start by saying I know that changes will decrease the value which is not a concern for me. Does anyone know of any resources for bayonet refinishing? I'm looking to clean the blade, sharpen if necessary. Also looking to clean and restore the scabbard. Does anyone know what the black coating is on the outside of the scabbard? I would like to restore it if possible. Also, does anyone know the best way to clean inside the scabbard? Also looking into restoring the wood handle.

Thanks,
Mike

gyvel · April 25, 2014, 03:42 PM

All K31's that I have seen have been "in the white," i.e. polished bright, so it seems that all you would have to do to "refinish" would be to polish out any pitting or staining and leave it that way.

The scabbards, for the most part are blued, and most likely a rust blue, which can be done, but is somewhat labor intensive.

Just how bad is this bayonet that it needs to be refinished?

April 25, 2014, 02:07 PM	#1
BigMike349 Member Join Date: June 13, 2013 Posts: 49	K31 bayonet refinishing I have this feeling I'm going to upset a lot of collectors but I'm looking to refinish a k31 bayonet. Let me start by saying I know that changes will decrease the value which is not a concern for me. Does anyone know of any resources for bayonet refinishing? I'm looking to clean the blade, sharpen if necessary. Also looking to clean and restore the scabbard. Does anyone know what the black coating is on the outside of the scabbard? I would like to restore it if possible. Also, does anyone know the best way to clean inside the scabbard? Also looking into restoring the wood handle. Thanks, Mike

April 25, 2014, 03:42 PM	#2
gyvel Senior Member Join Date: August 30, 2009 Location: Northern AZ Posts: 7,172	All K31's that I have seen have been "in the white," i.e. polished bright, so it seems that all you would have to do to "refinish" would be to polish out any pitting or staining and leave it that way. The scabbards, for the most part are blued, and most likely a rust blue, which can be done, but is somewhat labor intensive. Just how bad is this bayonet that it needs to be refinished?