Japanese Bayonet

[mick56]

I picked up a Japanese Type 30 bayonet today, not great condition, missing the wood grips. I have a friend with a woodworking shop, and he could easily make new grips for it. But, what kind of wood did these come with? I did a lot of Googling, but could not find out.

 

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[Retired Sarge]

I have read that the popular belief is that rifle stocks were made of either Walnut, Beech or Katsura so one of these should work for the bayonet's wood scales. I can't see them using something different for the bayonets if they have the wood on hand.

 

[BosnMate]

I'm just guessing, but Japan had to import wood, and my swag would be mahogany from one of the nations they captured at the time. Besides the three woods quoted above, used in gun stocks, and possibly on the bayonet, there is also the option of the grip being teak wood.

 

[mick56]

Most of the pictures I saw online were a yellowish colored wood, I don't know what kind it is. I thought that it must have been from trees native to Japan. Maybe there aren't trees growing there.

 

[Retired Sarge]

Some of the Japanese bayonets were made in Korea or China or both I can't remember anymore, the reason being that Japan had occupied parts of those countries. Also the finish on the wood can make it appear darker or lighter.

 

[NOLA_Ken]

Original grips are out there and available, I saw a set on ebay a while back. If you find a set don't sand them unless you absolutely have to... The finish was made with Poison Sumac and can cause a rash, and you don't want to breath the dust so gloves and a mask are really important. Can you post a pic of your bayonets arsenal mark?

 

[david680]

Surplusrifle Forum ? View topic - What kind of funiture on a Type 99?

A little info there on Japanese stocks. A lot of knowledgeable guys there, particularly when it comes to military rifles 1875-1950.