Detailing of the Type 89 Grenade Discharger (Replica) Part 1

Detailing of the Type 89 Grenade Discharger (Replica) Part 1

  • Post last modified:July 25th, 2024
  • Post category:Clothing / Field Gears / Weapons
  • Reading time:42 mins read

A grenade discharger (Tekidan-tō/擲弾筒) is a unique light mortar used by the Japanese military. One grenade discharger is operated by a team of three, and a grenade discharger squad consists of three teams totaling nine members, along with a squad leader, making a total of 10 members. Each platoon is organized with one to two grenade discharger squads.

The grenade discharger is an infantry’s direct support weapon, alongside the light machine gun, so I’ve taken the time to collect replicas as I’m keen on reproducing them. Ideally, I’d like to acquire authentic ones someday, but for now, I’m sticking with replicas. However, there are areas where modifications to the replicas are necessary, so I’d like to introduce that process.

Type 89 Grenade Discharger I had difficulty collecting replicas of the CAW Type 89 Grenade Discharger, as well as the carrying pouch and ammunition pouches made by Nakata Shōten, all of which are out of production.

Type 89 Grenade Discharger

A company in Japan called CAW (Craft Apple Works) used to sell the Type 89 Grenade Discharger. However, it is now out of production, and the only way to obtain one is by purchasing it when it is occasionally listed for sale on platforms like Yahoo! Japan Auctions. I acquired this grenade discharger around 2016, and even at that time, it was only listed for sale about once every six months or so.

The main points for detailing the grenade discharger body are the followings:

  1. Paint the aiming line in white (the aiming line is red for training grenade dischargers).
  2. Attach a pull strap (Hiki-kawa/引革) to the trigger (a strap-like device for pulling the trigger).
  3. Replace the outer cover (Gaihi/外被) of the supporting pole.
Type 89 Grenade DischargerThe aiming line has a concave mold, so I carefully masked it off and painted it with an airbrush.Type 89 Grenade DischargerCutting out the parts for the pull strap. Since I wasn’t sure about the size, I improvised.Type 89 Grenade Discharge
Type 89 Grenade DischargeThe pull strap made by Dekunobou is crafted based on historical document from that time.Type 89 Grenade DischargerI replaced the pull strap and outer cover with ones made by Dekunobou.

For the pull strap and outer cover, Dekunobou has shared the detailing process on his blog, which could be helpful as a reference. Additionally, these items are available for purchase from Dekunobou, so it would be a good idea to consider buying them.

Initially, I also made the pull strap myself. Since it’s not a complex structure, it’s just right for practicing leathercraft. However, recently I had the opportunity to purchase the pull strap and outer cover from Dekunobou, and I replaced them.

Grenade Discharger Pouch

This is a Grenade Discharger Pouch from Nakata Shōten. It’s probably been close to 20 years since it was manufactured, and some parts of the leather have hardened, while verdigris has formed on the brass fittings. Therefore, I decided to remove all the leather parts and remake them anew.

Since no adhesive was used, I was able to dismantle everything simply by cutting the threads. The brass fittings were polished with steel wool.

Modification of the grenade discharger pouch (1)Modification of the grenade discharger pouch (1)
Modification of the grenade discharger pouch (1)Modification of the grenade discharger pouch (1)

All leather parts were removed and replaced with new ones. Each piece will be sewn back onto the canvas bag one by one.

Modification of the grenade discharger pouch (1)Modification of the grenade discharger pouch (1)
Modification of the grenade discharger pouch (1)Modification of the grenade discharger pouch (1)

Here is the completed reattachment of the leather parts. At the time when I performed this task, I thought it was finished. However, I learned from Dekunobou that there was a mounting mistake with this Nakata Shōten pouch.

The issue lies with the red-circled area in the following photo. Based on its shape, I initially thought this leather piece reinforced the shoulder of the carrying strap. However, it actually serves to secure the base plate and prevent the grenade discharger from protruding out of the pouch.

Modification of the grenade discharger pouch (1)The original mounting method from Nakata Shōten. The area marked in red is incorrect.Modification of the grenade discharger pouch (1)In the corrected state with the proper attachment method. However, the canvas pouch body is too short, so the grenade discharger cannot fit inside as it is.

However, when installed correctly, another issue arises. Due to the short length of the canvas bag, it becomes impossible to store the grenade discharger inside. As a solution, there are two options to consider:

  1. Extend the leather strap to hold down the base plate.
  2. Replace the canvas bag with a longer one.

The first option involves a smaller modification, but it may result in the grenade discharger’s legs protruding from the canvas bag, leading to an unsightly appearance. On the other hand, the second option requires a complete disassembly and reconstruction, but since CAW’s Type 89 Grenade Discharger is nearly the same size as the real thing, it seems that remaking the canvas bag to fit the grenade discharger would yield a higher level of completion.

Ammunition Pouch

Regarding the grenade discharger’s ammunition pouch, Dekunobou has recently been making and selling them. They are said to be more faithful to the actual item compared to those from Nakata Shōten, so I think purchasing from Dekunobou would be a good choice.

What I purchased was a slightly affordable prototype made with commercially available canvas. Currently, there are also items for sale made from fabric dyed to match the original, based on authentic specifications.

The suspenders to attach to the ammunition pouches are also produced by Dekunobou. However, according to Dekunobou, the suspenders made by Nakata Shōten are very well-made, so if you already have suspenders from Nakata, there’s no need to purchase new ones.

Type 89 Grenade DischargerOn the right is the product from Nakata Shōten, while on the left is from Dekunobou. My Dekunobou product is a prototype, so commercially available canvas is used, resulting in a slightly lighter color.
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