This time, I’m focusing on modifying the Windlass-made Type 30 bayonet. Windlass’ Type 30 bayonets are relatively easy to acquire, and since the blade is made of non-ferrous metal1, they are safe and convenient for regular military reenactment activities. However, there are some slightly disappointing aspects to them. In particular, I’ll be correcting the most noticeable issue—the shape of the scabbard.
The most attention-grabbing feature is the round lump at the tip. Authentic bayonet scabbards come in several variations, including those with a sleek tip and others, like this one, with a round lump. However, the problem here is that the lump is excessively large. Additionally, the glossy paint reflects light, whereas the authentic scabbards have a much more matte finish.
So, the first step is to relentlessly grind down the tip using a sander. While it might be possible to do this with a metal file, it would likely take an enormous amount of time and effort.
I pulled an old sander out of my parents’ storage, and after showering sparks while grinding away, I managed to achieve the desired shape in about 10 minutes.
Next is the painting process. I used a paint called “Black Steel,” designed for airsoft guns and model guns. This paint forms a durable coating and can be applied directly to metal surfaces without any primer. While it’s quite pricey at nearly 3,000 yen per can, it doesn’t chip easily and results in a beautifully matte black finish.
Compared to the authentic scabbard’s paint color, it might look slightly grayish. It also feels a bit too pristine, but I think this works well in its own way. Authentic scabbards often have a rough application of matte black paint, so they tend to look quite messy. It’s not uncommon to see layers of paint applied over rust, or areas where the paint has partially chipped off.
And with that, it’s complete! I finished the project in about an hour during my visit to my parents’ house. I’m personally very satisfied with how it turned out—I think it looks quite stylish. With this, there’s no need to feel embarrassed about leaving the scabbard uncovered!
Finally, here’s the bayonet in its scabbard. To be honest, I’m a bit bothered by the shape of the hook, but I’ll leave that for another time to figure out.
