Sharpening Bayonets?

[Stranger]

Does anyone here sharpen their bayonets? Does it affect "collectors value" or desirability. I would certainly rather have a sharp knife rather than a dull one.

I have a couple AK bayonets as well as various FAL bayos. I think a wet noodle might cause a more severe laceration than the blades. I was thinking about taking them to a professional.

What do you know/think?

[Deltaten]

Hey Stranger:

I've been told by a couple of old codgers that they would never sharpen a bayonet. Dull tears it's way in, sharp slices. Sharp is harder to remove, due to suction created by a clean entry wound adhereing to the blade. W/a dull blade, ya never has to use yer boot to remove the sticker!

So I been told :D So it must be! ;)
Now, the fighting knife..thats a different horse...

Paul

[EMDII]

Most sharpened their 'old' bayonets. Else why would there be so many fish-bellied old bayonets?

It is done. dash 10 manuals for bayonets recommend sharpening to remove snags/jags/turned edges. But avoid a 'razior's edge' as most are utility knives and need a broader edge for good 'utility'.

[fry]

the value of a bayonet is less once its sharpened.

[Gremper]

Thrust, turn 90 degrees and pull. Comes out easy.

[EMDII]

Originally posted by fry
the value of a bayonet is less once its sharpened.

True enough, if done after recovery.

[STGThndr]

I've messed around with a few, mostly old Mauser bayonets... The steel doesnt seem to take to a good honed edge as it is tempered for "shock" as opposed to being harder to keep an edge, as a knife. More like sword steel, I suppose.
Two exceptions I have found over the years are the Jap Arisaka (almost) sword bayonet- rare enuff now to be left original- and the Swede 96/38 bayo which is good knife steel and practically a survival knife.