Date Posted:13:52:21 05/24/04 Mon Author: Mike Phineas Subject: Re: Defarb My Bayonet In reply to:
Pvt. Farby
's message, "Defarb My Bayonet" on 14:47:14 05/19/04 Wed
> What is the best substance to use to get rid of the
>"Made In India" mark on my bayonet w/o causing it to
>rust?
> As for my canteen, what about using a leather strap
>instead of the canvas material. Can this be done in
>our theater of operations.
> Knapsack or Blanket? What would be best for our use?
>
>Scott Fullerton
Scott,
The best advice anyone could give you is to throw away that piece of crap India rubber bayonet and buy a better one. If you have a Springfield, Armisport makes a very fine bayonet that'll run about $70. Believe me, you'll notice the difference, and it won't just be how it looks.
It wasn't so much the "India" stamp that bothered me on my old one... When I tried to do just a little light digging with it (something those boys regularly did) it quickly turned into Cherlindria's Wand. You could imagine the laughs I got when stacking my rifle...
A really good leather canteen strap will run $20-30, depending on the maker. Consensus is they are used more at early war events.
If you're doing an ass-kicker of an event, ie. lots of rough terrain, with hot weather marching, a blanket roll is the way to go. If anything for the simple reason that it'll be all you'll want to tote. Whereas you can get a blanket, gum-blanket (or two), shelter half, spare shirt etc into a knapsack. This will keep you warm AND dry during early spring or late autumn events. Prairie Grove comes to mind quickly. And remember, heavy dew can get you just as wet as rain.
I recommend the 'Abe Thomas' type brown Fed blanket, with the stripes and "US" sewn logo. Quartermaster Woolens makes a good one for $120, but you can also find them used on various websites. Check out www.authentic-campaigner.com/
I still have the knapsack I purchased from Gay Frazier. I believe a gent named Keahy or something made her knapsacks. I have had to repair it twice for serious problems, but in all fairness have put that thing through the ringer for the last four years. I'm looking to get a new one from Bob Serio of the Missouri Boot and Shoe Co.
Hope this helps. Feel free to call me any time with questions, I'll be glad to help. This offer goes out to any and all.
