Partial cross-post from my full WIP thread. Specific question at the end.-:-:-:-:-
I have been busy on the bayonets. After giving up trying to make their rifle-attachment lugs identical by hand, it occurred to me that I could use these saved bits to at least give them the same inner diameter and overall look:
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These are the little plastic protectors that come with this style of shelf:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/HDX-Black-5-Tier-Steel-Wire-Shelving-Unit-36-in-W-x-72-in-H-x-16-in-D-21656PS-1/203846576. I have bought several different varieties over the years and usually save these little plastic rings. Now, I know why.
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I was going to make sintra scabbards for them, but found my patience for it was lacking. The bag of leather scraps I bought at the craft store had plenty to make sheaths, but it was thin, so I split the difference and put the sheaths over the rough scabbard forms I had started.
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Candle wax on embroidery floss worked fine for sewing this thin leather.
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They'll ride in my spats just fine.
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Then, I got the bright idea to rubber coat the bayonets entirely.
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And to wrap their hilts in paracord. One red, to match the quarterstaff, and one coyote to match my honor braid.
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I am very pleased with them so far.
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When I rubber coated them, my original plan was to go back after and file down the blade edges and make them shiny with rub-n-buff, here:
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But before I do that, I must ask: is that too realistic? Would it better for trooping if I left them obviously black and not edged?
