03A3 Bayonet question

To complete my recent 03A3 purchase, I got an M1 bayonet for it over the weekend based upon some photos. It looks in very good condition, most of the finish is still on the blade and wear overall is minimal. My question is about the sharpening. It looks to have been sharpened but the sharpening is minimal, you can't even see it in the photos. It affects about the end 1/64" of the blade edge only. The finish is missing from this portion of the blade so it occurred after the parkerization process.

I did a web search and read that the manufacturers had to come up with a compromise between the troops that wanted a razor sharp blade and the Army that didn't want them slicing there fingers off so it appears that some sharpening did occur with these.

My confusion being that nearly every other nations bayonets were not sharpened, is this correct for the US blade? It isn't razor sharp but would probably cut if pressure is applied and you pulled the blade. It is an undated AFH M1 and not a cut down 1905 blade.

I did look at some photos of other M1's and this appears to be consistent with those I've seen.

To be honest, I don't recall ever seeing a NEW M1 blade. They all appear well used or arsenal overhauled. I wouldn't worry about the small sharpening, my father told me they sharpened only the first four inches for slash and penetration on the attack.

they didnt come to the government stores sharpened , that was done later and many were ,

as long as its not drastic i doubt it will affect anyones perception of it being a grab for the right price , folks like that me just wanted a nice representative piece , i suspect you fall in that catagory based on what you said - dont cut yourself :)

but having said that advanced collectors wont look at it , they are looking for unmolested pieces preferably in pristine condition ,

I basically just want a nice piece to go along with the rifle, wanted the M1 rather than the 1905 because I have the 03A3, figured it was slightly more appropriate. The sharpening is definitely not drastic it's not something you really notice unless you are looking for it. I learned today that the scabbard is most likely an M3 cut down to M7 standards. Has an REP stamp mark that seems consistent with the cut down versions. Also marked B-N with a 2 over a 2. The B-N is the manufacturer, any one know what the 2 over the 2 stands for?

My main concern is having an original, not a reproduction. I'm sure I succeeded at that at least.

Actually, either a 10" or 16" bayonet would be correct.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Rick the Librarian

Actually, either a 10" or 16" bayonet would be correct.

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Seen many (in photos) of the 16" cutdowns to 10" fitted to 03A3's late in WW2 ETO.

So either 10" too.

Of course if the blade has been sharpened to the point that there is metal loss then that (clearly) would not have been done in service.