How To Make A Custom Trench Knife From A Relic K98 Bayonet Stub

The Nazi K98 bayonet has long been a favorite to many.
What some of these weapons have suffered is tragic.  Restoration is not possible for these and are sold for parts.  The handle usually is picked clean for it's grip plates leaving a corroded stub with a broken blade and demilitarized lock release.
Here I show how to utilize the K98 bayonet stub to make a custom trench knife that you'll be able to use to stab away with.

This photo (above) is what I started with.

Step 1-
Bring the stub and a spare bayonet tip to the bench grinder and use the wire wheel to clean these off with some penetrating oil.  Then use a diamond impregnated cutting disc to cut a skeleton key shape in the bayonet tip piece that will fit directly over the top bolt hole in the stub piece.  Cut a groove down in the bayonet stub ear in center of the guard as wide as the tip piece is.

Step 2-
Insert the tip piece into the stub piece.  These should fit together like jig-saw puzzle pieces do.

Step 3-
Use a empty metal can like this one.

Cut the can with tin snips to make a rectangle. Then bend it over the top of the tang.

Step 4-
Use some spare wood grips you have and countersink the holes to fit mattress vents into.  Any sort of apt fittings can be substituted if you desire.

Step 5-
Glue the assembly using clamps.

Step 6-
Sand, dye, then polish with wax.

Step 7-

Take a pliers and snip off a piece from aluminum knitting needle.  Flatten, bend, and shape with a file to fit the lock release area snugly.  Use one part of an aluminum binder Chicago screw to put in the button hole side of the pommel.

Step 8-

Glue the assembly using masking tape to secure while curing.

Step 9-

The butt felt is inserted into the lug slot using a felting needle.  That finishes it.