Description
This replica of the Japanese Arisaka Type 30 Bayonet faithfully echoes the design of the bayonet issued alongside the Type 38 and Type 99 rifles during the early 20th century. While crafted with durability and function in mind, variations inherent in handcrafted production mean this piece may not securely mount on original rifles. It serves well as a display item, a component for reenactment kits, or a collector’s piece evocative of Japan’s military heritage.
The blade, fashioned from blued high carbon steel, stretches nearly to the length of a short sword, reflecting its dual role as both bayonet and close-combat weapon. The guard, socket, and pommel are also blued steel, providing corrosion resistance and a uniform finish. The grip is composed of polished and stained hardwood, firmly riveted to a thick steel tang, with an integrated spring catch to secure the bayonet to the rifle’s lug. Its scabbard, forged entirely from blued steel, protects the blade while maintaining the bayonet’s streamlined profile. Known in Japan as the Type 30 (Pattern 1897), this bayonet remained in service from its introduction in 1897 through the end of World War II in 1945. Its sturdy build and length made it effective not only for mounting on a rifle but also as a formidable weapon in hand-to-hand combat.
Fun Fact: Despite its name, the Type 30 Bayonet was actually introduced in the 30th year of the Meiji era (1897), a traditional Japanese method of dating military equipment that ties it closely to the nation’s imperial calendar.
