Blowpipe Bayonet
Apr 19, 2011 20:51:46 GMT
Post by pgandy on Apr 19, 2011 20:51:46 GMT
I don’t know if this will be of interest as blowpipes have little interest on this forum. I’ve seen only two posts relating to them. But for what’s it’s worth:
I got the idea for a bayonet for my blowpipe from the Dayaks in Borneo. Originally I had envisioned a knife type preferably with two edges and a quick mount system. The Dayaks lash their bayonets to the blowpipe and are not detachable. For various reason I never got out of the planning stage with the above idea. And finally wound up with a detachable spike bayonet that is not quick detachable as it needs a screwdriver to remove although it is easily done. The bayonet will be useful in finishing off a wounded animal or pinning one until I can by other means.
I could have used several tools as the basis for the spike bayonet such as an ice pick or screwdriver. I opted for a CS Honey Comb Hairbrush. CS lists them in their last catalog but I couldn’t find one on their web site although they still list their Cruciform Dagger which appears to be essentially the same except less the bristles and has a hole in the handle with a key ring inserted. A Google search led to several vendors. I choose Amazon.
The brush is only about $1.50 more than the dagger and I got a scabbard with it. What’s more I didn’t know how the government would view the dagger. I figured as a knife which means another $75 along with other importation charges. It could easily cost me well over $100. So I brought it in as a brush with no problem stating clearly on the import papers that it was a Honey Comb Hairbrush.
I was able to adopt it to the blowpipe with very little modifications. I smoothed the textured surface of the point and flutes with sandpaper. I left the outer parallel of the blade untouched as it is a friction fit in the scabbard and thought best to leave well enough alone. I cut a small relief notch in the web that separates the blade from the handle allowing a dart to pass. Because of the flutes in the handle it attaches securely with one hose clamp. Two would make it more secure but I think unnecessary. I removed the bristles as to have a scabbard for safety reasons and to protect the point. Since I had the paint out to repaint the scabbard, it was then grey from sanding, I hit the hose clamp as it was looking raw. I degreased and sanded first.
The bayonet has proven to be tough showing no sign of damage or use. It will fully support the pipe after sticking a tree. At 1.6 oz. it is light enough not to noticeably change the balance or handling of the pipe. I would not know it was there if I didn’t hold the pipe in such a manner to observe it. CS states the blade to be ½” but I measure it with calipers to be .764”.
Here’s a short video demonstrating the bayonet along with some photos.
I got the idea for a bayonet for my blowpipe from the Dayaks in Borneo. Originally I had envisioned a knife type preferably with two edges and a quick mount system. The Dayaks lash their bayonets to the blowpipe and are not detachable. For various reason I never got out of the planning stage with the above idea. And finally wound up with a detachable spike bayonet that is not quick detachable as it needs a screwdriver to remove although it is easily done. The bayonet will be useful in finishing off a wounded animal or pinning one until I can by other means.
I could have used several tools as the basis for the spike bayonet such as an ice pick or screwdriver. I opted for a CS Honey Comb Hairbrush. CS lists them in their last catalog but I couldn’t find one on their web site although they still list their Cruciform Dagger which appears to be essentially the same except less the bristles and has a hole in the handle with a key ring inserted. A Google search led to several vendors. I choose Amazon.
The brush is only about $1.50 more than the dagger and I got a scabbard with it. What’s more I didn’t know how the government would view the dagger. I figured as a knife which means another $75 along with other importation charges. It could easily cost me well over $100. So I brought it in as a brush with no problem stating clearly on the import papers that it was a Honey Comb Hairbrush.
I was able to adopt it to the blowpipe with very little modifications. I smoothed the textured surface of the point and flutes with sandpaper. I left the outer parallel of the blade untouched as it is a friction fit in the scabbard and thought best to leave well enough alone. I cut a small relief notch in the web that separates the blade from the handle allowing a dart to pass. Because of the flutes in the handle it attaches securely with one hose clamp. Two would make it more secure but I think unnecessary. I removed the bristles as to have a scabbard for safety reasons and to protect the point. Since I had the paint out to repaint the scabbard, it was then grey from sanding, I hit the hose clamp as it was looking raw. I degreased and sanded first.
The bayonet has proven to be tough showing no sign of damage or use. It will fully support the pipe after sticking a tree. At 1.6 oz. it is light enough not to noticeably change the balance or handling of the pipe. I would not know it was there if I didn’t hold the pipe in such a manner to observe it. CS states the blade to be ½” but I measure it with calipers to be .764”.
Here’s a short video demonstrating the bayonet along with some photos.