After Finland gained its independence in 1917, it was necessary to establish all government organizations and create their operational models, including uniforms. It was determined that while swords were part of the parade uniform for high-ranking officials, something else was needed for lower officers. As a result of a design task assigned by Mannerheim, a metal-sheathed knife was created, named the Bayonet Knife M1919. Despite its name, it was not a bayonet and did not have an attachment mechanism for a weapon, but its design and metal sheath were influenced by bayonets.
The Bayonet Knife M1919 was used by the military, border guards, police officers, and firefighters, and also by the Finnish White Guard and some specialized groups. Its use began in 1919 and ended in 1940. It is not known if these were manufactured under the Iisakki Järvenpää name at that time, but since we have the parts and century-old manufacturing tools, they were likely produced as subcontracted work.
Respecting the original design, we have created a new version of the bayonet knife from these tools and parts. After about a year of development, we now have the Bayonet Knife M2021. This project has been completed in collaboration with the RUK Student Support Association, which will receive custom versions of the bayonet knife with the Reserve Officer School course insignia.
The M2021 blade is made of 4 mm carbon steel, and the handle sides are stained and lacquered dark brown birch burl. The finger guard and the curved pommel are made of cast aluminum. The sheath is crafted from domestic black vegetable-tanned leather, modeled after the original metal sheath. The knife is also available with the original-style metal sheath.
Note: Delivery time is approximately 2-3 weeks from the date of order.
The Bayonet Knife M2021 is also available as a 100th anniversary product of the Reserve Officer School, featuring the RUK course insignia on the sheath in three different versions. The most impressive of these is the silver-adorned "Tuomas," which includes over 80 grams of pure silver and hand-carved decorations with the Lion Coat of Arms.
These can be found at: [RUK Museum Shop](https://rukmuseo.fi/kauppa/ruk-100-juhlapuukko-tuomas.html)
