Looking at period artworks, it's obvious that footmen, using swords, did fight with their scabbards on them. However, in my experience, they're somewhat cumbersome. I am not a tall individual, so this likely adds to the problem. For the more experienced members here, how does one hang their scabbard in such a way as so it does not become a burden in combat?

Also, about two years back I ordered this belt. While the question is dumb, I figured it warrants asking (as I really haven't used it, as it's difficult to fit my wasters scabbard into the holder for it): Is the buckle supposed to be dead center, like modern belts, with the sword tangent to my hips, or is the buckle shifted to the right, with the sword more towards the front of me?

M.

My experience is that as with most military gear training is the key. By trainign with the item(s) in question you ge tused to them and learn how to adjust the way they are worn to best suit you. During my first months as a conscript in the Swedish army wearing, helmet, webbing, side arm and the other basic personal gear was a bothersome hindernace as we worked fire control equipment and the guns. 12 months later the gear had become if not a second skin something fairly close to it.

I've experienced the same with scabbards, at start they were a problem but with increased experience I got used wearing one. However all of my current scabbards are of the all-leather type. The lack of a wooden core probably makes them soemwhat less of problem.
The type of the sword plays a part as well. The scabbard for a short sword like a katzbalger woudl cause few or noen of the problems caused by the scababrd for a long sword.

My two euro-cents
Daniel

My Dotanuki has an iron scabbard. I use it as a second weapon.

I have always held my sword, when sheathed, by the scabbard in my left hand, and drawn with my right. I do not, however, have a lot of experience with European style hanging scabbards. Japanese saya (for Katana, Tachi are worn differently) are held differently in the belt, and do not cause much annoyance, even when kicking with the left. I do not wear Jian on my belt, and I generally draw them from atop my left arm.

All I can say, from having looked at a few pictures of belt-hung European swords, that it seems to be a matter of personal preference. Experts on that type of weapon may able to offer more assistance. I would say try out a few ways, and see what works for you...

Do you have an accurate suspension belt? It makes all the difference in the world. I used to think having the scabbard was clumsy as well, but this is because most modern-made suspension systems and "frogs" to carry the scabbard do not sit right. Most historical patterns make the scabbard very comfortable to wear.

I have a link in my first post regarding one of my two belts. The other is a cheap version, a Kult of Athena "Medieval Double Wrap Belt".

M.

Thanks.

Elling: Are you talking about the CF one, or this one:

[ Linked Image ]

Chad Arnow wrote:

M. Eversberg II wrote: I have a link in my first post regarding one of my two belts. The other is a cheap version, a Kult of Athena "Medieval Double Wrap Belt". M. The CF Man at Arms belt, while attractive in its own way, doesn't look very historical to me.

Quite the pity :/


M.


EDIT: Then is when I realize that the CF belt is tied differently from mine, which explains the problem I'm having.

I usually carry the scabbard attached to the belt with three points/straps. The back strap is further back and attached toward the rear of my back to hold the scabbard tight. The scabbard is not even with my hips, but a bit back from my side and hips. Since I turn my hips when drawing my sword this works well for me and tends to leave the scabbard to my rear if I fight with it on.

However you did touch on one important point, namely your height. I have overly long legs to a shorter torso, so most sword scabbards on me don't touch the ground. So I'm able to get away with some supensions others probably couldn't. Other people I know who are shorter don't have so easy and have to have tighter/higher suspensions to carry a sword on their hips.

In the end, you need to try out and think upon what works best for you and adjust things to work for your height and profile.

Some earlier suspensions used two points, rather than three. You can see this on several c.1290-1325 English effigies and brasses. However, these aren't set up like the one from Kult of Athena - the two points are staggered, so the sword must hang at a backward angle.

Best,

CHT