If you decide on a baldric, KoA sells a 'Universal Baldric' that is fantastic. Very thick, black leather--good rivets--nice buckle--will fit anything. Has a lace up frog, but the lace is junk. I used a black shoe lace...perfect. Get one---cheap, and worth it. You'll see my review. ;) :D ....McM
| Harry Marinakis wrote: |
| I wouldn't doubt that longswords were transported on the back, but only for long transits. You can't draw a longsword from a back-mounted scabbard, and even if you could it would certainly entail a lot of wild gyrations. |
Personally I think any historical references to swords being transported "over the back" or somesuch in a historical European context actually refer to them being carried in the hand braced over the shoulder - just like a long firearm, or a bindle stick, you know? Period art is full of Landesknechten carrying their two-handers in this way, for instance, but I've never seen a single period depiction of a sword scabbard actually worn on the back in any manner.
| Harry Marinakis wrote: |
| I wouldn't doubt that longswords were transported on the back, but only for long transits. You can't draw a longsword from a back-mounted scabbard, and even if you could it would certainly entail a lot of wild gyrations. |
As Mikko says there are numerous illustrations of Swiss and German warriors carrying their two-hand swords sloped over the shoulder on the march. For long marches these swords were probably carried in baggage waggons until they were needed. There are refs to Scottish chieftains (or similar top warriors) having a 'boy' to carry the two-hand sword until the warrior went into battle. Don't believe film scenarios!
Neil
Harry....I wouldn't say 'can't' draw a longsword from the back. From a full-length scabbard--no--impossible. From a back-sling baldric with a short demi-scabbard and hanging hooks--yes--you can. I occasionally carry a 55" claymore in one, and can over-shoulder draw it just as fast, if not faster, than a belted longsword in a full-length scabbard. I know...goin' back to Mel and Braveheart...but it works. ;) :D ....McM
| Mark Moore wrote: |
| Harry....I wouldn't say 'can't' draw a longsword from the back. From a full-length scabbard--no--impossible. From a back-sling baldric with a short demi-scabbard and hanging hooks--yes--you can. I occasionally carry a 55" claymore in one, and can over-shoulder draw it just as fast, if not faster, than a belted longsword in a full-length scabbard. I know...goin' back to Mel and Braveheart...but it works. ;) :D ....McM |
Sure, you demonstrably can build such a contraption and it'll more or less work (though still nowhere near as well as a belt scabbard, for almost all practical purposes).
However, given the modern pop culture obsession with wearing swords on one's back, I think we seriously need to be clear that no such thing was ever used in real life. The whole concept is just objectively inferior to all the real carry systems that actually were used back in the day when people used swords in earnest for warfare and self defense and not just to look cool on screen.
I never said anything about it being used *historically* in real life. I only said I use one. Am I not really alive? :wtf: :lol: .....McM
From Bruegel's TRIUMPH OF DEATH. Three gentlemen in early 1500s garb (top left to bottom right diagonal) with longsword belt-suspensions. They appear to have worse things to worry about than inadvertently sweeping the crockery off the table... :surprised:
Victor
Victor
Well...my situation wasn't QUITE that bad! :lol: ....McM
Also, in many towns you would not have been allowed to carry a weapon in any way.
| Victor Lavenstein wrote: |
| From Bruegel's TRIUMPH OF DEATH. Three gentlemen in early 1500s garb (top left to bottom right diagonal) with longsword belt-suspensions. They appear to have worse things to worry about than inadvertently sweeping the crockery off the table... :surprised:
Victor |
I don't know how accurately this depicts life in the day... Skeletons fight and women continue to play the lute... Maybe?
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