[Joshua R]

After a long hiatus from sword collecting, I've decided to jump back into the game. My selection has boiled down to, basically, either the Albion Gallowglass or the Albion Knud (what can I say? My tastes and interests are various. And expensive). However, I've noticed something: I cannot seem to find much in the way of scabbards.

Now, I've looked around via Google and contacted some of the websites that came up and the general wait period is, well, rather long. Now, I don't mind waiting for a beautiful work of art, like those scabbard-makers will inevitably turn out. But I'd rather like to have something to carry and protect the sword while I wait in the queue... and I've developed a strong dislike for the flimsy leather sheaths so many lower-tier manufacturers pass off as scabbards. While searching around on these forums this past week, I have found a number of people who have chosen to make their own scabbards and, if I had the workshop or the space for one, I would likely take a swing at it, myself, so that's not really an option, either.

Are there any options? Or am I doomed to be patient?

Thank you for your time!

EDIT: My apologies if I have put this in the wrong forum. It may fit better into the Off-Topic forum. This topic seems to not fit cleanly into either forum, however.

EDIT2: My thanks to the moderators for moving this to the proper forum and my apologies, again!

[JE Sarge]

I began learning to make scabbards a couple years ago; it's not that difficult. If anything, it's somewhat easier than it looks. There are a number of resources here and on other sites that would guide you. You don't need a workshop or a large number of tools. A small folding table, a chisel, sandpaper, and glue are all you need to construct the core. On average, it costs me about $50 to do a complete scabbard with a steel chape now. I can do just the core for around $12.00 in materials, so you can see how much money you can save.

Otherwise, get one one of the custom makers lists: I have been on the Tritonworks list for about 18 months now; Russ seems to offer the best prices for decent scabbards; but the wait is pretty long. The higher-end manufacturers are Brian at DBK and Christian Fletcher, which have shorter lists, but their prices are more.

Good luck in your search for the right path!

[Artis Aboltins]

Indeed, the fastest way is tro make a scabbard yourself - depending on how fancy do you want to go the costs will varry - for simple wodden core and leathr cover it is not that much, if you want to ss metal chape and locket it will depend if yuo can do them yourself or have to buy. There are some excelent guides online on how to do this http://www.yeoldegaffers.com/project_scabbard.asp for one, and it is an excelent learning experience.

[Zac Evans]

I'm making scabbards for my swords this year. will probably do leather core and outer, with no chape. The cost for such scabbards is very low, as I've got a lot of leather lying around already, and then its just linen thread, water and time.

[Joshua R]

Alrighty, I'll give the self-made scabbard a go. My father's a woodworker and we both live in the same town, so I could always borrow his tools and his workshop.

Any recommendations on where to source the wood and/or leather?

And any recommendations on which sword I should go with, between Albion's Gallowglass and Knud? (I'm indecisive! On the one hand, it is very possible to learn how to utilize a longsword through ARMA, I love Irish ring pommels, and I'm of similar ethnic extraction as the historic galloglas. On the other hand, that extraction is primarily Norwegian and the somewhat simpler, more primitive fittings of Viking scabbards would be easier for me to mimic, while the manner of dress of the Vikings is both better understood by myself and looks quite swanky, if I do say so, myself. Not that I imagine that the manner in which a warrior dresses has a huge impact on how effective he/she is.)

[Mark T]

Hi Joshua, This reply might be a bit late if you are definite about making one yourself. But, just in case, and to let other folks here know, Brian at DBK has recently taken on an apprentice, and is now offering a mid-priced scabbard option. I recently had one made, and the turnaround time was about two months - very impressive. The scabbard is fantastic; I'll try to place a review on MyA soon.

[Joshua R]

I'm pretty definitely going to get on either Brian or his apprentice's waiting list. I'm going to make one, myself, too, for use in the meantime and to build character.

[Kevin S]

I get my scabbard wood from Lowes, they sell Poplar slats that are just the right size. You can get leather from Tandy Leather Factory, either online or in store if there's one in your town. I know there are other places online that sell leather, but I don't have any experience with them.

[Jonathan Blair]

[Joshua R]

Is there a better choice for wood?

I was thinking about doing the slat method (if I go with the Knud. If I go with the Gallowglass, then I'd go with the "easy" method).

[Brian K.]

[Kevin S]

Poplar was recommended to me because of the low acidity and ease of working, though I don't remember where that recommendation came from. I've never had any particular trouble with moisture, but I live in southern Arizona so that isn't really a concern for me.

I'd love to find an easy way to make chapes, but I doubt there is one, though there are sites out there that sell them. I always just steal them from my old Windlass scabbards though. You might want to ask around and see if anyone is willing to sell such scabbards for cheap if they don't use them.

[Joshua R]

Just out of curiosity: Are there any advantages/disadvantages to using leather rough-side out (ie: suede) on a scabbard or simply leaving the scabbard undressed by leather? Are these methods historical or no?

EDIT: Used wood where I meant to use leather.

[Nathan Robinson]

[Leo Todeschini]

[A.A. Boskaljon]

[Philip Montgomery]

[Ozsváth Árpád-István]

I ran into the scabbard question too, but I find them very expensive especially when you want to buy one for your "custom" home-made sword. I guess scabbard makers have patterns for well-known popular swords, like your Albion Knight.
For the woodwork I know a good carpenter. They usually don't accept such works for it's a time consuming peculiar job not just routine. I helped him with some software-related problems, so the wooden part of my scabbard is for free
I can get a 100x15 cm strap almost for free, or perhaps for a beer or two. I will ask a friend for the leather related work, or I will try it myself.
For the chape:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVd6oEWECn4&feature=related