How to wear YOUR sword

There are so many ways to wear a sword and this covers some of the more common styles and systems. Showing how they are are worn and explaining why they were set up as they were.
If you are interested in scabbards todsworkshop.com/collections/...
This does not cover every type of hanging system, but it does show 8 different ways and Hobb with his magnificent hat (worn in the Tudor style of 'pill garlic' and it also shows me in a pourpoint far too small! No back scabbards though - sorry
Filmed on location at the fabulous Kentwell Hall where you can find me (and Hobb plus hat) every summer. www.kentwell.co.uk
If you are interested in budget historical daggers and knives have a look at todcutler.com

[@RagnarokiaNG]

"Rapiers are for people with money." "I'll clip this on him as he isn't used to it" Financial Burn.

[@randisgreen]

This almost feels like some sort of medieval /renaissance infomercial or shopping channel, and I bloody love it. Beautiful work.

[@tods_workshop]

I always have stuff to sell as its my job, but I also like to give out information - so I guess you are right

[@mikleman996]

Medievil QVC Shopping channel

[@itchykami]

Yea, I don't have enough rank for a sword, but I want my own messer now.

[@shockwave6213]

I imagine this is how the merchants or blacksmiths would advertise their wares to sell to the lower to middle class. Especially the Messers and simple methods. The really nice stuff would be made to order by a master smith commissioned by a noble.

[@kevinwestermann1001]

HearthShopping! x)

[@Heliophobos]

I wish I had as much confidence in myself as Tod has in the straps on his vest :D

[@guypierson5754]

Scrolled down to find this comment, knew I couldn't be the only person in awe of that linen.

[@MrFiddleedee]

best comment

[@rhabdob3895]

‘Tis but ye olde smedium

[@PumpkinHoard]

Something tells me that kind of attire was more popular with younger men that could pull off that look....

[@tl8211]

My father and his friends in the 70s (when they were young athletes, so not a case of old man thinking himself young) wore dress shirts shirt twenty sizes too small with half of the buttons undone, so I guess that style was still modern then :).

[@ryklatortuga4146]

Love retro 70's fashion 1570's

[@horsemumbler1]

It looks alost 2040s.

[@guypierson5754]

GF: You aren't into fashion or looking good, at all. Me: Oh but I am (Pulls up a Tod video)

[@jmlkhan5153]

Relatable. My non-history-nerd friends mock me for looking some some vagabond gypsy, meanwhile I'm decked out like the Prince of Astrakhan.

[@euansmith3699]

Get ready to party like it is 1599!

[@bretalvarez3097]

Theory: Todd made Hobb out of bronze in his workshop like Talos in Greek mythology. In all seriousness this was a very interesting video

[@wwmoggy]

time for some fun pull the plug out of his heal

[@alpharius8264]

Or the Golem

[@ibalrog]

I would like to subscribe to this canon.

[@zerozeroone4424]

Toddlos (Talos)

[@bigredwolf6]

Bret Alvarez Talos? *The Thalmor would like to know your location*

[@whirving]

This should help, I've always had trouble when carrying my machete in the woods (I'm a Land Surveyor). The commercial scabbards have a simple belt loop which makes the blade dangle strait down. This makes it waggle around getting caught on the back of your knee when you step over an obstacle and sometimes tripping you. These are nice and mostly simple solutions. Thanks!

[@Helliconia54]

i had not thought of that.Thankyou.

[@thebeyondwordser]

@Trebonius Flonius Lol buddy probably owns half the province with a last name like that.

[@johndowe7003]

Well yeah same principle. A machete is like a short sword in a sense

[@miketheskepticalone6285]

I dam' well SHOULD have thought of this, scrub brush is the best part of the family farm. Machetes or hatchets are standard equipment running the fence lines, and carrying them in your hands all the time means every line break or damaged post = potentially lost tool.

[@whirving]

@@johndowe7003 I was thinking the smaller messer sword/knife method since machetes are light an I usually carry a 18" blade.

[@ElijsDima]

It would be interesting to figure out what wearing methods (if any) were considered fashionable (or outdated/out-of-style) during certain times...

[@kungfuasgaeilge]

I imagine fashions in general would wax and wane at a slower rate, but they would be much more regionalised, and thus I guess more diverse at any given time. Interesting topic, I'm sure there's the makings of someone's (not mine!) PhD in there!

[@Misericorde9]

kungfuasgaeilge : I would expect the “regions” fashions rose and fell in could have quite different borders at different social strata as well. The wealthier and more powerful nobles from widely different geographic areas might have more in common with each other than with their own lower nobility and commoner countrymen, being part of a distinct, and more traveled, social group.

[@shockwave6213]

It would not only be regionalized, but also rather dependant on your place in society. Something the nobles found fashionable might be in fashion for a lower class 5 or more years later.

[@eloryosnak4100]

I dont think we've ever heard that man speak. He... he's magnificent.

[@silkyz68]

The fashion advice I really needed

[@flukislucas]

Uh oh, the floppy sideways hat menace is back!

[@susanmaggiora4800]

Miwton Bwyadlee That’s when you know you’re in the wrong part of town...

[@penguasakucing8136]

Oh no! Its the Jaunty hat boys!

[@carbon1255]

Chavs from 1100 to modern day xD

[@chengkuoklee5734]

Ah! Isn't him the sword breaker NPC?

[@FixedWing82]

Thank goodness I found this video! I have a crusade this coming weekend, (it snuck right up on me) and I was stressing out trying to figure out how to wear my longsword! This clears everything right up. Thanks Tod.

[@mchernett]

I know right. Crusading season seems to come earlier every year

[@liammorris9372]

Longbow Username checks out :P

[@AndrewSkerritt]

I’m finding it so very hard to get decent men at arms for the latest crusade...

[@alexandersarchives9615]

Well, now I know how to wear a sword... I just need to get one now

[@DarthNoox]

Same

[@Fuerwahrhalunke]

I had a sword made for me. Sadly it was just the sword without a scabbard. Buying a good one is almost or even as expensive as the sword itself...

[@kyivdweller]

@@Fuerwahrhalunke Unless you want a fancy embroidery on it, a crude homemade scabbard should be doable) Managed to create a 11 cm long shealth for an old kitchen knife out of an aluminium plate, a dozen rivets and some canvas (for the other, flexible side). Cheers!

[@marcorizo1387]

Same here.

[@Fuerwahrhalunke]

@@kyivdweller I was thinking about doing one myself and actually... I think you are right. This monday I will get myself wood, nails and rings and work something out!

[@daveh3997]

Many thanks for the demonstration. Now, when I'm strolling down to the local for a flagon of Sherris Sack and some scapegrace knave says "How's it hanging, Sirrah?" I'll have eight ways to answer him.

[@mikesummers-smith4091]

Draw thy tool! (© William Shakespeare)

[@frien_d]

I love the involuntary fashion show vibe this video went for. It's like looking at the next season's trends, only it's not next season's.

[@G1NZOU]

Considering medieval covers of pop songs are trending so hard on KZbin right now, we should all make medieval fashion a next season trend.

[@kingpopaul]

A demo while running and jumping would've been good to see how they behave in active situations.

[@AndrewSkerritt]

How much running do you think someone wearing a sword would do? Gentlemen have traditionally never run in public, that’s what horses were invented for. 🤣🤣

[@johncrowerdoe5527]

@@AndrewSkerritt Consider running forward in combat after loosing their horse, possibly jumping fallen horses and men. Especially while holding a bigger weapon in their hands whith the backup sidearm still sheathed.

[@AndrewSkerritt]

John Crower Doe I think you would then be looking at setups for combat, rather than the everyday, fashionable attire on display. (But it’s a good point).

[@tods_workshop]

HI Andrew and yes I think you are pretty much right. You can do anything in a scabbard, just not necessarily well

[@Zilegil]

You see this commented by perverts on the videos of well endowed women 😂

[@tommeakin1732]

I'm so glad you zoomed in on all of them at the end. I didn't initially realise how beautifully detailed they all were. I love that kind of detail

[@tods_workshop]

Thanks

[@Danthar]

I positively love the early style tied belt. I know it is partially because of my love of the early/high medieval period, but there is something elegant about not having to rely on a metal buckle in order to secure your sword to yourself. Keep up the good work!

[@tods_workshop]

I like that one too

[@Abudzin]

That vest fits you like a glove, man! Lookin good.

[@tods_workshop]

Are you mad???? I look like a sausage

[@Abudzin]

@@tods_workshop you got the joke, cool. But for real, your videos are a treasure, please never stop making them! I hope you'll also say something more about the 16th century in the future :)

[@PJDAltamirus0425]

@@tods_workshop The fit of the vest makes me think you have your own set of armor

[@twoonthewall]

Thats a fight starting gillet. When someone starts mocking it it gives tod an excuse to draw his bollock dagger .

[@themischeifguide]

Now I wanna get one of these belts to wear with my jeans, just so people at the grocery store can see that I'm the kind of dude that owns a sword.

[@robinschlyter309]

Hobb has my dream job. A sword model.

[@knightshousegames]

This is perfect timing, I'm actually doing artwork of a knight right now and this is perfect for figuring out his sword scabbard, I was actually going through some of the older videos with Matt Easton to see if I could find a good shot, but this video has all the kinds of closeups I might need. Seeing as how the sword belt is so often integral to the scabbard itself, would one wear two belts? One for pouches, your dagger, and any other stuff you might wanna carry, and one for the sword? It might be a good followup to see how daggers are worn, and any other pouches and whatnot were worn historically, and how they were worn in relation to a sword.

[@nevisysbryd7450]

I have seen it both ways for wearing multiple belts. Double-wrap belts were also an occasional thing and as he mentioned, some of the suspension types can have the sword removed without the belt. www.lutel.eu/files/products/sword_belts%5B40%5D.jpg

[@nevisysbryd7450]

As for pouches, they usually were either slung over the shoulder with a baldric or were tied to the belt or had loops that the belt went through. Most of what I have seen has included on the other other side of the torso from the sword. Daggers were frequently similarly looped or tied, although their placement on the belt is more variable (it was popular to set parrying daggers at an angle on the back) .

[@RotGolem]

Absolutely fascinating. Never thought I could be enthralled by various belts and scabbards, but these have been a great (almost) 10 minutes.

[@BLTspace]

I could watch 3 hours of this. Thank you.

[@rexromani2415]

Great video as always but man... That vest looks so tight and uncomfortable PS keep up the great work

[@bashkillszombies]

There's only one way to wear a sword. BACK SCABBARD! That way it doesn't get in the way of your fire arrows, or your back up katana.

[@blogbeatbebop5604]

bashpr0mpt shadivirsty actually made a functioning back scabbard. Not historical at all but still, the concept can work outside of fiction.

[@yourmum69_420]

@@blogbeatbebop5604 someone else did it better with a normal scabbard

[@ianr4343]

As a worldbuilder, I love your videos because they accurately represent the technology, and also go into some detail about how the artists of the time were never completely accurate, and improvisation happens all the time.

[@jonno27]

Every one of those pieces were absolutely magnificent.

[@gordianplot9347]

as an artist and writer i find this helpful.

[@gaelmichaud8766]

Thank you so much Tod. You don't know how much your great quality videos about scabbards, especially this one, have helped me. I just want to add that your content is entertaining, instructive and beautiful. We are lucky to have you to show your great work and knowledge and I think you deserve more recognition for that.

[@tods_workshop]

Thanks Gael - very kind

[@gaelmichaud8766]

I mean it. I wish I could I have a metal workshop, but at least you make videos and it is great

[@gaelmichaud8766]

Hobbs is also great, I have to say

[@beyergarret123]

It's interesting to see some of the things we occasionally find while metal detecting like medieval strap ends and buckles, actually in use.

[@thomastheisman1751]

The last one would mess with the lines of my codpiece. Can't have that. Great video. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us.

[@cam-inf-4w5]

Never has it been so blissful to watch a man twirl specifically in a pevic locked camera 🎻🎶😂

[@HandleMyBallsYouTube]

I'd love to see some stuff relating to the clothing you guys wear, I know it's not the focus of the channel but medieval and renaissance clothing is kind of an underappreciated topic in comparison to arms & armour.

[@daveh3997]

Am I the only one who had the song "Little Green Bag" going through my head as they approached?

[@EnglishCountryLife]

Thoroughly enjoyed that Tod, thanks, really interesting to see not just styles but to understand the practical necessities if a stable carry

[@VashGames]

Thank you for modeling Hobb. Edit: Oh, I was hoping to see a magnetic back scabbard :)

[@mattpastell3728]

Loved it! A fashion show for the medieval man-at-arms!

[@claudiobernardi3002]

A return in style Tod! Exquisite video 🗡️👏🏻

[@kuribo1]

Some of the most beautiful scabbards I have ever seen. I had really no idea that the scabbard styles were that intricate especially with the woven in styles. Great new information.

[@semperludens9241]

Incredible video Tod, well researched and straight to the point as always. I want to thank you for all your hard work.

[@ratroddiesels1981]

we enjoyed viewing this fine presentation , all the swords and belts were magnificent . we also liked your period clothing your models trousers were outstanding , we thank you for this programme.

[@DonatoVicenti]

Fascinating! I'm so grateful I have access to contents like this, thanks ❤️

[@KoldCharpley]

Great video, I learned a lot! Very much appreciate the closeups in the end, and the fact the model did his bit quietly without trying to be witty or anything. Thanks!

[@astrazenica7783]

Drooling at all those blades, beautiful craftsmanship

[@CanadianCuttingEdge]

Tod, thanks for showing the closeups at the end of the video. I was hoping for shots like that with each example and was slightly disappointed when you seemed to quickly move on to the next sword, but your work is so good I kept on watching. Glad I did.

[@AndrewSkerritt]

Another brilliant video. Combination of simplicity and detailed research / presentation. (Along with two fashionable medieval chaps).

[@BlaBla-pf8mf]

That longsword is so beautiful, I pause the video everytime I see it.

[@PatrickMatherne]

Thanks for the information. Defiantly will save this video till I can make my own belt for a future sword

[@aceshighdueceslow]

4:55 that is a baller setup and I like the idea of the flex that you don't need to wear your sword, you just wear your super fancy sword belt

[@UmbraApocalyptica]

Keep up the great video's. Really pleasant to watch and very informative!

[@paavohirn3728]

This video really takes the information to the next level or beyond! Thank you sir!

[@stephen9869]

Brilliant as usual Mr Cutler. Thank you for the free education and entertainment.

[@tods_workshop]

Lined

[@SwordsAndRavens]

The detail of these pieces gives me a heart-on. Christ, those are exquisite.

[@JCOwens-zq6fd]

Been researching how to mount the messer scabbard I recently made & this video was very helpful Tod, thank you.

[@alejandrosantana7830]

Thank you for showing the differences in different time periods and possibilities.

[@WickedNPC]

This is gold for an artist as myself.

[@samuelheol8870]

Nice and informative vid! And very pleasing to see such beautiful leatherwork! Thanks!

[@andremilanimartin3338]

So nice art inspiration. Thanks a lot. From now on not every sword is just fitted strait to the belt in my drawings.

[@Stephen-uz8dm]

What beautiful craftsmanship. I want to be like you Tod

[@LeonM4c]

Top notch stuff, Tod. The little bit about belting over the baldric is VERY useful info for me. Of COURSE one would do that, but I didn't even think of it until you mentioned it. Very helpful, thanks.

[@tods_workshop]

Thanks and glad to help

[@lynnettejalufka2682]

Thank you for a very informative video. I never realized the different ways scabbards were worn. I'm going to have to fix some details in my novel.

[@angrypotato_fz]

Thank you, Tod, that's was an excellent and informative presentation :)

[@OzMan9989]

Beautiful craftsmanship.

[@paulbaker5256]

Very interesting video. Lovely looking scabbards. This is one of my favourite historical channels :)

[@tods_workshop]

Thanks

[@vara202]

Love the emphasis in the title, now In looking forward to the follow up video "How to wear SOMEONE ELSE'S sword"

[@hopes_and_dilligrout5463]

Thank you so much! I've been struggling to draw scabbards because I couldn't quite understand how the sword would hang, and I couldn't position the belt quite right. It'll be a far easier task now, I think, and it was legitimately interesting to see the different styles! Many thanks :)

[@christopherrobbins3715]

Really cool and better understanding too thanks tod

[@wilowhisp]

Thanks for posting. This is great info for practicing fighting from drawing the sword.

[@raics101]

Great video, nice to have all those styles in one place.

[@euansmith3699]

Both gentlemen really suit their clothing. I found it fascinating to see the suspension systems like that; in the round and in use.

[@chrismiksworld]

I am too Obsessed with all this. How can people not Love History

[@britinmadrid]

Beautiful music - very relaxing.

[@gettofabg.4649]

Thank you for class today.

[@ArmouryTerrain]

This video was both very useful and entertaining, nicely done. More videos like this would be awesome.

[@tods_workshop]

Thanks and lots in the back catalogue

[@justforfun4103]

Every video game developer should watch this video.

[@Tullio238]

I do really like how your video are to the point with no extraneous padding or chatter

[@arnhemseptember2009]

Very interesting. I very much love the leatherwork too.

[@lineasevenadam5009]

coolest way is in my opinion to wear it on your back. Looks sick :)

[@joannakleinheksel-horn3494]

That was fascinating! Thank you!

[@poop-for-brains]

I'd always do one with a long belt, give the belt a point to hang the scabbard from, then with a more secure loop around my waist. The belt also has diamond shaped studs which lay flush, and are about an inch wide, so when you tie up the excess, those studs can be lipped over the knot, preventing the tale from coming back out of the knot. Definitely going to look at ways to improve that method from these examples.

[@nuancedhistory]

Great video. There's also a few other ways for earlier period swords, such as the crossed method through a scabbard slider on Migration Era Spathae (which can be done with either a sword belt or a baldric), and of course the Roman system for the earlier Gladius. Also worth noting the Romans tended to wear their swords up with the pommel at the armpit on short baldrics so they didn't dangle, which works with later period swords depending on the length of course. There's also the two point suspension system used on many early medieval swords including Viking, Rus, Carolingian, Byzantine, and pretty much any Central Asian, Chinese, or Persian sword from that time. Those were typically worn low at the hip or behind the back in some examples of Byzantine.

[@tods_workshop]

Thanks- all good points and information

[@Testacabeza]

I can travel back in time with confidence now.

[@dimitrizaitsew1988]

Please a video on soft kit next

[@DrgnSpawn]

That red 15th century sword scabbard is simply stunning!!!

[@tods_workshop]

Thanks

[@JS-ob4oh]

Good video as always. One point about a comment you made about the low slung holster of the Old West: that is actually an invention of Hollywood; in fact an entire industry popped up making those holsters and other pseudo Western wears because of the popularity of tv and film westerns. If you look at real photos and painting from the American Old West, no one is wearing a low slung gun holster and for very good reasons - drawing the revolver if you were for example sitting on a horse is very difficult if not impossible. And those who bother to use a holster (and not everyone did) have the gun holster at slightly above waist level.

[@thetraditionalcountryman939]

Great info on this video tod. Would be great to see a video on the folding knives you produce ATB

[@Frederic_S]

Very helpful video, thanks a lot!

[@raulravelo7625]

Great video. I would love to see one on how to tie & wear your dagger. I have two of your Tod's Workshop daggers so far, the twisted rondel and quillon types, and really like them. I'm a little fuzzy on how and where to affix them to my sword belt however.

[@tods_workshop]

coming....

[@AFCAWorldBodybuildingArchive]

THIS is a fashion show I would gladly visit 😅🙏💪

[@gymmaniac]

Best fashion video ever.

[@Matt_Alaric]

That rapier system looks like it would make you incredibly sweaty on a hit day.

[@TheJimboslav]

Thank you Todd!

[@Cali4niawave]

looks brilliant

[@aussiebloke609]

When I first saw you two walking between the building and that hedge, I thought you were looking for a quiet, open area - and someone to act as your seconds. :-)

[@tods_workshop]

Too good friends for that stuff!!

[@mchernett]

@@tods_workshop Now maybe, but what if he insults your pourpoint?

[@robertlehnert4148]

For my Longsword I have a Therion Arms Universal Baldric which works very well, though I had to use a black shoelace to cinch up the opening where the scabbard "mouth" chape-- is placed. For my Windlass American Revolution Hussar Saber I just got a typical two strap saber tache with clips for snapping to the scabbard rings. The belt happens to be an old but still sturdy men's fashion belt, circa 1970s. That rig is showy, but more so than the baldric, has the scabbard extending out more behind me.

[@Condatin]

Tod I absolutely love the quality of your videos, small suggestion regarding the camera. Lately you are working with lenses that let more light in which leads to a smaller area in focus. In my opinion this is not needed for these amazing swords and other props you are showing since I mostly want to see all the detail on them. Ether way, keep up the great work!

[@72097077]

Ooooh! Ahhhhh! - There's some oohs & ahs for you! Awesome selection.

[@robbikebob]

Stunning!

[@maxkiler99]

This is why i love history💜👍