Medieval and Viking sword scabbards

[@ThomasRonnberg]

When i was younger i made wood scabbards for my knives with relatively tight tolerances. Living in Finland it mean't I could only un-sheath the knives a few times a year xD. A tight wooden scabbard will completely lock a blade into it and that can happen within hours of walking outside from a warm house into a cold winter day. I also highly doubt that our ancestors had tight fitting scabbards.

[@GunsNRoosendael]

"oh no it fell out" seems like such a non-problem compared to not being able to get it out :)

[@wepntech]

yeah I imagine they just payed atention to the thing and if they where running or wtvr held onto it, maybe throw a simple lashing onto it to hold the blade in, during transport.

[@RandoVex]

@@wepntech a lot of old wood core scabbards had fleece lining inside it so while it was tight, it wasn't so tight they couldn't get it out easily.

[@eloryosnak4100]

Always a true pleasure to witness Tod's hip swangin'

[@jonnyone-truck2460]

I'd like to describe how strongly I like your work, but I can't without expletives!

[@davidbaggs8620]

Todd is is a great honour to see a person who is well informed and smart enough to know the history of the world and makes it very exciting to watch thank you keep up the good work

[@Qmeister044]

Lovely. The detail work on these is fantastic. I particularly like the Arn scabbard with the symbol matching the pommel.

[@Axelsanx]

Thanks, I was thinking I using pallet boards to make a scabbard for my Del Tin 10th century sword. Never thought about tannic acids in the wood.

[@seanbrindley7334]

Excellent video you are a true craftsman.

[@zharkosimrakovich9788]

Such beautiful work.

[@jeffreyquinn3820]

Very good advice on wood choice. I can get very good local poplar and birch for a reasonable price, and I'm used to working with them on household trim. They both take paint very well, if you want to make a painted scabbard. A friend made some birch scabbards back in the mid-90s, and they have held up well. The two attachment on one side seems to have been favoured by the Chinese at least as far back as the Tang Dynasty. However, paintings & tapestries show them being hung with the pommel back, point forwards, towards the back of the left hip, and attached to the armour with short cords, at least for infantry and archers. The sword might need to be drawn behind the back. I'm guessing keeping the scabbard out of the way was prioritized over fast drawing speed, which might be practical in the large formation fighting they often used. However, my late Qing dao, as well as others I've seen online, have a lot of wear and oil/dirt buildup on the rayskin at the top of the scabbard where you would hold it to stabilize it if it was worn in the European fashion, while the rest of the scabbard is in comparatively good condition. (I can't say anything about how it was handled from the end of the Boxer Rebellion until Matt Easton acquired it, though.) Unarmoured individuals are often portrayed holding the scabbard in the left hand instead of wearing it, but that might just be the way they liked to pose for portraits.

[@MaciejNaumienko]

New video from Tod! Cool!

[@ivanharlokin]

Great video Tod, really interesting. Do scabbard styles/construction change much in the 16th Century?

[@MisterKisk]

If you do another scabbard and sword belt video in the future, if you can, could you do one with a baldric? I've always wondered how they were worn to stop them from flopping about.

[@Glimmlampe1982]

I know that there are reconstructions of viking baldrics, based on the metal fittings that were found. but i rather prefer the belt reconstructions, e.g. from Hakun Risti if you happen to know him

[@mikegrossberg8624]

One of the ways to stop the "flapping" is to wear the belt OVER the baldric. Don't know how period correct it is, but it DOES work

[@kevincolwell9575]

Todd - you are a better craftsman than me. I am only really good with Chinese swords. However, I learned a trick I freely share for swords shaped like messers (indeed I did this with a messer). Put a little piece of leather in the tip of the scabbard so it pinches down on the tip f the blade from the side, so when the blade reaches full-length in the scabbard, it pushes it down. Especially if you place the leather so it conforms across a ridge in the blade, say where two bevels meet. Sometimes, put a similar pressure piece on the mouth/throat of the scabbard, too. These hold non-tapering pieces and stop the rattle. Plus, they snug only when the blade is fully in, so you get that secure lock and then it breaks easily. Finally, it helps with expansion and contraction. This trick works for me, anyway.

[@davidbriggs264]

As pointed out by another KZbin Channel (LindyBeige or Metatron both come to mind) a slight widening of the sword near the hilt on the falchion (he talked about the Roman Gladius, but the principle is the same) would both allow the sword to actually go into the scabbard, and help prevent the sword rattling in the hilt.

[@malingmann]

Historical question on the "Tightness of scabbards". If they made the scabbards fit perfectly the wood would swell in rain. But this only applies to dry wood. Can they have (excessively) used oils to "pre swell" the wood before working it and then give it a tight fit? Drought and rain resistance + it ages better. I know little of the workings of wood, but please indulge my curiosity!

[@ernestogarcia4460]

Thanks for this video

[@LionAstrology]

The Messer type belt seems to keep the pomel clear of a hypothetical drawn bow string better than the other types...a plus if your a longbow man.

[@kevinlutz5994]

Lots of birch and popular around here.

[@boisehurley]

Beautiful work!

[@nolanmonahan4400]

you should do a video of your opinion of Valiant Armoury swords and scabbards

[@wolfsmith2865]

Who did your ending music? Sounded like Dead Can Dance.

[@martinroth1263]

Thanks Tod for the videos! Informative, entertaining (at least more than Star Wars Ep. 7 - 9 ) and pretty nicely reduced to the essentials. I kinda got hooked on your films :-)

[@angusdavies277]

With the last one, you could probably harden a strip of metal and stick in on the inside at the back like a small spring, maybe with a little leather over it to keep it from scraping the back of the blade... should eliminate that rattle

[@stephenfishman4964]

How about a wood scabbard not covered in leather? Nicely finished, decorated, and a continuous grain pattern from the top of the hilt to the bottom tip of the scabbard, with no chape at the tip. The sword does not fit tight; it falls out as soon as you upend the scabbard. Thoughts?

[@madnessbydesign1415]

Beautiful work... :)

[@iliyanlaskov4253]

Thank you for this very informative video

[@EgaoKage]

Couldn't you still introduce oil to inside of the scabbard, even without a lining? I mean, dry wood will absorb some oil. Maybe not as much as wool or linen, but just enough to cure it against absorbing water? Just a thought. Probably wax would serve this purpose better. Though, it would be harder to reapply inside an existing scabbard.

[@ianalexander6977]

Two questions. Firstly you say scabbards mostly had a wooden core. I've seen them made purely out of leather for some modern HEMA or reenactment swords (I made my own in fact). But how historical are purely leather scabbards? Is it just a modern conceit to make these swords looks the part for less money? Secondly, where can I find instructional material on making scabbards? I've found the odd blog or forum post, but never anything very comprehensive, covering different styles and constructions. Thanks.

[@ianalexander6977]

Thanks. I've seen ye old gaffers before, but I've also people who've made scabbards to a much higher spec and was hoping there were some obscure niche websites knocking around with more in depth/varied info.

[@HiddenRealm]

@@ianalexander6977 I'd argue a leather "scabbard" is technically a sheath and not a scabbard. Scabbards are made to be ridged to protect the sword inside, as the weight and rattling done with it is applied to the wood before the blade... granted I guess some really tough hard leather could be pretty ridged.

[@beachmaster3486]

Beautiful work. Do you know what the pros and cons are between leather and metal scabbards?

[@ryuukake]

When you say that chapes were less common in the 10th and 14th centuries is that because of fewer archeological finds from those period, or seen less in artwork, or some combination thereof? Is it possible that most of the chapes were melted down and otherwise reused, and that is why they seem less popular in those periods?

[@ryuukake]

I need to stop commenting before I get to the end of the video. I think you could stop the messer rattle, but it would take a bit of extra work on the cross-guard, not the scabbard. All you need is two bumps, no bigger than ball bearings on the quillons that would go into the scabbard on the edges. Would you take that that much time out of making the sword to stop a rattle? probably not

[@stairwayunicorn4861]

should the distributor line up over the COG as shown at 9 ; 30 ?

[@ivan55599]

I'm not sure if I missed something, BUTT. If the scabbard is in the way in fights, and it was relatively cheap stuff to make, why they stopped to make belts in high and late medieval times, which will untie immediately, and instead of that swords were hanging on a fixed belt?

[@gundanium3126]

Japanese saya are not lined and they are the most obsessed people on earth when it comes to preventing scratches on their blades as they prefer to have there blade having a mirror polish to them (with the exception being the tang. however, it makes me wonder if European scabbards were lacquer coated like Japanese battle saya...well maybe not lacquer but rosin of some sort.

[@Mr.56Goldtop]

If the wood had been thoroughly oiled before adding the leather outer would that help with the wood swelling?

[@HiddenRealm]

probably not enough, as the issue most likely ends up being that moisture gets trapped in the scabbard, so the only way to go is through the wood. Most likely helps though? I'm no expert however lol.

[@JRT176]

I have a messer of similar style and dimensions. I gave it a very similar suspension "system" featuring a simple leather strap w/ no buckles. As the scabbard is simple leather I think it all goes together nicely and is comfy to wear. Do you think that sometimes people just tied their swords on w/ no metal buckles on "lower-end" swords?

[@jameslightfoot1872]

Can wood be treated with a basic substance like lye or lime to neutralize acid content? Does that weaken the wood or have other detrimental effects? Would it damage metal in other ways?

[@agilemind6241]

bases line lime and lyre are very damaging to organic materials like wood and skin. Soaking it long enough to remove the tannins would probably ruin the wood.

[@Krkef]

Are those your Albions?

[@Krkef]

Nice.

[@thebobbytytesvarrietyhour4168]

I have been looking at mid 16th century scabbards for Katzbalgers, and they seem to be hung horizontally on the waist. How does that work?

[@blackdeath4eternity]

In the case of the messer couldn't you add something to the front of the guard that would fit closely into the scabbard to stop that rattle? do you know of any examples of this being done historically? any reason it would not have been done? thanks.

[@ramiabiakar2391]

Sabers often feature langets for no discernable reason except to fit tightly in the locket. This allowed the saber to sit tightly in the sheath despite the latter being wide enough to accomodate a widened false edge.

[@stephencharlton8183]

Hi, great vid! I have a question with regards to scabbard bridge securing, how do you tie off the leather cords that secure the bridge?

[@adammagill930]

whats the song at the end of the video?

[@greenjack1959l]

Who was the music by please?

[@carlatabet6884]

I know that sheath are made out of leather therefore they are more or less flexible, scabbard however are made out of wood or metal, so here, the scabbards are made of wood but do you cover them with leather? I don't get it.

[@tods_workshop]

leather over wood was normal as these are

[@carlatabet6884]

@@tods_workshop ok thanks

[@mrtadreamer]

Is Bolivian Rosewood suitable for scabbards?

[@martinlambert948]

What would you call the design of the 10th-ish century scabbard at 4:12 ? I'm looking for the pattern to cut for the webbing/harness, but have no idea where to begin looking. Any ideas, if not direct links are just as appreciated :D

[@casonastudios1228]

Is there evidence for 13th/14th C Scabbards not being lined?

[@TheOhgodineedaname]

Did people ever put wire under leather grips?

[@TheOhgodineedaname]

Does it help with the grip or is there another reason for putting it there?

[@gundanium3126]

I would think the sash warn in a lot of Arabic countries would count for the third point of contact. I do not like the term Islamic as its not a race but a faith and there were Christians, Buddhists, and Jews living in the Arabic world.

[@I_am_Diogenes]

4:00 It is my understanding they intentionally wore their scabbards loose so it would not get tangled in their legs while fighting and trip them up . No ?

[@HiddenRealm]

... how would a blade scabbard stuck to your hips without moving much get tangled in your legs? It's quite the opposite really. The only benefit for looser is that if you aren't being conscious of it, if you run up against something like the frame of a door, it'll smack it and bounce off, rather then hit it and push on you. But... that's if you're not paying attention or aren't used to it being there yet.... but with that benefit you DO get the possibility of it bouncing into your way/into the path of your legs. Technically a properly worn scabbard should *never* touch your legs.

[@I_am_Diogenes]

@ Hidden For some reason I had soft scabbards in mind when I asked this , not that I think that would make a lot of difference or not . Thanks for the reply .

[@strydyrhellzrydyr1345]

I'd love to apprentice you

[@jourdainramlaukinnander5700]

Does anyone know if Aspen has a lower or higher tannin concentration?

[@jourdainramlaukinnander5700]

tod todeschini thank you 👍

[@loganplourde886]

Aspen and poplar are part of the same sort of family of tree to my knowledge

[@Ulfheodin]

Where was the viking scabbard ?

[@hungniirulfur920]

Where is the viking part. I've seen no ulfberht

[@TheNightmareBeforeyouakaDrnigh]

No shit! Most things do want to stay together. When things don’t we call that not stable. Haha great video and I do like ur videos.

[@jamesfirehummer3216]

this is to guys what gucci purses are to girls. ooh la la!

[@JanetStarChild]

Now there's an idea to create a matching set.

[@unhappyattendantughh2469]

Nice bro, great job. I’m 19 and pretty cute if any girls are interested btw lol

[@mikewright7964]

r/unexpectedtf2 intro

[@uncledaddy7578]

The sassy tugboat unknowingly agree because song preauricularly drip at a annoyed pear. ethereal, thirsty damage

[@sb-ant6457]

'That blokes made of the right kind of stuff' , as my father would say. :)

[@treyregruth7318]

I feel like I always hear references to people "Rattling their swords in their scabbards" in historical texts, which wouldn't really be possible if the scabbards perfectly fit the blade

[@Fabianwew]

Scabbards seem to have been typically bought from other artisans than someone producing and or selling swords. Unless custom work was ordered, a very loose fit seems likely.

[@xxxxxx5868]

Wood scabbards due tend to loosen up over time. Here in South East Asia most work machetes here still have traditional wooden scabbards and it's expected to be very loose, but when you get it for the first time it's so tight that you really need to pull on the machete to get it out. I imagine back in the day swords rattling wouldn't be uncommon. A common fix for it though is to gradually pour glue and woodust inside the scabard and shake it around until your machete fits perfectly. Maybe they did something similiar back then

[@LutzDerLurch]

What's the music?

[@AliceJooren]

Thanks for this, tod! I'm an amateur leaterworker and I just started making my own scabbards and this is tremendously helpful

[@Divadadov]

How about rapier scabbards ? Did they also had a wooden core or just a leather ? Anyway nice video Tod.

[@sailonstellarwinds]

Just blown away by your work, incredible.

[@davidbaggs8620]

I would love to see a video telling beginner's of how to know they are getting the right sword or maybe a instructional video for new dagger and sword owners like me

[@justsomeguy3931]

Beautiful work and great info as always

[@IshanDeston]

Very informative. Thank you!

[@ChrisH77]

What is that awesome song at the end?

[@ChrisH77]

Thanks, Tod!

[@DanTaninecz]

Yeah. Tell em to post a copy on KZbin!

[@johnharvey1786]

Sue told me Myal played on one of your videos now I have found it. I was watching before she knew I liked them. All so interesting.

[@MarvelDcImage]

Would fur lined scabbards prevent the rattle? Were scabbards fur lined?

[@jordanstewart2455]

If I'm not mistaken the National Museum of Denmark has a couple of sword with fur lined scabbards from the early to late medieval period.

[@HiddenRealm]

I'd think you'd have to bloat the size of the scabbard a lot to get something with natural fur into it as a lining though. So I imagine it was most likely that when they lined scabbards they tended to just use fabrics over fur.

[@corinaking2052]

I rather like the French knot, but man, the longsword and scabbard you designed, just beautiful, you do excellent work.

[@fredflintstone7986]

Hi Todd, nice work, any chance you will make a how to for a simple baldric and scabbard? I am just starting with my first viking reenactment blunt and don't know where to begin but thinking about some bone work on the baldric. Love your crossbow videos, especially the new dark age xbow build guide

[@120masterpiece]

Wouldn't they have used beeswax and linseed oil to waterproof the wood cores so they wouldn't swell?

[@LutzDerLurch]

Awesome video, MUCH apreciated!

[@awlach8]

For scabbards as seen on the Arn, would belt buckles have been used by this time instead of the French tie?

[@awlach8]

Your videos are awesome. People like you and Matt really help people like myself gain more accurate perspective on what life was like then. Love your work. One of these days, I will own one of your crossbows. Cheers!

[@lukerope1906]

About what width is the leather for your sword knots?

[@lukerope1906]

Thank you