Medieval Scabbard Build

Learn how to make a scabbard for your favorite sword.
This scabbard is currently available at my ETSY shop: www.etsy.com/s...
I began making scabbards due to the relative high cost of professionally made scabbards, but I after a thorough search for insightful instructions on how to properly construct one, I realized that these might actually be the "trade secrets" of the best scabbard makers. While the work of expert craftsmen is far superior to my own, I think that one can still craft a satisfactory scabbard with few resources, a small amount of skill, and a little time. To assist you, I've created this brief tutorial. It doesn't cover topics like tooling techniques, but perhaps I will do an additional video on that subject in the future.
Here's a list of the products used in this video:
Fiebing's Pro Dye, Mahogany
Fiebings Leather Dye, British Tan
Eco-Flo Super Shene Leather Finish
Barge All Purpose Cement
Vegetable tanned leather (4/5 single shoulder)
Waxed Cotton Cord, brown
Leather Lace 0.125"
Poplar scales, .25" X 3.5" X 48"
Minwax Helmsman Spar Urethane, Clear Semi-Gloss

[@Matthew_Jensen]

You make it look easy enough that I will probably try and then make a big mess of it. Good video sir.

[@MattsGreatHall]

Matthew Jensen -- you should make one!! I'd love to see the results.

[@Matthew_Jensen]

Everything Medieval I have no skill for that kind of thing. I usually pay to have it done but I do have an Albion or two that could use a scabbard. Might be fun to try.

[@primitivefish8277]

Great tutorial. In Oakschot's Records of the Medieval Sword he shows an alternative method where one of the left side top laces actually laces through the right side of the belt to close it around the scabbed. But there were many way belt fittings were done in medieval times

[@zoichikanoe6242]

Most is that finding the right water resistant wood glue and a proper glue for the leather plus a 2mm leather canvas so big, not an easy feat, especially the leather. I ho have around tons of 4mm leather for armor straps and such, I have to use that thick one but my glue is not water resistant. In that case you can cover the wood scabbard in celofan, then put the hot watered leather, make it taking the wanted shape and letting it dry, remove the celofan and then assemble everything. For the sewn i would suggest you to simply make holes and afterward going with a leather cord or such.

[@brinks2469]

I think if you cut the leather strips at an angle it will be more difficult to tell where you cut it.

[@lachy1709]

for anyone who watches this so late, i would recommend using the gouges or a router to make the cavity before you cut the shape out, as it will be easier to put a rectangular shape into a vice than a tapered shape. it will also be easier to clamp it to a bench in rectangular form as there is more surface area available

[@natebowman7593]

Informative, and helpful video. Only criticism I can give is the choice of background music, it is completely out of place with the subject of the video.

[@mrdabeetle1]

Your stitches are too far apart. The thread is stronger than the leather, so the thread will have more tension on each hole, which will tear out the stitch over time. With narrower stitch hole pitch, you eliminate this issue. This stitch is only used in some sheaths. A Celtic, Scandinavian, or Rus scabbard uses a zig-zag stitch (whip stitch) that doubles back on each end underneath the chape and at the mouth. For a stronger stitch that isn't historically accurate, use a baseball stitch. The leather will be tighter against the wood and the puckering of the leather at the stitches keeps the threads from rubbing and fraying. You should also oil the wood core rather than using a surface sealer. The leather is meant to be able to be removed from the wood core to be able to clean and maintain the sheath/scabbard. Oiling the wood core also oils the leather. Regular oiling of the leather keeps the wood core pliable and less likely to break or deform. Your methods are not historically accurate, but they make an attractive result.

[@1337blackone]

what are your sources. im trying to make a couple of these

[@rollothewalker5535]

La Tene celtic swords have iron scabbards, not leather.

[@aponteje1]

Could you point me to a site that provides more information on your comments? Like to learn more.

[@zoichikanoe6242]

linen oil as if no tomorrow on the wooden scabbard, leather sewn with a leather cord to avoid stress on the holes. The wood scabbard should be open at the end, like a TUBE, to avoid dirt into it to stay there forever and rust the metal. This allow it to be easily cleaned in case. Plus a separated leather or metal front tip to close the end of the scabbard, to take most of dirt contact and hits, removable.

[@robertguildford4793]

A good book for scabbards galore is "Covering the blade" by Marquita Volken & Olaf Goubitz

[@TlantMagnus]

I know this is a late comment but if you want a smoother dye finish, pre-wet the leather with alcohol if your dye is alcohol based. This stops the dye from absorbing too quickly and let's you spread it more evenly. I also dilute my dye a bit with alcohol so it doesn't end up as dark.

[@petitloup4400]

How about some medieval styled music in the backround? That would be cool :) Great video, Sir.

[@Mikanoes]

You used hand carving tools to carve out the space for the blade? ...yup, just like that, you are officially one of my favorite crafters on the planet.

[@Mikanoes]

@Creed Yosef Who the heck are you idiots, and why have I been seeing the same exact two comments from six different accounts on three different videos I commented on?

[@ABACUStoPC]

I paid over $700 for a custom scabbard, and had to wait one year for it to get made. Compare to sheath makers most scabbard makers charge way too much because there are fewer people out there making these hence less competition, with additional options (add belt, chape, etc) the price can easily go over $1k. Thanks for sharing this video btw

[@beanosfeed5414]

I'm making one rn with some wood from a pallet and an angle grinder on my breaks. All I got left is to wrap it and line it. It's really easy once you start.

[@edwardpoljak1970]

Awesome video thanks for upload. No one shows this process thanks for sharing , keep em comming

[@MattsGreatHall]

Thank you!!

[@vmfjru47]

Excellent video! Very informative!

[@saraalmeida6809]

SARA SOUZA A ow mão hão pqp Mor Leo Gosto iwwp de mão não Dowp

[@ronin1330]

Had an Albion Baron for 5 years, bare naked with a light shining on the blade on a corner when not in use which was very little, I loved that sword took me months to get, gave a lot of use. In the end I sold it to help a family out I was worth it. some day I'll have another one and now I know how to make a scabbard for it.

[@edwardpenishands4658]

that is possibly the kindest opening to a video ever. thank you.

[@scrqqge]

Dude i love the video, but sjees that music is so irritating, i almost could not finish the vid

[@MattsGreatHall]

Sorry. I recommend muting the volume anyway.

[@justinhill5114]

What dimensions did you use for the "belt/straps"? I tried finding the sketches you were talking about but I was unsuccessful. Love the way your scabbard straps turned out and want to make mine look the same.

[@dannyhager6928]

Thanks for the video - I'd love to see more detail on carving the channels in the wood to get a good fit.

[@MattsGreatHall]

Thanks for the feedback. There were parts of the process that I could have spent more time on. Should I do another scabbard? I don't want to bore anyone to death.

[@dannyhager6928]

I personally wouldn't find the detailed parts boring. :)

[@MattsGreatHall]

I'm making a more detailed video as we speak!

[@BR0719PP]

Nice work! a single shoulder is enough for the belt and scabbard? thanks for the video.

[@JJGuccione]

Great VDO - The music sucks - Big time!

[@MattsGreatHall]

I fired the guy responsible for the “music.” He was flogged and then spent a week on the rack. Don’t worry, we won’t hear from him again.

[@Grillman45600]

can you make kopis scabber (with the ring for hanging)

[@zerubbabelsbridge]

Greaaat video 👍🏽 ...not so much the soundtrack

[@louisphildurand]

very nice video. can't wait to get into the action. I received a mortuary hilt english sword and want to apply the same scabbard's belt attachment to it. I might end up to try something completely different and new in the same time which is quite exciting. I hope you will continue to make other sorts of scabbards. cheers!

[@N3F4R10U5]

To prevent streaks use your dauber in a circular motion rather than back and forth.

[@That_Chaplin_chap]

u look like ben afleck..awesome channel btw ;)

[@jonathanweston266]

Could you use this for a sword that you use, like draw quickly etc.?

[@Halrin]

Subscribed, loved the video, makes it seem very accessible where I've previously looked at scabbard making as something beyond me, even though I do wood and leather work. Will definitely try it out in the future.

[@MattsGreatHall]

Thanks, Logan! Keep me posted on your progress if you want. I'd love to see what your scabbard project looks like when you finish!!

[@anthonypantano2627]

thank you for making this vid it will help me one day should i make my own for my blades

[@zaccaria101]

Hey man what would you charge on making a scabbard for an Albion Knight?

[@armorvestrus6882]

Sorry to say, but you make it to tight. The idea is to have a quick draw scabbard. You don't want to need to pull the sword very hard to get it free in a time of battle. That point being made your work is very nice just make the next one more loose.

[@nimitz1739]

Can you actually get poplar wood scales that size .25 x 3.5 x43” at places like Home Depot? Like already precut to that size?

[@sagr5178]

Look very good quality scabbard, do u make custom scabbard for dagger ?

[@tomsummers1382]

Funtutorial and discussion/explanation throughout. I’m following this tutorial to make a wood core scabbard for a buddy. What are the dimensions and lengths used for the leather belt portion of the build?

[@23561avatar]

Thanks for uploading this great tutorial Matt. A much needed video for those who can't afford to buy one.

[@nivesknight]

The professional would have been dead for a thousand years.....

[@WoofyMcDoodle]

know its an older video so I dont expect an answer, but do you have a tutorial on how to wrap the belt around it the way you done it?

[@stevewessex1053]

I'be just come across this video, thanks so much for a clear explanation, this is the only tutorial technical video I would recommend. Take care.

[@sarahandrews5397]

condition your leather before you add your finish, that helps keep it from being so streaky. and the leather being too brittle.

[@nivesknight]

The marks in the leather can be taken out by using moisture....

[@el_wumberino]

Very interesting, but, mate, the music is rather annoying.

[@Lord_RavnFar_Tannerwise]

Re-wet the leather and then dye it to avoid streaks in the dye,

[@fisonato]

Great video tutorial but the music is atrocious.

[@Strigoil]

That was really nice to watch man, very informative, makes me want to try and make one but knowing myself it will end at wanting to try, looking forward to seeing the chape and buckle now!

[@MattsGreatHall]

Thank you, my friend. I am ordering a few chapes/buckles today. I tried forging chapes a while ago, but they were too imprecise. I wish I knew how to make brass castings. If you end up making a scabbard, I'd love to see what you come up with!

[@Bastian124]

I really like that tutorial and you give a lot of useful advice on how to build a scabbard. But what is about a fur-lining on the inside of the scabbard that would be, as far as I know, used in historical patterns?

[@TRANSPORTCANADAGURU]

This is amazing! I never even considered making my own scabbard until watching this! Thanks!

[@MattsGreatHall]

Thank you! It’s really not too difficult!!

[@cougarman131076]

that's amazing work, thanks for the video, you are a great craftsman

[@uninspiredrambler]

Marlinspike is what you need. Excellent tutorial man, looks professional as hell.

[@nivesknight]

So a liner is a must as well as a hard wood for the scabbard....

[@jayhallman6666]

He made that look easy! lol Great looking scabbard too. I have a Albion ordered. I may try this.

[@Ryan-ik7hl]

made one following your video, turned out fantastic. thanks for the video!

[@matthewmarting3623]

Thank you! I’ve looked at knifemaking and swordmaking resources for probably 15 years and I have never seen a tutorial for this.

[@AK-sz3xo]

So nicely done! I wish to make these but i don't have the right equipment 😭. I wish you good luck with your scabbards and other medieval items!

[@leolopiccol78]

quite useful: thanks for sharing!

[@troopygino]

Dude, thats really impressive fairplay!

[@minimalmike1410]

when you stain the leather use a circular motion it will turn out way better and without different line shades

[@deanransom2350]

I am deep into my first effort on a scabbard. What are your belt widths? They look like 2 inches. On the double strap, one strap fits into the 0.75" gap between the top two risers. The bottom strap looks to be the same size with a 0.5 inch gap between them...hence 2 inches. Correct? I guessing the length of the belts will be highly specific to the waist of the wearer. 2" wide belts? Yea, Nay? Thanks, I have watched your videos a lot and have learned a great deal. I appreciate your skill and sharing your skill. Best regards, Dean

[@MattsGreatHall]

Hey Dean, I no longer have that particular scabbard in my collection, but I measured a similar on that I made, and the belt around the waist is 1.75 inches, and the thinner straps are about 0.5 inches in width. Hope that helps!

[@teutonicpenguin9593]

Hey Matt, love your work and your videos. Huge fan. I was wondering if I could link your video in my own scabbard building video I recently made. I utilized some of your tips like on finishing the leather and using the edge beveler and have improved a great deal! Just wanted to give credit where credit is due. Lemme know if that's cool. Keep up the outstanding work!

[@MattsGreatHall]

Of course you can! I can’t wait to see your scabbard video. Is it posted already?

[@teutonicpenguin9593]

Yes it is! It's my most recent upload.

[@stevengood1812]

This is literally the channel I’ve been looking for

[@davidfunkhouser516]

Why did you stop making videos?

[@sethwegner8100]

Why just the one rain guard?

[@TheFlyguywill]

Damn, that looks great. Nice job!

[@petitloup4400]

Man, that´s amazing! I couldn´t find a propper tutorial for making a scabbard on the Internet anywhere. You convinced me that making one on my own is indeed possible. Many thanks!

[@RyanSmith-ew1yj]

How did you find the pattern for your leather?

[@brundantheknighttemplar]

Hey Matt’s Great Hall could you give me the pattern you made for the scabbard belt or tell me how you made the scabbard belt?

[@MattsGreatHall]

I’ll do a video on the belt. Not sure how I could really share a pattern, but I’ll look into it.

[@Dampfpaddler]

Thank you, very helpful video!

[@Cilgwri_Wanderer]

A great tutorial, thanks :)

[@BrunoDeMarques]

Great video. I wondered how they were made

[@sirguillaume]

I'M GOING TO MAKE A SCABBARD FOR A FEDER :D

[@jimp1533]

Can you comment on what might be different (if anything) for an over the shoulder draw sword/scabbard?

[@MattsGreatHall]

I imagine that if you wanted to draw the sword from over your shoulder, either the scabbard would have to be at a pretty serious angle (depending on the length of the sword) or the scabbard would have to be partially open with the opening extending down a bit. It’s probably less convenient than wearing it at the waist, but that would make an interesting project!

[@kenlu94]

Thanks for the guide

[@deanransom2350]

Where does one find the poplar scales? Lowes or Home Depot carry such an item?

[@MattsGreatHall]

Both should. I usually go to Home Depot.

[@Skybaby79]

now we know - and knowing is half the battle

[@MaghnusmacanGhabhann]

You sir, are are most excellent! I've tried this several times and all I end up with is a rectangle of wood that my blade rattles around in. Proper fitment of the blade is in no-way as easy as you make it look, especially with gouges. I tried everything from dremells, to routers and even chisels and a ton of sanding paper. My next attempt was going to be with violin planes but I just gave up. Cudo's

[@butchycutterman]

I used a dado blade on my table saw. ran the length of both pieces of wood. I then made a plug about 2 inches for the dado bottom end then glued the pieces together and shaped the end after drying

[@BullShitMatador]

Why does everyone on KZbin, regardless of subject, insist on adding dumb annoying techno music to the background of their videos????? I've never understood this....

[@MattsGreatHall]

We are dumb. That’s all I can come up with.

[@BullShitMatador]

@@MattsGreatHall Silence is better than music that makes you hit the mute button less than 10 seconds in.

[@stokermeister3]

Where can a person buy a quantity of leather for theses type of projects???

[@mikegrossberg8624]

I would say it depends on what you mean by a "quantity". If you're talking about enough to make only a FEW scabbards, you're going to go retail, for which Tandy is about your best bet, unless you have some other source. If you want to buy leather in BULK, you'll have to find a wholesaler. The individual hide price will be cheaper, but you'd have to buy SEVERAL, which could take quite a bite out of your savings! If you plan on doing this as a business, wholesale is the way. Personally, I like to go to the Tandy nearest me(about an hour's drive, but hey), because I want to know what I'm GETTING, rather than having someone else make the selections. Photos and descriptions do NOT show you exactly how the leather FEELS; some leathers listed as, say, 5 oz, may be nice and supple, while others may be stiff as a board! By choosing my own, I get to pick precisely the kind of leather I need for a project

[@ShaNagmaImmuru]

nice! i ll give it a try at some point!

[@GREGORGE0US]

please make a scabbard for a viking sword :D styles are different and i would love to be able to replicate it for my sword

[@MattsGreatHall]

Definitely! I’ll see what I can do. Thanks!!

[@westwass]

Brilliant! A true artist! Humble and skilled!

[@bencoomer2000]

Looks great.

[@sarisimaa]

what type of needle and thread or needle do you use to do the stitching?

[@MattsGreatHall]

I usually use upholstery needles nowadays. You can get them in a pack with various sizes. Super cheap. Sorry for the late reply.

[@iliyanlaskov4253]

Nice work. Looks very good

[@Skinwalker_skinny]

I hulk smashed that like button and sub button. It's about time someone came out with a good tutorial on making scabbards. Thank you!

[@adnlara701]

I was able to make my scabard thanks to your video.

[@MattsGreatHall]

Hey, nice job!!! Glad that I could help!

[@bathrobebattousai84]

That shirt is the shit dude.

[@talongreyhawk7706]

What if i want to make a scabbard for my sca rapier

[@mikegrossberg8624]

Is it a REAL blade, or a fencing/schlager type? Either way, MY opinion(for whatever it's worth) is that all you need is a leather TUBE(I don't think you could have a wooden form underneath), wet-formed to the blade(oil/grease it, and wrap it in Saran wrap first). Then add a throat and chape(the scabbard I made for a heavy rapier had both made of leather. It wasn't as nice as having metal ones, but it worked). BTW, been a SCAdian for the last 44 years

[@MrDlwall]

Good video, well done.

[@0megacron]

Great tutorial! I have a few questions: - What is the purpose of the flap at the top? I assume it's to protect the guard from snagging? - When stitching the leather together along the length of the scabbard, should the ends meet or overlap (to account for shrinkage when it dries)? - I've read elsewhere that you should line the inside with felt to protect the blade. Is this something you recommend?

[@MattsGreatHall]

Great questions. The purpose for the flap at the top is ostensibly to protect from rain and the elements. On later swords, and particularly German longswords, the ricasso had attached to it a piece of leather sometimes referred to as a "rain guard." This likely served a similar purpose. There is a possibility that the flap was somewhat decorative as well. Not all 13th century scabbards had them, and sometimes they were less pronounced, even rounded rather than pointed. One of the best resources to see what High Medieval scabbards looked like are on funerary effigies and monuments. Also, as a side note, you may want to add stitching around the top to ensure the edge doesn't come loose. To answer your question about the stitching on the back, my suggestion would be to not have the edges overlap. The edges may pull away from each other slightly, however, due to shrinking. Felt is boiled wool, which is fine to add to the inside if you prefer. The scabbards that I've made fit nicely, so I'm not sure what benefit it would provide. Definitely add it if you want to. It's more of a preference I think.

[@mrdabeetle1]

A rain guard is a piece of leather or metal integrated in the guard to keep rain and debris from filling the scabbard. It is part of the weapon guard, not the scabbard or sheath. The purpose of the flaps at the mouth of the sheath/scabbard is to account for shrinkage in the leather as it is exposed to elements while out on campaign where maintenance is impossible. Note that these only appear in production weapons and not personal items. I wish historians would talk to artisans who have a family history of making these goods and not talk out of their asses with made up hypotheses that they know the general public will take as historical fact. Cough...Ewart Oakeshott...cough...

[@ronin1330]

Thank you very much for the video, learned a lot.

[@MattsGreatHall]

Awesome, glad to hear it!

[@hallowedfool]

I was wondering what type of glue you used to stick the two sides? I'm at this stage myself and trying to find out what glue to use because I've heard PVA can cause rusting on the sword later down the line. Also, should I be sealing the inside of the scabbard or just leaving it as bare wood? Most people seem to leave it bare but I've heard enough people talk about sealing them to make me worry a bit :')

[@MattsGreatHall]

Hey! Great questions, glad you asked. I used Elmer's Carpenter's Woodglue. It sands well, stains well, and is water based rather than oil based. Don't use so much that it spills into the core and you won't have to worry about it reacting with the metal blade. I can only speak from experience, but I've never had any rusting issues with this glue. Also, it's not necessary to seal the inside of the scabbard as long as you're using a low acidic type of wood. Poplar is one of the most common types of wood used for scabbards because of this characteristic. If you're using a different type of wood that's significantly more acidic, it might be a good idea to seal it. If you're really worried, you could line the inside with wool or linen. That's something I've never tried. Good luck on the scabbard! I hope it's enjoyable!

[@hallowedfool]

Everything Medieval Wow, thanks for the fast reply! That really helps on both questions. I have used poplar so far so I'll carry on from there without sealing it. Thanks for your help :)

[@mikegrossberg8624]

@@MattsGreatHall Many viking scabbards were lined with raw unwashed wool. The lanolin in the wool helped keep the blade from rusting in the wet conditions often encountered. I sometimes put a heavy coat of WD40 or similar on the blade, then scabbard it. Hopefully, some of the oil gets into the wood, to serve the purpose of rust retardant

[@krzysztofzarebski2994]

Could you tell me what thickness of the leather you use?

[@MattsGreatHall]

Usually 4-5oz. leather. That’s about 1.6mm to 2mm thick.

[@krzysztofzarebski2994]

​@@MattsGreatHall it is not too thick? I thought about something 1mm of thickness. And what was tickness of the one side o wood?

[@Z0MBAZINATOR]

That sheath is gorgeous! the sheath that came with my bastard sword is fugly! Thanks.

[@wolfman5349]

I need more help with gouging out the hollow

[@wolfman5349]

@WilliamE216 I started using my belt sander specifically the round bit at the front

[@wolfman5349]

@WilliamE216 Right you are mate, I switched over to a 120 grit and I don't even let it get it's own weight onto the board, clamps help with that. Cherish the time with your little ones, if they're young he sure to fill their heads with great tales and if they're older then fill them with lessons you've learned. Sorry, I'm the sentimental sort.

[@ellthaliona4339]

Hey I was wondering is the Barge All Purpose Cement used for gluing the wooden core together? If not what is the best option?

[@MattsGreatHall]

I used a different glue to bond the two sides of the wooden core together. For that I used Elmer's Carpenter's Wood Glue. If you clamp it for 24 hours it bonds extremely well and cleans up with water.

[@ellthaliona4339]

thanks for the reply, also did you use varnish on the scabbard? and could that help preserve the wood?

[@MattsGreatHall]

Varnish on the wooden core, yes. There are several options for protecting the leather, but definitely don’t put varnish on the leather. Coating the core with varnish basically puts a barrier between the wood and the leather scabbard and should prolong the life of the leather by helping it to not dry out quickly. A conditioner can be applied every so often to keep the leather supple, similar to how you might oil a baseball glove to keep it soft.

[@ellthaliona4339]

do i also coat the inside or do i leave it? also how many coats?

[@LakesideStudio1503]

Where would you recommend buying leather from

[@MattsGreatHall]

If you live in the US my recommendation is Tandy Leather. They have a website if there’s not a store nearby

[@LakesideStudio1503]

@@MattsGreatHall thanks

[@SaintHanger]

I see this channel becoming more popular with content like this. Cheers!

[@pheaplee325]

How much is it if I want you to make one for me

[@MattsGreatHall]

I could make one for $400 without a chape or metal fittings. If you have time on your hands, you may want to try making one yourself. It's not too difficult and very rewarding in my opinion. It just takes some time of course.

[@pheaplee325]

Ok, I will try to make one for myself. Thank you

[@ortrunraub365]

This is a fantastic! Thank you very much.)

[@lostcolonyforge5792]

I’m using this for a knife

[@MattsGreatHall]

How did the knife sheath/scabbard go?

[@lostcolonyforge5792]

@@MattsGreatHall it went ok

[@LegionTacticoolCutlery]

Damn dude you are talented for sure! You should open up a business...

[@MattsGreatHall]

Thank you! It's the business side that I'm absolutely terrible at.

[@eastoncameron3487]

Have you uploaded a video putting on a chape yet?

[@MattsGreatHall]

I have not, but that would be a really simple video to do, if it would be helpful.

[@eastoncameron3487]

@@MattsGreatHall it would be very helpful, I should have a sword by July and, being a leather worker for two years, I figured I’d make my own scabbard but I haven’t the slightest idea how to attach a chape😂 so it would be very helpful if it wouldn’t take you much time and you didn’t mind

[@MattsGreatHall]

Definitely!

[@eastoncameron3487]

@@MattsGreatHall awesome!

[@LostarielofAerys]

Dude, you rock! Thank you so much! Best tutorial I've found by far.

[@MattsGreatHall]

Haha. Thank you!!