Tods Workshop and Matt Easton/ Schola Gladiatoria talk sword scabbards

[@G1NZOU]

I just got my first Tod's scabbard today, amazing stuff. Leather feels great and the end of the chape has a kind of pineapple decoration which matches the architectural decoration of the church I was baptised in. Now to just wait for my Albion Prince to arrive in the new year.

[@tods_workshop]

Thanks and glad you like it. Store the scabbard flat for the present

[@paulmears5330]

that carved and painted scabbard is amazing. After watching Todd's vid on the color and decoration of Dover Castle, I have a new appreciation for the lively look and feel of the pre-industrial world.

[@jeromepeters9842]

Oh my, I just can stare at those swords. Beautifully done.

[@RequiemDusk]

I really enjoyed the information offered on various scabbard support methods - the rationale behind design choices was particularly interesting!

[@thebelgianbeast9949]

Good lord Tod, it's ridiculous the things you can build, these scabbards are an absolute work of art, and I'll no doubt be ordering some soon. Absolutely adore your work man, keep it up

[@Stigstigster]

I have learned so much from this video. And to think I nearly skipped it because I thoughtlessly said to myself "Scabbards are probably quite boring, I want blades!" That was fascinating and I will certainly pay more attention to accoutrements in future. It's clearly not just about blades.

[@JizzburnGigaqueer]

I'm all about the garish blue scabbard honestly. Bloody gorgeous!

[@cloudcleaver23]

I seem to recall some older works talking about people "loosening their swords" in their scabbards. I wonder if they'd just periodically pull it out a little and let it seat again, presumably a bit more shallowly, so it doesn't get swelled into place.

[@adrianj402]

I remember the phrase as well, but from historical fiction/ fantasy books. I suppose one might check if the sword hasn't become jammed in if they expected some trouble, but couldn't really do much about a swollen core.

[@cloudcleaver23]

Iona J I'd think if you did it regularly, you could keep it from ever fully sticking, because every time it wouldn't seat quite as deeply as it did before. Assuming an even blade taper, anyway.

[@ianalexander6977]

Given that you sell scabbard furniture Tod, would you ever consider doing a video walkthrough of your scabbard making processes for those of us who’re interested in the craft? I’ve struggled to find much good instruction on the subject online.

[@2bingtim]

Here's a couple of sites I saved to have a go myself when I get round to it: www.yeoldegaffers.com/project_scabbard.asp www.instructables.com/id/Viking-Sword-Scabbard/

[@EmilReiko]

Look at Matts face in the beginning, like a kid being let into the candy depardment of the supermarket :)

[@Lionslycer]

Could've just said candy shop

[@Meevious]

The construction of migration/viking era scabbards really deserves another video! It sounds so interesting, but it's hard to picture from such a brief description.

[@Jake-om5dm]

ngl I love the flowers scabbard was and I am sorely tempted to get one made every time I see it.

[@lazymongoose9233]

While I know this is an older video, I have a couple points that may add a bit of understanding to the discussion on why rapier scabbards were the way they were. If the third suspension point was at the back, it would interfere with the left hand dagger and where it could be positioned when worn in conjunction with the rapier. Secondly, with the great length of rapiers and similarly proportioned blades of the time, the sort of draw you'd need to make would go more across your body rather than in front as you demonstrated in this and a previous video on Matt's channel. Just something to think about-would love to see another video soon about any revised thoughts or new works on scabbards you are doing.

[@Tymdek]

About the wood swelling in the scabbard: (I don't know nearly as much about woodworking as I would like, so take this with a grain of salt) Maybe they soaked it before making the scabbard (or at least before finishing it), since wood does swell when it comes in contact with water, but doesn't return to its original shape when dried again. Aswell as not swelling as much when it gets wet after that. So maybe, just maybe one could soak a nearly finished piece of scabbard in water, dry it and _then_ make it fit exactly to the sword to prevent it from jamming the blade inside. I don't know if that works, but hey, it's a theory. However, great video, as always, it was a pleasure seeing you two do a collaboration. Greetings from Germany

[@Tymdek]

First of all, thanks for the quick response. What I meant was to soak it before glueing, so that the surface swells up, and then make it fit exactly to the sword, _then_ glue it together. That way it shouldn't swell that much when it gets wet during rain and the sword shouldn't be jammed inside. But, as I said, it's just a theory, maybe if I have the time I will test this with a cheap knife... Greetings :D

[@Tymdek]

tod todeschini Ah, ok. I thought that the wood would move less, if it already had been soaked, swollen and dried... But meh ':) Anyways, it was a pleasure talking to you :) Greetings

[@laser8389]

About the vertical hanging position on the super-ornate scabbard: it could be another indicator of wealth, saying that you never need to bend over to do anything for yourself, you have people for that.

[@jeffreytubbs8262]

Enjoyed the video.... Glad Matt gave the link to your channel. Great work Tod! Definitely subscribing now!

[@2adamast]

The unsurpassed Douglas Fairbanks draw: tilt the scabbard down, when the sword drops out swing the scabbard back up throwing the sword out then catch it in flight.

[@philipwebb960]

Meanwhile, your opponent cuts off your head.

[@fraterlulz8961]

Tod, I have a consul era An IX briquet sabre, the scabbard is made from leather more than two centuries old and the area around the throat of the scabbard has rotted away. I would like to craft a new replacement scabbard, but I want it to be as historically authentic as possible. Replicating the chape was somewhat difficult because or the spherical ornamentation on it, replicating the throat was much easier, I still need to harden the leather. I guess where I am getting at with this is that crafting such accoutrements in a historically accurate manner is not easy and I am glad to see your creations and the amount of skill you have put into them.

[@basedViking]

Hell yea great to see you both in the one video

[@TerribleTrace]

Could you please do a video on making historical correct different versions of scabbards.

[@Altrantis]

The one that hangs down is interesting because it works like a horse-scabbard. That is, some words were attached to the horse rather than the rider in battle (I think particularly estocs were on the horse saddle, while you'd carry your side-sword on your belt). I wonder if that's why they made it work that way, maybe that's the aesthetic they were going for, since it was clearly done for aesthetic reasons rather than practical ones.

[@tjdwarf]

The first sword with the black scabbard is beautiful

[@TyLarson]

Thank you for such an information filled video.

[@jasonscott8844]

I wonder if +hats what the "rain flap" was. Normally it would be tucked into the scabbard to keep it tight but after three days rain you can pull the flap out and still pull your sword quick.

[@jasonscott8844]

I wonder also if a cheap sword in an expensive scabbard has the same psychological effect as an expensive sword in an expensive scabbard. Stealth warfare as well. An expensive sword in a cheap scabbard. Lol

[@Schmunzel57]

Where did you get, that the hair in the lining was more horizontally oriented? Peter Johnsson told me that he found them normally pointing down to hinder the blade to fall out. And he found rabbit-, sheep and seal fur for that. I thought they where pointing down because they where not soo tight. Maybe you where looking at different examples and different sources.

[@johnjacomb2645]

Would be interesting to see the comparison between belt suspended scabbards and scabbards with baldrics

[@2bingtim]

WhileC1st BC Roman legionarries sem to prefer hanging the Gladius directly from the belty, 1st-2nd centuries AD they used a baldric, but often passed the baldric under the clinginum belt so it acted as if it was belt suspended. later on it could be either, probably the baldric dominating. It's a good point though JJ.

[@meatpilot]

Different scabbards for the same sword in different contexts makes a lot of sense to me. You might be going to war with a very utilitarian scabbard but when you’re in town you want something more flashy and you trade some stability for convenience of it being flexible and not sticking out behind you.

[@mlewis3871]

Hmm, I've never considered buying an Albion Burgundian before, but it looks quite nice dressed up in that red scabbard.

[@DUIRduje]

Point about the vertical scabbard... It is easier to sit with it! You just angle the blade part forwards and sit. I have to go around for half a year, whole day around costumed. I wear that later shallower Z pattern scabbard. I have to take my belt off every time I want to sit.

[@DUIRduje]

Also: climbing down steep stairs

[@mizutoryu242]

Captain Context brought me here.

[@Festoniaful]

What's that?

[@bruceelliott4433]

I am guessing that the reason that the suspension changed from the back may have had to do with interface with the dagger.

[@andreweden9405]

I also have the Albion "Burgundian". And as much as I love my Christian Fletcher scabbard, "Tod's" scabbards are much more affordable, and have much more overall bling! The only thing I might like better about my Fletcher scabbard, is that it's a tidbit more form-fitting than that one, which is very sexy. I do have a ballock-rondel hybrid dagger by "Tod" that I love very much. In fact, it, along with a spear, is a companion weapon to the aforementioned sword. 😊

[@_malprivate2543]

First of all, great video. Secondly, I was thinking about what you say about scabbards and sheaths being sold seperately and therefor not always having the best fit. Would it be safe to assume that some of the pictures of sheath being sold on their own shows samples of what a seller could provide? Kind of like bespoke tailors having suits you can try to see what you like but then they make you your own? "Yes, I would like a scabbard for my falchion. Can I try out something in green leather, please?"

[@_malprivate2543]

Interesting. Thanks!

[@wilowhisp]

Great vid! How bout the baldric? I've seen period artwork from the mid 1300s depicting baldrics with arming swords. It seems like the baldric may have been falling out of favor by the 15th century. Were baldrics ever used with longswords?

[@nimitz1739]

British people have such polite accents. “It’s extraordinary”

[@philipwebb960]

Very interesting and informative video.

[@BGH1961]

I suspect that anyone wearing the ornate but impractical scabbard wouldn't be bending down to pick anything up: they'd order their servants to do it.

[@G1NZOU]

That Albion Sovereign and Prince, beautiful swords. I wonder if the blue floral scabbard's mounting design is more of a "I'm wearing this for display in court while not poking the people standing next to or behind me whenever I move" kind of deal. Perhaps it's a more low threat, display the sword nicely to show off style, while they kept the more military oriented ones to the battlefield.

[@PJDAltamirus0425]

What do you think about the discovery of waxed linen strip construction scabbards?

[@Alopex1]

In regard to the one with the floral decorations: maybe the impractical way of suspending it was in fact designed specifically for effigies. When Tod wears it, it aligns perfectly with his leg. Effigies all have their legs straight like that. Maybe, just maybe, the design was meant to be used only in specific situations - indeed only on effigies. What do you think?

[@Alopex1]

Happy to have been of help. Will be looking forward to any further conclusions you can draw on this matter in future videos! Thank you, in any case, for a very interesting video - and in collab with the great Master of Context, no less!

[@Devin_Stromgren]

Wouldn't the grease from the sword blade eventually impregnate and waterproof the wood?

[@Valkirio4]

Interesting video, but the audio was pretty bad.

[@jonnyone-truck2460]

functional codpieces don't go well with the front strap system, I suspect that's why the front strap didn't come in until the codpiece went out.

[@jonnyone-truck2460]

so funny, I can just see fumbling around that strap, trying to pee. :) But then, I guess cod's weren't all about practicality, lol!

[@edi9892]

Wouldn't it make sense to have a tight fit at the throat and keep the rest rather loose? That should keep the blade in, the rain out and be fairly easy to draw.

[@TheJallejulle]

"Like in some movies".... Is Matt maybe refering to Eomer in The Two Towers among those examples?.. x,D

[@Firebutton]

Would anyone be able to confirm if double wrap sword belts were actually used historically at all?

[@Evirthewarrior]

Would they have soaked the fur in grease or oil instead of just the blade?

[@Lurklen]

Say what you like, that fancy scabbard is beautiful. I'd wear it any day.

[@oheebatch_algorytmu]

How would falchion scabbard look like?

[@5chr4pn3ll]

One of the downsides of not having a shotgun mic running as a backup. Very interesting video though as always.

[@mchernett]

We did actually, but it only had a foam wind muffler and it picked up too much wind noise to be useful. Believe it or not, I actually cranked Matt's volume up as far as I dared in the edit but going too far introduces a jarring jump in background noise. We're working on production quality, I was thinking of a sound boom for the next investment, but you, know.. limited budgets and all that.

[@5chr4pn3ll]

Ah, that explains it. Yeah I can understand, shotgun mics are so handy but the wind is an issue and those lav mics are so much better for recording speech. You can always try it with a sock as a wind muffler, I've actually seen that work well sometimes.

[@mchernett]

Yeah, I'll pick up a cheap muffler at some point. If I had the cash, I'd buy a pair of radio lav mics

[@phreak761]

@@mchernett Film indoors...

[@CapnPicard]

Your KZbin channel is god-like.

[@norrex1]

Another great anime crossover. Keep up the good work!

[@twirlipofthemists3201]

Maybe the market would like neodymium magnet clasps.

[@heespeseth]

Would not the wood be oiled? Wood treatment was just as usual then as now. We keep treating wood that is going to be exposed to the weather, would not they do that back then too?

[@G1NZOU]

I use boiled linseed oil on my axe handles, stops the wood from shrinking and prevents moisture from getting into the fibres by saturating the wood with the oil.

[@godofimagination]

How would they have carried them in battle?

[@PurpleHaze2k9]

YES my two main men!

[@sb-ant6457]

Needed moar schwinggggg

[@sheep1ewe]

This was a wery interesting video.

[@RudraLP]

I wonder - without having any practical experience in drawing swords - if the evolution towards front straps in your last example occured because of the mere length of rapier blades. With a backstrap, I imagine you're way more restricted concerning how your blade is aligned when pulling it out, which might be problematic with such a long blade as in case of a rapier. The frontstraps seem to allow you more clearance (I hope that's the right word for what I want to say - no native speaker here) to draw the sword across your body and not so much to the front. Just an assumption. But if you try and make a Rapier's scabbard with one of the old hanging systems, I guess it might become clearer what made them think "Hmm, maybe we should do that differently."

[@rue23ko]

2:53

[@spacewater7]

When you guys start talking about effigies around 9:30 I feel you're neglecting an obvious thing, the carvings are done either of a person laying on their back or with their back to a wall. The artist has to work with tools of that age, carving the effigy out of stone as well, so there's things that you just can't do with the media and tools. Try carving a wooly beard or silken hair, it can't be done, only the impression can be given, and only certain styles could be approximated. Does that mean that that's the only hairstyles or haircuts they had back then? Of course not. The sword and scabbard must be depicted, but the only way is straight down the leg.

[@jamesbruce1975]

Good LOTR reference there :)

[@markbecker71]

When you fall off a horse you really don't want something to tight on your body...it hurts..

[@AFCAWorldBodybuildingArchive]

Finally a video with two of my favourite history-discussioneers :D Now if Skallagrim coumd make it into that team, I'd lose my sh** :D

[@brumalogresteer4124]

Eomir loses his sword, keeps straight face and rides away...

[@Andrew-vt2wq]

Matt if you're interested I'd like to hire you as the captain of my personal guard. No homo.

[@VyantQuijt]

8.54 Why would anyone with money to waste on a scabbard like that be picking anything off the ground in the first place? It would be a waste of the status you're trying to project!

[@gregedmand9939]

At what point in Western history, did having flowers on a man's clothes or possessions become "too feminine"? I think it's a pretty recent prejudice that must have its origins somewhere. Perhaps in the last century or so. Eastern cultures have never thought this way. There are few more "manly" traditions than a Samurai warrior and Japanese culture celebrates flowers.

[@hardgoodbye]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/bnzIm5tsaZ6SfK8m51s People with sword scabbards like that don't bend over to pick things up. They have servants for that. Realistically they probably aren't fighting either because they have different people for that too.

[@lukerope1906]

Studying 12th-century scabbards in manuscripts is soooooo infuriating. They just don't make sense.

[@alperkale8964]

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