Yes, Wearing a Sword on Your Back Works, BUT...

[@TheSonOfTheDragon]

In the next Elder Scrolls I want Skall and Shad as rival blacksmiths with their shops on opposite side of the street from each other and they're constantly throwing insults at each other and on occasion chase each other around with weapons and at the end of the day they're both drinking together in the tavern like brothers.

[@swordsman1_messer]

This is a great Easter egg. Bethesda, take note!

[@agrippa2012]

seems like the kind of easter egg that is way more likely to happen in Kingdom Come 2 than TES6

[@thegk-verse4216]

@@agrippa2012 No matter what we breed we still are made of seed 2 ?

[@whiteraven1992]

YES. That would be amazing, actually.

[@pedroweisheimer6112]

Ok, now I need it

[@fred_oxford]

One thought about the possible origins of the back carry trope. A few years ago I was choreographing a fantasy short film wherein the main character needed to run, jump, clamber over rocks and trees, etc. extensively before drawing his sword. My original intention was to have the sword on his hip, but as you pointed out there was no way to do these stunts without holding the sword in place with one hand (it kept spilling out or getting in the way). Sprinting with one hand stuck to the hip just didn't play very well on camera though, because it always pulled focus to the sword when that wasn't supposed to be the point of the shot. So eventually we moved to a back scabbard, which tolerated the stunts much better. My thought is that maybe people think back scabbards are super cool because they see them in movies, but maybe they exist in movies simply because they are so practical IN A MOVIE CONTEXT. And if another context, like your fantasy adventure, has you sprinting, scrambling, and tumbling often, then it might be a practical way to carry a sword then too.

[@jtnachos16]

Literally just a leather strap with a hole in the center would work for holding the sword in place (loop over pommel/secure at cross-guard, depending on sword type). While doing acrobatics, you move the strap to stop the sword from falling out. Could even use tension on said strap via interweaving with belt to pin the sword in a specific position so it isn't in the way. Then when you are done with your tomfoolery, you move the strap and have normal access. Realistically, a back carry doesn't make a ton of sense in any context where someone might be expecting to fight. I'd sooner tuck the sword and it's sheathe under my armpit and carry it that way, since at least there if I need it quickly it is still an instant bludgeon. Horizontal across the back also makes more sense than a vertical on he back carry, as you could conceivably rig that to effectively slide around to the side when you go to draw it anyway.

[@midshipman8654]

@@jtnachos16 he did say for a movie context.

[@wolfensniper4012]

It depends and don't need to be a movie only context. I'm pretty sure that a normal traveller or mountaineer with sword do need to free both his hands for climbing in a realistic context.

[@robertagu5533]

Think they all being overly critical. To carry a sheathed sword securely it shouldn't just come right out.. meaning if the blade is appropriate size an weight there shouldn't be an easy way to pull a sword from someone's back scabbard without it being felt. An for some situations like sitting and climbing.. it's about the only effective carry. What Skall even mentioned its a bit of his bias. Which NEVER should factor into an be mistaken for practicality. If your carrying a huge weapon it's probably not sheathed alot time anyways but most weapons its probably about more the user then how the weapon is carried

[@jtnachos16]

@@robertagu5533 When you are sitting, a weapon sheathed at the hip still is fine. The sheath is not super rigid and can be adjusted somewhat vertically along your waist, or just splayed out to the side, if something prevents the vertical traverse. Also, yes, it would be possible to lift a sword from a back scabbard with the wielder being none the wiser. You;d simply have to have a hand on the sheath to hold it steady while you lift the sword out. Of course, it still relies on general inattention from the wielder, but he weight of the sword is effectively irrelevant, as any combat sword is going to be in, at max, the 4-8 pounds range. Literally, combat use examples of things like the zweihander top out at around 8 pounds. I guarantee you if you are walking around with something on your back all day, you aren't going to notice it missing when it's that light. High schools and the BS that goes on there with people's backpacks prove that pretty well.

[@martinmarik4674]

The part with stealing is actually true. On a Larp event leader of our forces had dual short blades on back (just for decoration). The first day somebody stole both of them as a joke. We were looking for them the whole week :D

[@blackc1479]

I had never considered that idea, and now I really want to write a story where somebody gets their mystic blade ganked in act 1 and spends the rest of the story trying to get it back lol.

[@johndododoe1411]

@@blackc1479 Don't forget the insult of being attacked with your own blade. So no more searching and no way to get it back.

[@hieronymusnervig8712]

How does that work legally? Do you call or leave a note like "stole for roleplay, you'll get it back at the end" or do you have to worry that it might've been actually stolen?

[@martinmarik4674]

@@hieronymusnervig8712 In this instance it was the second option. We had no idea who did it. In the game you can steal only in game items with In game mechanics and the person you steal from have to know (can describe it if you are interested). But the comunity is wholesome so we knew we will find them eventually.

[@hieronymusnervig8712]

@@martinmarik4674 Do you play a minigame or something of sorts? I'd definitely like to know.

[@TroyBoyleAtheistAdvocate]

My thoughts on this are fairly simple: for combat-carry, over-the-shoulder is useless and stupid. But for long-distance carry, and cohort carry, it's the best option. It's out of your way, next to your pack, and in warfare, you have plenty of time to retrieve it. Irish Kerns are often depicted in manuscripts with over-the shoulder carry of their greatswords, and I think that's a great place for a 100 cm weapon. Before battle, you shift it to hip carry or carry it naked.

[@Jonsoh811]

My thoughts exactly. (Without the Irish part, because I don’t know diddly squat about that subject)

[@JP-st9hn]

Yes, that’s exactly what I was thinking. Hauling anything on your back is going to be easier and more efficient during a long trek. As long as you have a moment to prepare for battle, there is not much problem. I’ve always really liked a dagger on the lower back setup.

[@midshipman8654]

true, but again that only applies to very big sword. even longswords i think were mostly on the hip for even distance carry.

[@Dennis-vh8tz]

A 100cm long sword blade can still work for waist carry - it's about the limit of what I can draw. But when you get to true great swords with 120+ cm blades there aren't many people tall enough to draw such a long blade from scabbard carried at the waist.

[@PaletoB]

When reading the Witcher series I used to imagen Witchers carrying the extra sword (or even both) on the back for travel, like you do with a rifle and a two point sling in the military today. Just simply unslinging before unsheathing... But than the Netflix series ruined it 😅

[@tommeakin1732]

10:37 This little overlaying of both is a really good idea. It's a great way of visualising the difference that fractions of a second make

[@ink4852]

Yeah when you look at the numbers you're like, "Well that barely makes a difference", but when you see the clips overlapped. That actually REALLY makes a difference.

[@isaweesaw]

I totally agree!

[@franohmsford7548]

It's a bit of a strawman argument though as you're hardly going to wait till you're 5 feet away from each other to draw your swords! And if you are THAT CLOSE and your opponent goes for his sword you're probably better off grappling than going for yours! - The one thing Skall keeps ignoring in this video is that the backscabbard is specifically for long distance travel not walking down to the tavern or the smithy. - About having a weapons cart for going to war.....What if you don't want your sword in the baggage train where it can be swiped?

[@ollimoore]

@@franohmsford7548 what you're actually saying in that first paragraph is that his argument is a moot point, of little real world importance. That's not what a strawman argument is. Speaking of strawmen, who said anything about waiting until you're five feet away before drawing your sword? Close quarters confrontations can happen in which the combatants did not initially approach each other with the specific intent of fighting.

[@bartimaus8738]

@@franohmsford7548 Yeah because surprise attacks and ambushes totally never happened. And I really don't see a problem with a sword on the hip for long distance travel.

[@BE02Raziel]

Yes, it is pretty surreal that you've returned to this topic after so many years. Especially since your first video on wearing a sword on your back was exactly how I found your channel in the first place. Still, it's neat that you're back on this topic and gives me more things to think about as more points and context are brought up.

[@Ranstone]

Unlike people who wear their sword on their back, this topic never dies.

[@Skallagrim]

@@Ranstone Hah. Well played, sir.

[@DreamFireNostalgia]

Actualy same. I wonder how many are in the same boat?

[@figo3554]

@@Ranstone excellent comedy

[@-Extra_Lives]

@@Ranstone Wearing a sword on your back isn't a problem, and people wouldn't have died if they really wanted to use it like that. Just because it isn't common doesn't mean it doesn't work

[@shadiversity]

Back scabbards?!!? I HAVE BEEN SUMMONED!

[@WingMaster562]

I know this was probably planned ahead, or Shad is also a patron (of course he is) of Skall which gives has early access to Skall's upload, but it's kinda funny to see Shad's comment reply here as well a video reply upload on my recommendation just right after 30 mins.

[@themedic1137]

Furled Finger SHAD has been summoned

[@DH-xw6jp]

@@WingMaster562 it was definitely planned, he already has a response video up. Lol

[@themedic1137]

@@WingMaster562 He's a Skall patron, so he had a 2 day heads up.

[@kfrikuj2180]

😂LOL

[@Sableagle]

Clearly, the back-scabbard was invented for cyclists. Scabbard going through the spokes of the back wheel would suck.

[@kenwalker5384]

It does! don't ask me how i know.........

[@marcogenovesi8570]

It can be applied maybe to horses too

[@bendover9813]

@@marcogenovesi8570 nah, your legs are spread on a horse, but you have to keep them under you on a bike.

[@marcogenovesi8570]

@@bendover9813 and how does spreading legs stop the sword from slapping the horse?

[@josephburchanowski4636]

Beware the sword wielding cyclist gang. They got shad style back scabbards.

[@runakovacs4759]

My take on sword on back: Carry your "war-sword" on your back, while carrying your sidearm on the waist. For instance, my D&D character has a rather short sidesword at her hip and carries a rather long long sidesword on her back. short one is for self defence. long one is for skirmishes or when she expects trouble. She's rather short, so back-carry allows for carrying a longer blade more comfortably. Idea is, she never draws the "war-sword" as self-defence as it leaves her vulnerable. However, she can't use her side-arm to fight foes where she can't afford to close the distance as much. Her entire ensemble is a dagger, a short-sidesword and a long-sidesword. Dagger is for grappling, short is self-defence, long is for war. Why not a spear? Mobility (travelling alone or in pairs and no horse or cart)

[@benwagner5089]

Which would be perfect for the video's intro: You are starting a fight within dagger or grappling range, so why would you go for the sword at all? Back scabbard guy could even have trapped the sword and sword arm with one hand before the draw even started, using his other to draw the dagger.

[@Lo-tf6qt]

So basically doing what 14th century samurai did, carrying a big fucking Odachi on the back but having a tanto/wakizashi on their belt?

[@runakovacs4759]

@@Lo-tf6qt I didn't know they did that, but yes!

[@seraphina985]

@@benwagner5089 I think the point here is that you would use the short sword in self defence if surprised but you could use the long sword by declaring that you prepared it (ie moved it to a shoulder carry) in advance. As a GM I actually developed some house rules along these lines for a character that wished to do this. Essentially to make it work within the rules I had it such that drawing the long sword if you had it sheathed on entering combat consumed an entire round (They could neither move nor attack for a round). On the other hand to stop them carrying it on the shoulder the entire time I decided to add a +50% encumbrance penalty while they had the sword ready. This in effect makes them much slower and less responsive unless they also shed some gear as they prepare for combat and doing the latter meant accepting a risk that some of the items shed may not be present when they returned, turns out people and monsters have a tendency to steal unattended shit if they encounter it. I'd roll dice behind the screen to determine if an NPC got lucky and stumbled on the loot and for how much they could carry if they did.

[@Lo-tf6qt]

@@runakovacs4759 Yeah Nodachi/Odachi's were pretty popular around the 1300's and 1400's. A lotta samurai would carry it on their back but when they got to the battlefield they'd unsheathe their nodachi/odachi before the battle started. Pretty sure there's some old school Japanese paintings that depict samurais with this setup

[@alpheusmarshall4670]

It feels like a hip carry is good for active combat but back carry seems more comfortable to carry for a long distance/time

[@Victor-056]

Or if you have to carry a Zweihander, and can't get a trolley cart.

[@theduskmonarch6207]

Especially if you have more than one weapon. Imagine having a large two handed sword on your back and a normal one handed sword or one and a half handed one on your side in case of emergency

[@DragonRiderCVL]

@@theduskmonarch6207 Oy! Grey boy! What's the point of having three swords?

[@PJDAltamirus0425]

Greatswords are great for dealing with multiple opponents. Arming sword and buckler for self defense, short sword and long dagger for fighting in tunnels and heavy armor grappling situation. This all assumes yourself can afford wearing lots of armor cus I think wearing a large shield and a great sword at the same time and switching would be a massive pain

[@atom8248]

@@PJDAltamirus0425 rapier/sidesword and parrying dagger for self defence and parrying dagger for tunnel, it basically works as short sword due to good hand protection and long blade.

[@Yorick257]

I think the best depiction of back carry was in Conan the Barbarian. As far as I recall, Arnold carried the sword on his back when running/jumping and then moved it to the hip (rather quickly and in a single fluid motion) before any encounter. It especially makes sense in the movie context (no awkward running while holding the sword), but it looked quite practical too

[@danieltilson4053]

I maintain the same opinion I've had from the early days of this topic. You wouldn't want to keep your primary self defense weapon there, but it's a good place to hold your battlefield weapon since you're not likely to need to draw that as quickly

[@raditicat]

your battlefield weapon is in your hand (polearm...), the sword is a secondary weapon.

[@someguy4853]

@@raditicat it wouldn't be hard make some kind of attachment like with a rope or something so you could carry your spear any polearm comfortably on your back even with a backpack.

[@Tearakan]

@@raditicat not when you are marching. I could see back holder of longer weapons work for that. Useful for militaries on march to or from the battlefield

[@raditicat]

@@Tearakan you rest it in the shoulder (it's what they did)

[@nikmenn2751]

@@raditicat actually it's good for polearm, but there were also two-handed swords and sabers at use in that time and on march to or from battlefield you will really feel better having your sword belted to your back or armpit.

[@TooLateForIeago]

To make your back-scabbard more comfortable, try linking two belts together so it doesn't wedge under the armpit. You can anchor that to your waist belt with another loop of leather if you can't have the belts reach directly. Thing is, the only time I'd back-scabbard is when I just needed to carry the weapon and didn't plan on fighting with it.

[@dogmaticpyrrhonist543]

Yeah, I see that as the most likely scenario for great sowrds as well. Just a place to lug the thing around, with zero expectation of being able to get to it without minutes of prep

[@johndododoe1411]

Yeah, attach it to the diagonal strap that's part of a traditional warrior harness.

[@cadethumann8605]

As someone who has practiced wearing a sword on the back for fun (as well as for conventions), I have some remedies/mitigations for several problems. First off, just to give a picture of the suspension system, I have the diagonally-strapped baldric hold the scabbard at two points (one at top the other a few inches above the tip (by my rib cage or hip)) as well as a side strap (think of link's side strap on his baldric in TP onwards. Difference is that my scabbard is held at two points instead of one)). In this way, the scabbard is held somewhat securely and doesn't sway too much. Also, I use a normal scabbard with a blade of 29", which I am able to draw and sheath with ease with the arm my hilt peeks above. For why I would want to wear it on my back, I find it to stick out less than on the side. While one can argue that it's little issue for the side method to bump or occasionally get caught by the hilt or scabbard tip, depending on the context, it could be a nuissance (like moving through crowds, thick bushes and other obstacles). While the back method is not immune to getting caught (like with the hilt if there is, say, low branches, although I can just lean forward. The scabbard tip, while sticking out less, can still bump into things in close proximity), it is less frequent in my experience. To me, it depends on the context and how the wearer chooses to address it. For wearing a backpack whilst wearing the traditional diagonally strapped way, I wear a crossbody backpack (with the sword resting closest to my head and my backpack strap resting further on my shoulder). Granted, its not as big as a regular backpack but it comes in handy for holding small things on short trips. As for the thief situation, while I never fully tested it with a thicker scabbard (I only had scabbards for practice swords that were bendy to where the sword could rotate), my theory with a stiff scabbard could have the wearer wrench the sword out of a thief's hands with a quick body turn. With the hilt pointing upward and with the scabbard secure, the thief would need to pull upward. But if the wearer feels a lurch, change in weight, and/or hears a drawing sound (especially if its metallic), and if the reflexes and reaction times are good, all that needs to be done is to quickly turn around. The blade that can't rotate inside a scabbard (it also would halt drawing further. To get an idea, try drawing your sword while rotating its scabbard) would force the thief to hyperextend and lose grip. Finally, the wearer can respond with an elbow, backhand, grapple or dagger stab. That is in theory, however. I have not yet been able to test it properly with a scabbard where the blade can't rotate (I have a scabbard that does prevent rotation but the blade it holds is a real one, so I wish not to risk harm). I was, however, able to respond to my testing partner "thief" who, despite pulling my rotating blade out, was within my reach. But I still can't confirm. Lastly, in a fictional setting, whose to say that the wearer can't alternate between back method, hip method, or even holding the scabbard in hand? Ex. One can travel around with it on back but at some point, when he/she feels there is a potentially dangerous situation, he/she relocates the weapon to the hip or simply holds it (the latter which opens up for some combat options). It doesn't have to be one unchanging method. Please forgive my long comment.

[@cadethumann8605]

I do agree that I wouldn't use the back method when going into a scenario I expect to fight like in war or tense negotation (although, in the latter case, I suppose I could stand some distance and rest my drawing arm on the front strap on my chest, which also saves me some seconds of drawing as my hand is closer to the hilt, even if its not as fast as in the hip). The only way I can see wearing a sword on back just for fun, is a mounted knight with a lance, arming sword, and greatsword with a partial scabbard (where if the knight loses his lance, he's got a terrifying greatsword as his next polarm-esque weapon). But for the most part, I would reserve the back method for traversal, particularly for unarmored fellows.

[@-Bile-]

One of the biggest advantages of drawing a sword from the hip is that as soon as the sword is drawn, its between you and your opponent, right where you want it. This is difficult to do with a back scabbard, but it is possible if you get really low and lean the shoulder the weapon is on forward. Paired with a sufficiently convenient and easy to use scabbard, and some practice, I could see someone drawing a sword from the back nearly as fast as one can draw from the hip. This would bring the two methods closer together in terms of practicality quite alot, I think.

[@whiteeye9584]

no it isin't shad demostrante this unless you are snob who has no imagination

[@MacDorsai]

I think you can make rough comparisons between methods of carrying a rifle and carrying a sword. As an example, from the time that they first started to put slings on rifles, the most common attachment points were middle of the forearm and the middle to rear of the buttstock. There are lots of examples where the rear sling attachment point was at wrist of the stock, or even in front of the trigger guard. Most of the time, the sling was used just hang the rifle over the shoulder while marching, walking, etc. Cavalry sometimes carried them in a saddle scabbard and in those cases, the cavalryman had a baldric with a snap hook that was snapped into a ring or bar on the side of the receiver when the rifle was carried to be used so that after it was fired, it could be dropped to hang at the side. Later, it was common to put the sling attachment points on the side of the rifle so it could be slung across the back without digging into the back. The same thing was done for artillerymen and other troops who needed to have a rifle, but needed it out of the way so they could do what they did most of the time and keep the rifle secure and out of the way. In modern times, it is common to have a sling arrangement so that the rifle hangs in front of the soldier and can quickly be shouldered, or dropped to use one's hands and then quickly acquired again as needed. My point is that while it wasn't uncommon to sling a rifle on your back, it wasn't something that was done when you were expecting to use it. You don't go out bear hunting with your rifle on your back with the idea that you'll quickly flip it around when you see the bear. It is for more convenient carry and transport. Carrying a sword on the back makes good sense if it is just for transport, but not needed immediately. Especially for the Zweihander! This is fiction, not fact, but in one of Bernard Cornwell's novels about Uhtred of Bebbanburg, Uhtred is preparing to or about to fight in a shield wall and makes a comment about having two swords. His "longer" sword, the one he uses most, his hung from his belt in the usual manner. But he has a short sword on his back that he can reach over his right shoulder with his right hand. The stated reason is that in the press of a shield wall, it is difficult to draw a longer sword from your belt if you need it, i.e. your spear has been broken or knocked out of your hand. But a short sword could be drawn from the back and used (like a Roman gladius). I don't know if he got that from a historical source (if so, a very rare one), or invented it for literary purposes. He made some sense of it though so I bring it up here. As I stated early, in my opinion, carrying a sword on your back is good for transporting it, but not for actually using it.

[@user-fd5nz5lo7m]

It's interesting that the witcher, technically passes through most criticism in this video. Primarily because witcher would know if someone is crouching from behind, and will still be fast enough to draw his blade faster than a regular person with standard scabbard. And even in the coolness factor, they don't need a hand on a sword to look intimidating. If a witcher pulls his blade out something will die.

[@Blacksheep-uy3qv]

I think in a fantasy setting it makes the most sense. Because you can have those types of abilities that might off set the negatives.

[@johnmccarron7066]

Something else to consider is that witchers likely wear their swords on their backs as a form of advertisement, to highlight from a distance that they are a working witcher available for hire. It isn't incredibly practical from a combat perspective (unless you have over a hundred years combat experience and mutations that make you superhuman), but it's a very distinctive visual that immediately tells you 'who this is.'

[@johan.ohgren]

The Witcher is a specialized hunter, not a soldier/warrior. With that in mind, Geralt carries his swords on the back for transporting them comfortably. When needed he likely draws the sword prior to engaging a monster. For bar fights I imagine he also carries a dagger.

[@Woodclaw]

In the early stories, Geralt's habit of carrying swords on the back was highlighted as a typical witcher habit. Also, he usually carried only one blade, leaving the other on his horse. For brawls and such, he wore studded gloves.

[@spawnofmutran5198]

Plus, a witcher can just cross his arms and stare at you with his snake eyes for intimidation.

[@KLBizzy1]

This reminded me of the game Outward a fantasy RPG with mixed reviews, but the game does have two-handed swords, and when you "Sheath" them, unlike with one-handed weapons, your character instead just lays it on their shoulder, the same applies to two-handed axes and polearms as well, I always thought that was a nice touch.

[@raixuh]

Nice game 🦉

[@danieldeandrade5741]

Outward has a lot of cool mechanics but the armors are waaay too fantastical. But it's a good game

[@saltiney8578]

I love that game, its low budget eventually shows through the seams but i've played thru it multiple times and I would LOVE to see that idea fully realized.

[@michaelkean5969]

what i like in the last kingdom is how they used the sword on the back idea. yes it's still impractical as hell but Uhtred is literally the ONLY character in the show that wears it on his back and this makes him stand out as the title character it also adds to the aesthetic design of his outfits. this kind of stuff i think can be used to make characters stand out more despite it not being entirely the most practical idea. he is also supposed to represent the idea of what if you placed a more fantasy oriented hero into a semi-historical setting so having him attire more to fantasy style aesthetics makes sense from a costume design standpoint. i can excuse it if it's impractical but if it still serves a purpose in some capacity and isn't just there for the sake of it.

[@MacCoalieCoalson]

Wearing a huge sword on your back definitely would make you stand out. I could easily see that developing some sort of cultural meaning/implication in a fantasy setting, since very few people would be doing that, who would likely have specific professions/roles made very visible and immediately recognizable by wearing their sword like that (speaking mostly of the exception Skal mentions, like Greatswords)

[@bartimaus8738]

Last Kingdom is so fucking good

[@williambeningfield8087]

In the books Uhtred only wears his sword on his back while in a shield wall ( he fights with sax and shield only drawing sword after enemy shield wall is broken ) he states that the sword his too awkward to use in the shield wall other than that he wears his sword on his hip

[@nikvett]

Whenever I think about fantasy characters with swords, I always think about Aragorn from Lord Of The Rings, he looks absolutely badass and he stands out even without the sword on his back. Even when he becomes a lord and wears a cape and all, he still uses the hip carry.

[@Paradox-es3bl]

Didn't Shad basically already say, "I don't think it makes a lot of sense when you know you're about to have combat, because it's a slower draw... but it makes sense for longer travels?" Something about not jostling around as much on a horse, or getting in the way while going through a jungle on foot or whatever. Basically, if you don't think you'll face combat soon but will travel a lot, put it on your back. Otherwise, probably leave it on your side or even just wield it if your like a minute away from combat.

[@johnsmithe4656]

The back scabbard makes sense if you want to load yourself up with as many weapons as possible. Large two-hander on the back. Hand-and-a-half on the hip. Short sword at rib-level. Dagger at the hip, another in the small of the back horizontally, and boot knives on the outside of the shins. Maybe a grenade carried in the mouth because what could go wrong there. But this would add so much weight and bulk that there has to be some line where there would be 'too many' weapons. I'd like to see Skallagrim test various load-outs with the aim of carrying as many weapons in as practical a way as possible. Oh, and let's not forget the ranged weapons like slings, bows, crossbows, and quivers for ammo. And guns, of course. Lots of guns. And extra magazines. Bandoliers too. Hey, let's just build some armor out of weapons! How many weapons can we fit on a man without making it overly difficult for him to actually use them? That's the question.

[@b.h.abbott-motley2427]

Certain historically soldiers absolutely wore a bunch of weapons, & military writers especially enjoyed loading troops up with gear. We have 16th-century references to English archers wearing lead mauls at the girdle or on the back (in the former case, the lead maul was specified as about 5.5ft long with a top spike for thrusting). Joseph Swetnam mentioned a person wearing sword & dagger plus a Welsh hook on the back in civilian life. Xu Guang Qi wanted each soldier in his ideal army to have full armor, a pike or polearm, & an arquebus or bow. Etc.

[@cyberdwarf-ng1gf]

that is an interesting idea, i hope skall reads this and tries it out

[@tonydalimata]

Somewhere in all that he needs to put a shield and mace too .

[@somm150]

Why not just carry one sword on your back, 2 adjacent pistol holsters on your chest, 2 more below them, then 2 more holsters on your hip. One sword and 6 flintlocks

[@cameronbarry198]

In a tabletop system I'm developing, my solution is to make drawing a weapon from the back cost 2 'action points', whereas a weapon at the waist costs only 1 to draw. Therefore, small weapons that you want ready immediately should be kept on a belt, while you can still get your less important or more heavy weapons but not as readily.

[@vincer7824]

Good compromise.

[@MrDante224]

I love how you are not just educational by telling us facts but also show us with little demonstrations etc. Like for example when you told us the best color is green and show this by wearing a green outfit. All these years I thought purple was the best color. Excellent video, as always.

[@norbertschanne1943]

I can imagine one other situation (or better, environment) in which it could be preferable to carry a sword on the back: if you're moving a lot through waist-deep water, swamp or similar terrain, you may want to have it higher up on the body in order to prevent damage/rust.

[@CazzyVR]

That's where you do your usual sword maintenance. Wipe and oil it down and it should be fine

[@Pystro]

That's when you'd use the fact that the scabbard is detachable. However, if you needed to wade through waist deep water AND have both your hands free...

[@midshipman8654]

@@Pystro that seems like a very particular occasion.

[@Pystro]

@@midshipman8654 Yes, I agree. Watching both Skall's and Shad's videos from today, I got the impression that the line that separates where back scabbards are more convenient is *mainly* determined by the length of the weapon. If you want to find a back scabbard useful for a short weapon, you have to have some quite specific preferences for your weapon carrying.

[@PomiDarQu]

It reminds me of the situation in witcher books when Gerald was fighting a monster waist deep in literall feces.

[@basteala525]

11:18 I love you mentioning this. This sort of subtle, nonchalant threat makes for a really evocative image and has a really nice narrative element to it about both the situation and figure in question.

[@Kokuyous3ki]

I have always imagined that it is an adventurer kind of thing. As in people who might have multiple different weapons on them and since they don't actually have a horse cart with them necessarily they gotta put weapons wherever they can and if they get attacked while unprepared, on route or something, then yea, they might need to draw a sword from the back or something. But that's about it.

[@jaojao1768]

13:52 it seems to be relatively common in Japanese prints showing samurai, there is not only the one you showed but also "Samurai wearing a nodachi (field sword)" by Hayakawa Kyuukei and "Hiyoshimaru meets Koroku on Yahagibashi" by the famous Yoshitoshi. So it is possible that Samurai wore large swords in this way, though we must also note that these art works are from the Edo Period but depict earlier times so it may be artistic license

[@M.M.83-U]

5:10 That little sneaky rougue! Now I want a video on the sob position used for the cinquedea and other very short swords and one on the Steel Dawn movie style. By the way I can assure you, from personal experience, that a blade up to 60(maybe65) cm is more or less the limit for the use of a true/old fashion back scabbard. I think the main point is the lenght of the blade. Historically people carried only short sword "at the ready" in a back scabbards (South East Asia Is a prime example), the Shabbard make viable to do so whith very long swords, for the medium sized ones the hip is the natural and best solution.

[@hylianfelldragon1308]

I honestly think the scabbard on the hip looks cooler than on the back.

[@grecojones]

Fashion over function baby!

[@Elis_Gallacher]

Damn straight!

[@doktordanomite9105]

Gonna leave a pretty corpse at least

[@vapormissile]

But I get a +4 on my Charisma "crowd-stun" perk with my backsword & Manliness ability. Additionally, my Legacy Keyblade has Anticipatory Retributive Strike, thus negating his paltry Functionality perk.

[@-Bile-]

Aye

[@koosh138]

I don't know if it's hive mind or cold reading, but I immediately thought of how easy it would be to steal swords from back sheaths at the beginning of the video. (More likely cold reading) Even with law enforcement, there are techniques from jujutsu about defending an assailant's attempt at grbbing your weapon. Harder to defend your back than your waist.

[@100nitrog2]

Yeah. The technique is to shout 'stop reaching for my weapon!' and then shooting the unarmed individual in the back while they're lying on the ground.

[@koosh138]

@@100nitrog2 Well, Skall's in Canada where that doesn't happen as often, but yeah.... Some people just REALLY shouldn't be on the force.

[@AHSValor]

It's like what The AK Guy mentioned about why guns look so similar nowadays - we have developed the ergo to an extent that there really won't be much divergence in appearance and function. The same can be said with swords, as there's been hundreds of years of 'development', and what we have to show of it is that very simple, very straightforward method of carry. We can be certain that this modern time isn't the only one in which a person has attempted to make the case for carrying, and drawing, a sword from one's back, but the hip carry is the only one that survived and persists. It does so for a reason.

[@JagEterCoola]

Honestly the reason you'd wear a sword on your back is just for convenience. It doesn't get in your way nearly as much and risks 'throwing you off' a lot less. It's slower to draw, yes, but I just imagine it to be the equiv of putting your greatweapon (Zweihander or poleaxe or polehammer or daneaxe) on a cart when you move it around, but more convenient.

[@tristankendrick2582]

You could keep toothpaste in your mouth at all times to make brushing your teeth more convenient. You won't have to squeeze that little tube every time, gosh so troublesome... But no one does that, because it solves a problem that doesn't exist.

[@user-fd5nz5lo7m]

@@tristankendrick2582 Bad example. It is literally the opposite. It is slower to have a toothpaste in a tube but better for travel. Having paste in your mouth is ironically closer to a standard belt scabbard.

[@user-lb7bt2bf6e]

@@tristankendrick2582 what the hell? thats a stupid idea and not convenient at all, the discussion is that sword on the back is better on long travels since it would be convenient but in combat? yeah sword on the hip,not attacking you but your example is just so weird and random

[@pn2294]

Yeah, you’re not going to be in combat all the time, but there are times when you still want to keep your sword on hand. If you anticipate getting into a fight, then you can transfer the sword to your waste.

[@AVGyerra22]

@@tristankendrick2582 That's got to be the most piss-poor comparison I've ever read.

[@NotSoMax]

I don’t really have a horse in this race but I’d be remiss if I didn’t point out the lower back carry, another one of those carrying style typically associated with fantasy, but it’s something I’ve done with large knives when outdoors or back packing. Close, easy to access but still out of the way, only would work with large knives to short swords but the benefit is it wouldn’t immediately telegraph your carrying a weapon and would be fairly easy to prevent theft, plus if it’s just around your waist you could pivot it to your side. I feel like the back mount works for only very large or very small bladed weapons, upper back for big sword, lower back for small blade.

[@Embetebe]

10:30 "In practical terms that is a noticable difference". The difference is only .3 seconds. I suspect in most occassions the person doing the attack will be more than 0.3 seconds away so that the person drawing his sword will have time to put the sword out. From the combined video shot, how often would the two people be standing that close upon the two people deciding to draw their swords? In the situation of both pulling their swords from their waists, then the person who moves to draw first is likely to get the first swing in regardless. I think context is important here and in what circumstances would the sword be used. I imagine a guard who could see people approach and would challenge if someone walks within 5-10 meters of them would not be hampered by the extra 0.3 seconds of extra draw time. (and I am also thinking as if they were a merchant guard walking along aside the trade wagons where there could be an ambush from the side of the roads)

[@Skallagrim]

This scenario is artificial and unlikely to occur, it was just a way for to try figuring out if there is an objective advantage to one over the other, even if small.

[@Wolf-yt5de]

Just to bring up one of the favorites: Conan, In the orignal movie he does carry and draw a sword from his back, HOWEVER, when he prepares for a battle Conan makes a whole production of moving the sword TO HIS SIDE.

[@plzletmebefrank]

The "coolness" is actually definable here. Having a sword on the back is a a MUCH more identifiable silhouette having it on the hip looks muddy. This is why it's been such a big thing in visual mediums and you don't tend to have it nearly as prevalent in written fiction.

[@justaway6901]

Depends on how you pose a character

[@Ms_Succubus]

This weird moment when Skal's video is barely uploaded for an hour and Shad already uploaded an one hour long reply video

[@virplexer1428]

In my experience, I made a D&D artificer who rolled a 4 on strength. Just wearing armor and having a sword was enough to hit his carrying capacity. So I figured since he's so good with magic items, having a special scabbard on the back made much more sense to distribute the weight across his body evenly, since he's so weak it would make a huge difference while adventuring.

[@Amy_the_Lizard]

Oh! Someone else who's D&D character rolled a 4 on strength! Nice! My Warlock wound up making other people carry most of her gear, since it was well above her carrying capacity since Kobolds are a 'small' race rather than 'medium' - luckily she was popular do to being the party healbot, so no one really minded...

[@virplexer1428]

@@Amy_the_Lizard that’s interesting, though being small doesn’t affect carrying capacity, just the weights you can push drag and lift. RP wise it totally makes sense, I wouldn’t want to constantly be at my max carrying capacity either! I did a really similar thing myself, I put all my gear into a bag of holding I got with an artificer infusion, then made my Steel Defender carry my bag of holding for me.

[@santerilaakeristo7305]

“When you would you carry a large sword like this?” I have big issues with statements like this. When “going to war” 99% of the time you are not fighting. You are carrying and maintaining your equipment and camping most of the time. It also took a day(s) of preparation to actually go to battle so you have plenty of time to ”draw a sword” from your back.

[@pokemon1895]

I do enjoy when you revisit topics when you've got new stuff to add. It's good to go back from time to time, especially when you learn something new, or even just if your opinion changes.

[@MikeOxlong70]

Really like your points. One other perspective: i come from a different background, i do Parkour. In a fantasy-ish setting ala assassins creed i can really see the back scabbard making more sence. You need both hands, not only for climbing but also for just jumping (to keep the balance). I did all these things with quite heavy backpacks before, i cant imagine doing it with anything longer than maybe a dagger on your hip. It will dangle around, slow you down and definatly can get in the way with more "fancy" moves. Even a phone or key in your pockets are annoying to dangerous (depending on the pockets). Historical soldiers were marching, maybe running and thats it. But in a fantasy setting or maybe even some historical assassins here and there parkouring around might be a more normal movement. So there you either take just smaller weapons (i think thats the more historic aproach) but the rule of cool demands you to have a big ass sword in your fantasy.

[@whiteeye9584]

shad made back scabbard and it's pratcical uses and skal din't watch it

[@santi_super_stunts2573]

Yea it’s works well for all the reasons you said but you can no longer roll with something on your back

[@Stethacanthus]

What are the lengths of those swords? If you wear some bright red gloves, or even glue a ping pong ball, and a ruler or ruled marks in your on your arm, you could estimate a sort of "speed cap" for both draws using a program like Kinovea. Basically, assuming that there is nothing inherently faster about either movement, the time difference can be reliably chalked up to distance your hand has to travel.

[@SirDeathDark]

A bit of colored tape on the tip of the sword may also be useful, assuming it doesn't interfere with the draw.

[@Stethacanthus]

@@SirDeathDark that would be interesting. I am thinking more of the had travel distance for the most conservative comparison. When we start throwing in things like distance from center of mass, we get more precise but open to more skepticism. PS: try a dot of whiteout before tape.

[@SKy_the_Thunder]

Transporting a longer sword on your back I think is reasonable with only light luggage or a pack animal. Could have a large-ish knife or another sidearm on your hip for situations that require an immediate response. For any situation where you have a couple seconds of response time, it should be easy enough to sling the sheath/scabbard from your back and move it/let it fall off your blade. I see that as relevant for situations where you don't really expect for an opponent to instantly pop up right in your face, but where it could be too slow if you have to first unshackle/draw it from a pack animal or fish it out of a cart. Something like a caravan guard, who'd also benefit from having both hands free in case something else needs work.

[@lelonmusk4836]

I overall agree with your points but in the speed difference aspect I have to object. If you do it with a smaller sword like you do in the video, you are of you're right. But if you whould use a longsword and compare the speed of drawing that normally against drawing it out of shads back scabbard I think the results could be different. But since I don't have a back scabbard I can't test this out. It whould make sense to me but I may be wrong

[@Victor-056]

Well, drawing a short sword from the back is rather unnecessary, due to how it's already quick to draw it from the hip. Of course, drawing it from the _lowerback_ can be used to surprise the enemy, as to draw it from the lower back means you're drawing it in an upwards motion, and since it flows with the body, the swipe actually carries more power, as your arm is lashing up like a released rubberband.

[@lightningpenguin8937]

It seems like the Shabbard(back scabbard) lessens the cumbersomeness of sword size. So none cumbersome sword don't really benefit much.

[@lelonmusk4836]

@@lightningpenguin8937 agree

[@fernandoiturbide9109]

Great points, the video overlay of the draws are really helpful

[@arx3516]

If you are an adventurer in a fantasy setting you may encounter monsters, pretty big ones, so carryng a big greatsword in addition to a regular sword might be necessary.

[@TheBroot0999]

See above lol

[@Adam-Madman]

If you are an adventurer and encounter giant monster, you've got three options... Run like hell, carry something from Joerg Sprave workshop, or be Geralt of Rivia 🙃

[@TheBroot0999]

@@Adam-Madman the giant monster will take the party to take it out. Hence the polearm of choice followed by sword and shield (no buckler please) once the spear is useless. Or travel with a legendary monk for opponent distraction / mobile monster treat.

[@arx3516]

@@TheBroot0999 some adventurers don't have a party, they travel and fight alone.

[@Adam-Madman]

@@TheBroot0999 another option is unscrew the pummel.... And end the monster rightly

[@georgemurphy582]

My biggest issue with the back scabbard is actually rain. If you watch medieval reinactors when the rain hits, they all scramble to make sure their swords are covered by cloaks because of they get wet, they'll rust. Easy to do of the sword is on your hip. Impossible, if it's on your back. That's why I personally don't like it for long distances either. When the rain starts, by the time you get it off your back and in a waterproof area, it's already soaked, and you won't have any dry cloth that you can use to dry if off without exposing the cloth to the rain which would defeat tye purpose.

[@leppeppel]

The major advantage of a back scabbard (in visual works of fiction) is that you can do a close-up of the hero's face while still keeping the weapon in frame. The major disadvantages (which I discovered through personal experience) is that larger back scabbards like to get caught on door frames, and if you fall over backwards or try to roll you'll either bust your scabbard or your spine.

[@cadethumann8605]

As someone who has worn for fun, I can only imagine the tip of the scabbard hitting door frames if its sticking out too much rather than at most just peeking from the side. My suspension has my tip only visible by a few inches. Sometimes, it does bump into things close like when I occasionally close a door, but from my experience, I would say the same happens with by the hip which has the hilt jutting from the front and the scabbard from the back. Either method, I would try to control the positioning (back method by grabbing the scabbard's tip and side method my titling up with the hilt). Of course, I'm not saying the back method lacks disadvantages. It is less combat ready, but I do believe you could address your suspension system for traversal. Edit: one more thing, while I agree that a fragile scabbard would break, a sturdy one like a metal scabbard or flexible one like leather could survive a tumble. As for the spine, I have practiced tumbling backward and even rolling. While not comfortable, it didn't injure me (what probably helped, however, was the baldric between my back and scabbard cushioning the impact).

[@hartfartpoptart]

I can say from experience the one way back scabbard is better is running through brush, climbing things, and going through swamps or water. I carry a 40inch bastard sword around the woods for cutting brush and defense, and back scabbard is much better for it.

[@TheTimbs_]

Switching to your side arm is always faster than reloading

[@DariusBaktash]

Coming solely from a backpacking perspective, high-back carry makes sense for transit across "rough" terrain. Bushwhacking, even in a streambed, means you absolutely cannot have things dangling from the hip or on the outside of your pack. In those situations, pulling anything lengthy from a scabbard (regardless of location on the body) is more likely to get you tangled up and killed. Thus...machete sized objects with minimalist attachments at waist or leg height. In an expected combat situation in such terrain, you just want the darn thing in your hands already (which is another reason why ambushes are so effective in these cases). The closest I can imagine to a long-form specialized tool that can be used in these spaces (a la forward scout and engineer role) is an extended tapanga-style machete, functionally similar to a polearm. Even then, that's definitely not going to be an average object and likely meant for very distinctive purposes (e.g. cutting ahead of a column of mounted troops). Lower back (e.g. behind the lumbar) makes more sense for concealed or out of the way carry, but that's far less controversial.

[@ngVAT579]

My reaction on seeing the thumbnail. "Let them fight". Lmao 🤣

[@riczinger1]

What I like to bring up as historical evidence for back scabbards is Godinho's (iirc) treatise, where he mentions that if you're carrying a montante (large two handed sword) at night, don't carry it on your back *like many people do*. I know, it's specifically saying not to do it, but it'd make sense in some cases, like when you're on the road with minimal gear, so a cart isn't sensible as a way of transportation. And just to be clear, I'm not saying it's practical in other cases, but I could see it done when in transport, like with the backpack.

[@b.h.abbott-motley2427]

That's good to know. Thank you for the reference. If only they'd been aware of the Shabbard! They might have appreciated it. We also have mentioned of wearing polearms on the back on foot, somehow.

[@lidular]

I still think I am with shad on this one. I still think it makes sense for a fantasy adventurere. For more acrobatic tasks I would personally prefer to have it on the back. I clearly wasn't done that much in history properly because the advantages are few and far between, and mostly it is just a more difficult way of doing it. I think that it is viable enough to justify a fantasy story

[@Skallagrim]

As far as fantasy tropes it's definitely plausible and practical. I'd prefer wearing most swords on the hip either way, but it's doable.

[@TheLithp]

Same, but I think Skall makes some points to keep in mind. Like someone could back carry for day to day activities, then shift to hip carry when they know they're going into battle.

[@royalecrafts6252]

@@Skallagrim I still wait for the day when we have a monster slaying mmo or rpg where you draw your sword from the hip

[@cyberdwarf-ng1gf]

@@royalecrafts6252 the old assassins creed do it. up to the point in brotherhood, where you would carry a giant fuckin war-axe on your belt, that would definitly touch the ground while you stand. i mean, on the other hand ezio can make a dodgeroll with a crossbow on his back.... comfort is optional

[@royalecrafts6252]

@@cyberdwarf-ng1gf you are right I forgot about them

[@matthewbreytenbach4483]

8:57 This is actually how Conan unsheathes his sword when it's slung across his back in the first movie, I always found that interesting. Great video!

[@dreadthemadsmith]

If you're going through the woods or some ruins or a highly trapped dungeon it does make more sense to put your sword somewhere it won't get in the way. So I think we can establish it as part of the adventurer archetype.

[@cadethumann8605]

7:03 Perhaps this is an awkward place for me to post my curiosities, but when Skall discussed about how to adjust the side position to be more space efficient, I noticed that he simply tucked the sword into his belt (which appearsnto be shared by the medievak artwork he's showing). He didn't seem to use a suspension method where the weapon hangs. Aren't there disadvantages to how Skall and those historical pictures wear their scabbards? What would otherwise be the point of using suspension methods on the belt?

[@whim6287]

I've always been a fan of the Conan way of carrying a sword. Moving about it's on the back, time to use it, it goes to the hip.

[@DethpickleDave]

Exactly. There’s more than one way to stab a cat with a sword.

[@bigblue4364]

Another exception, climbing, it's not impossible to climb either way but especially if you need a certain amount of flexibility the back would likely interfere less with that kind of mobility. Probably a noise factor also, I would assume that you're less likely to scrape or bang the pommel against something when climbing or crawling with the weapon behind you. If you were some kind of sneaky spy/assassin your weapon choice and potentially your carrying preference might be different. Different occupation perhaps different armor/protection there are so many ways that one could be biased for or against either option tbh.

[@Skallagrim]

Climbing with a hip scabbard is no problem if you simply slide it further out or even onto your lower back.

[@whiteeye3453]

@@Skallagrim wow no it isin't possible

[@whiteeye3453]

@@Skallagrim did you even try it ? of course not typical canadian

[@tdblackboxx6866]

There was a video game that came out a couple years ago that did this kind of thing with its greatswords. It's a survival rpg called Outward. The devs (a grand total of 9 people) wanted to make a game that felt grounded in realism, despite the existence of magic and fantastical creatures. So, there's a heavy emphasis on being prepared and adaptable. Get into a fight? You might want to drop your backpack as it'll slow your movement and dodging. When you have a greatsword equipped, you carry it on your shoulder. Now, these are game developers, not survival experts, so there's still a healthy amount of "because it looks cool" going around, but they did put in some effort on this front, and I think it gave the game its own identity. Attack animations have a lot of buildup, downtime, and spinning flourishes when you perform special attacks. The dreaded dodge roll is present, but wearing heavier backpacks will make it slow and clunky. All in all, it's interesting to see which tropes still made it into the final product.

[@morrigankasa570]

Swords are cool and effective, but I personally still prefer an Axe or Mace. Less finesse with more hacking and bashing:) I personally respect both Shad and Skall and see validity with both of their thoughts/opinions. Also in regard to the stealing thing/idea if your peripheral vision isn't that good, well for starters should be using a sword but if you do then perhaps neither scabbard/placement is the best and simply keep it in hand at rest position?

[@royalecrafts6252]

Maces are a thing of pure dread and wickedness and evil, maces kills you if the user wants to kill you, if the user doesnt want to kill you they can just prolonged the pain, you know, we have a lot of joints in the body for a mace go shatter and lots of bones hahaha aaahhhh good old mace

[@Z95HeadHunter]

Skal and Shad on back scabbards again I see! Glad to catch them both. My investment is because of character designs, and I do have characters that do both so it's nice to have input on both sides regarding it's practicality.

[@eldrevo]

Regarding the edginess topic. I thought it may be a point, but then then I've observed some of the edgiest fantasy characters out there and know what? Arthas the lich king of all things drew Frostmourne from his hip! I could be sold on hip scabbard only by that fact, but it carrying a longsword around (when you don't need to draw it at any time) is still more comfortable on the back, especially if you carry the rest of your gear in a backpack. And a Frostmourne replica I had is even closer to a greatsword in its size.

[@michaelromeo9660]

Lmao listen, I fucking love it bro. The hip scabbard method is most practical and when you are talking life of death, that's what its all about... But you defending the "coolness" of it, is the cutest thing I've ever seen. I love it.

[@paladinofthelostdays7392]

While I do love back carry, I wholeheartedly agree with Skall. I also have a lot more respect for Skall these days.

[@cadethumann8605]

I think there's a far simpler answer that has the best of both worlds: alternating between wearing methods as one sees fit. I'm able to remove my sword off my back, completely tighten the main strap all the way so there's no slack, and tuck it into my waist belt if I feel I'm in a dangerous area. But just in case if I need immediate access (like needing to help someone in need), my sword is just short enough (29" blade) to be drawn from behind. And this is basically for travel or walking around in a settlement. I think alternating methods would also make for varied imagery as well as characters who are adaptable.

[@shorgravan]

Way to re-ressurect a liche's steed indeed. One point about stress and gross motor stuff: much more natural to reach down when starteled, which is why emergency buttons and levers are made to be activated within a donward motion... so the "hip way" (sorry for that atrocious pun) may help with any initial hesitation/surprise more than the back-carry.

[@nicolobraghini1546]

I usually think like this: are there historical depictions of people wearing sword on the back? Yes. So it must have some meaning, since ancient people were not stupid, especially regarding weapons that we don't use anymore. The same applies for the usage of weapons themselves: there are depictions of people using X weapon, so X weapon can't be "garbage" like some HEMA nerds say.

[@tommeakin1732]

If something is extremely uncommon, it's either a good idea in a very unusual and niche context, or it's a pretty...neutral idea and just didn't catch on because it didn't offer anything valuable, or it's a dumb idea and only dumb people tried it ^^ While I agree that it's good to remind ourselves that our ancestors were broadly as smart as we are (just lacked the library of knowledge that we have access to now); it's also important to remember that most people from all periods of history are fundamentally average, and a lot of people are just quite stupid.

[@Archimedes.5000]

True, that explains the lack of depictions featuring soldiers with nunchucks

[@xariasfury5782]

A lot of those depictions of back wearers seem to be in the context of travelling, usually in groups or at least with no immediate show of combat though so...occams razor. It's probably comfier for long periods of marching if you got no pack animals and wagons

[@nicolobraghini1546]

@@Archimedes.5000 True, but everyone knows that nunchakus were self defense/training weapons and not part of any soldier's equipment right? Infact, kobudo manuals from Okinawa describe the use of nunchakus and other okinawan weapons :)

[@slimetank394]

@@tommeakin1732 just because something is stupid doesn't mean only stupid people will do it. Sometimes the stupid thing is cool enough that even smart people do it for the fun of it, because being smart doesn't mean you stop enjoying coolness and silliness of things in life.

[@Etticos.]

Shads back scabbard is pretty cool, but the design of something to carry a sword on the back was perfected with the way Guts does it in Berserk. It is a thin leather strap with a pocket at the bottom the catches the swords tip and another strap that locks the hilt into place.

[@Killicon93]

One cool greatsword back-scabbard that seems to get way too little recognition is Gutt's swords scabbard from Berserk. Where his sword has this open back scabbard, which has the point of a regular scabbard (but big) and the shaft of the scabbard is instead a leather strip. So when he draws his sword he isn't fighting with a long scabbard flopping around behind him, but instead something that looks like a devil's tail.

[@Mote.]

11:47 "your hand isn't on the sword... but its pretty frickin close to it" The way you said that made me laugh out loud

[@estaticethan1752]

For the speed difference, it can be said that a Katana (or any curved blades on that matter) would have a much better time speed drawing.

[@Victor-056]

So a Kriegsmesser?

[@VuurBarbaar]

i wanna see those tests, to asume is one thing, to test it an other

[@unknownghost3145]

@@Victor-056 Depending in the size, if you're talking about Skallagrim's sword, Not really.

[@Victor-056]

@@unknownghost3145 I was referring to the _Really_ long ones. Those "Große Meßers" were truly _Große_ Meßers, practically Zweihanders on their own.

[@unknownghost3145]

@@Victor-056 The longer the more difficult to draw them. That's why war sword sizes like greatswords, were carried without sheathes on hand to battle.

[@janek144]

I really like how you announced you would talk of something at the end of the video. Very nice engagement technique.

[@kahn04]

I’ve seen a few period images of various landsknecht wearing a katzbalger almost horizontally across the small of their back, not sure if there’s any information on this being a typical place to wear it or more of a temporary placement, but what are your thoughts?

[@johnmccarron7066]

It might be because it wasn't their primary weapon, though that doesn't fit the profile of a sidearm (being an emergency weapon you want to get to quickly). It's highly probable that those pictures were of soldiers posing, as opposed to being 'combat ready' (like, wearing it across the back for travel as opposed to combat, like how troops in Vietnam could sometimes be seen carrying rifles and LMGs balanced on their shoulders while gripping the barrels).

[@kahn04]

@@johnmccarron7066 that’s exactly what I was thinking, but the time period is pretty far outside my knowledge bank, so I wasn’t sure if there was any sort of manual that suggested it or something

[@polishFantasyEN]

To celebrate your and Shad's videos on the subject, I propose to, from now on, celebrate 7th May as the International Back Scabbard Day.

[@campingcake]

Biggest issue I can think of is that your have more issues with friendly fire when it comes to back carry. I've seen more people injured with back carrying weapons then if your where to carry the weapons in a tactical or practical carry. I mean if you want to just larp and be cool back carry, but be aware that you have a big pointy stick on your back and the people who have your back are also behind you.

[@J_n..]

the backscarbard at 13:52 is probably a turned up hip scarbard, as you find regulary in Samurai art. A Backscarbard would interfere with the persons arrow balon (the purple bundle on his back). the string over the shoulder might be the to attach the fan in his right hand.

[@thetruehd5822]

How many centuries have swords been around? If someone thought the hip carry was bad I’m sure we would see something different long ago.

[@user-fd5nz5lo7m]

Isn't that the literal point of fiction? To think about something new?

[@oneofmanyparadoxfans5447]

Carry on the back makes sense to me as a means of transportation. Think about it, you and a group of cavalry, knights, and other soldiers are moving to a new location to set up camp. No enemy resistance is expected on the route chosen as the scouts report the enemies not taking notice of the area much. Carry on the back means that you're free to carry other things on your hips, and it might not interfere with a backpack too much, but the sword is still accessible, that way if things do go pear-shaped, you can react, even if it's delayed. In other words, it would generally be impractical, but in situations where you would otherwise not expect things to turn violent, having it somewhere where it can still be drawn is always a good option.

[@LiuAssociation]

sword guy!

[@RockyMountainBear]

Situational awareness is key, and would prevent most thieving attempts. Try standing directly behind a veteran or law enforcement officer, and see what happens.

[@Gabriel-no6wv]

10:47, Sincerely, one of the best swordsman that I know in "fantasy" zoro, doesn't have swords in the back, the words are in the hips and he does a lot of cool techniques using the swords from the hip. For example the rashomon technique, a two-sword style sword draw. Sword techniques from the hips can be cool in fantasy....

[@Luablood]

Weeb

[@annasstorybox7906]

Well... Modern military makes use of having ones rifle on the back during work like setting up tents but in any other case the thing is either worn in the front or set down in arms reach or as my instructor said "in a place you'll reach within 3 seconds". So yea... Long term transportation or keeping it on your body during work or when moving around in territory that is safe enough to assume that there will be an alarm or warning is a situation where carrying a weapon on the back is feasible. While marching through unsecured territory its in front where all you need to do is lifting it. So yea... I guess the same can be applied to (large) swords... A Landsknecht might have used a strap to carry his sword on the back on long marches to avoid shouldering it while he would have carried it in his hand when it wasn't clear if there might be trouble ahead... In a fantasy setting soldiers, adventures or other kinds of warriors or just normal people that happen to own a weapon might decide to strap it on the back, maybe strapped on the side a backpack like it's done with collapsible hiking poles, when traveling through secure areas in a reliable friendly group or marching through home territory...

[@Lightblinder]

Sorry but I can't take Shad's video seriously. Seeing as the main purpose of a scabbard is to cover the blade preventing humidity and dirt from getting to it, how is a scabbard that's half open face-up gonna do that job properly? Also, considering how swords were a necessity for millenia there would be countless people working on ways of improving it, and they were very crafty back then. Seeing as how no scabbard like this is ever mentioned/depicted, what is more likely: after countless attempts for many centuries people realized there was no way of making it work, or Shad was the only person smart enough to come up with this idea?

[@martytu20]

I doubt even Shad himself would argue his back scabbard is historical. It’s more of a brainstorming exercise on how to make a back scabbard that can draw quickly. Like everything, it’s going to have drawbacks. His video isn’t meant to be taken seriously, because it’s just an attempt to engineer a solution to the biggest problem with back scabbards.

[@b.h.abbott-motley2427]

I'm skeptical that historical swords became fully optimized. Yes, lots of competitive pressures existed, but folks also tended to be vastly poorer than here in the 21st century. We know for a fact, from both period texts & scientific analysis of extant pieces, that a fair number of historical weapons & armor were made from low-quality materials. Even in the best period swords, the steel had more slag than steel does today. Material science & production methods have advanced. We shouldn't assume they did every else as well as theoretically possible when it came to swords.

[@lordoflizardsp]

Not gonna lie, you got me with the Dragon bone bit in your sponsor. I was like. Wait, what? WHAT!?

[@rmdavidov]

It is great for an adventurer, so it would not get in the way

[@elgostine]

this topic is really making me want to dig into the context and photographs of numerous chinese republic era soldiers wearing their dadao in various configurations on the back, some horizontally, some vertically, and in varying positions of how the scabbard sits relative to the body

[@StSubZero]

I do have to agree with Skallagrim on someone yoinking it from the back easily. Had that happen when playing as a kid during a play fight, which back then was like "hey that's cheating!". Granted, having a leather tack lock would make it easier to secure, but in a city or town, one is better off with it on the hip to avoid that exact situation. Funny enough, I did have one (humorous) case where a sword was indeed snatched from my hip only last year or so. Little brother and me were chit-chatting while I had a 2 foot long plastic sword I won at a carnival game (which even included a scabbard to match!) on my person on the side. To mess with me out of no where, he yoinked it out from the scabbard during a conversation and began to bamboozle me with the cheap plastic thing. So yes certainly LOADS more difficult to steal a sword worn on the hip but certainly not impossible. A little lock with a tack like one sees on a modern firearm holster might be a good solution?

[@DyneTreal]

The real problem is that I need an effective holster for my montante/zweihander. Side holsters don't really work, because the tip of the blade drags along the ground, so I wear a back holster that has three hooks: One that holds the weapon up underneath the guard and two that hold the side of the blade from hanging straight downward, instead holding it at an angle that keep my legs from hitting it when I move (and have the added benefit of preventing the tip from reaching the ground, obviously). Now, you can't draw a montante or zweihander as fast as as any single handed sword, especially not a curved sword, BUT if you only have to lift the blade and then turn it slightly before leveraging it over you shoulder by the dulled base of the blade, then you can swing it broadly around in a sweeping horizontal slash or even execute a zornhau or zwerchau by quickly grabbing the hilt after leveraging it to the appropriate angle on your shoulder.

[@nooneinparticular5256]

I have one idea on how to apply this to a semi-fantasy setting, and a medieval-renaissance setting. Wearing a big sword on your back, and tightly secured to its scabbard (possibly even tied down), and wearing it to ADVERTISE yourself as a mercenary. Makes the sword more prominent, without necessarily using it to impose upon someone. That you are armed, you are trained, and you are open for business.

[@christopherreed4723]

The very large sword that's too long to be drawn from the hip is the one reason I thought of to carry across the back, albeit just as a way to carry the thing and keep your hands free. Drawing it would be done after removing the whole rig. And - lo and behold! - it's the One Exception brought up at the end if the video. But your go-to sidearm in this case would be a large dagger or short sword such as a Katzbalger. Rutger Hauer's character in Ladyhawke (a not half bad movie marred by a BLOODY APPALLING eighties soundtrack) uses a similar loadout, and it would be practical for Swiss mercenaries or Landsknechte in a historical context. P.S.: Another excellent relaxed-but-ready stance is to cup your support side elbow in your strong side hand in a "I'm seriously considering your proposal" attitude. This positions your strong side hand near the hilt of your sword (or the grip of your pistol in a cross-draw or shoulder holster) in a way that's about as non-threatening as possible. Your support side hand is available as well to grab, push, or deflect. It's a stance reccomended by such disparate practitioners as Bas Rutten and Massad Ayoob. P.P.S.: I was wondering whether Cara-The-Thief would make an appearance. Good job on making the skill roll on that first grab. 👍😉

[@fromadhdtodndtomtg]

You bring a valid point that I thought you alluded to was the lower draw still controlled the middle and kept your focus towards the threat.

[@GallowglassAxe]

A great video and I need to see that backpack one. I've must have missed that. There is one other plus about hip carry that you forgot to mention. Its that you can pull it into a guard or parry. In smallsword and sabre its called Prime or Parry 1 and in Broadsword its sometimes called a hanging guard (but that can also be call for parry 2 or second). Now this is apocryphal but I was told the reason it was called parry 1 was because it would be the first parry would do since its done with the guard. Anyways I loved the video and can't wait to see more.

[@thornescapes7707]

I believe that it is simple and practical to wear a large two handed sword on your back. I think that it is a fantastic idea. 1. Having a sword in a scabbard protects it from damage to/from the sword. It's just a good idea for transport. 2. If the large sword is in a scabbard anyway, then wear the sword over your shoulder exactly like a rifle, with the strap on your shoulder. 3. Take off the scabbard and draw the sword when you want to use it. There is a reason why people wore rifle strap over their shoulders. All the same reasons apply to wearing a large sword in exactly the same way. It's a lot simpler and easier than Shad's bizarre scabbard. I have no historical proof that this happened, but it's far more likely than Shad's backscabbard.

[@danilonakazone386]

I really like when a person with knowledge like Skall and Shad talk about this... In this age of youtube short videos I saw lots of people being quite harsh both supporting and disdaining, sorry if I misspelled, of this way to carry a sword.

[@malahamavet]

the sword on the back video was I think the first one I saw on your channel, or at least the first one that I watched while being subscribed. This topic is preety much the spirit of this community: talk about a pop culture element and it's practicality, compare it whith real contraparts and try to make it work in real life. that's what we were watching since I can't believe I've been subscribed since like 2017 or 2018, now I'm on my second university year...

[@abnmp7865]

I think the movie Conan the Barbarian (first movie) demonstrated it. Wear on the back for moving around freeing up both hands. Put it on your waist for all other times. As Skall wore it on his back with a short sword ( or a long knife) for immediate defense.

[@rileyernst9086]

My favourite greatsword weilding character in a fantasy setting is Whirrun of Bligh from Joe Abercrombie's first law universe. Whirrun himself is described sometimes as a characture barbarian, he's big and wiry and does not wear armour(a witch prophesied where and when he'd die so he does not have a use for it). He just carries the sword around in its sheath. Sometimes over a shoulder, sometimes over both shoulders. Two things are clear, its a huge and legendary sword(named the father of swords, among other things) and he gets around perfectly well just carrying it. Afterall it is his blessing and his curse and his burden to carry.

[@mnk9073]

All ways of carrying have their drawbacks, look at modern pistols: In the army I served in you get the pistol holster on the belt of your webbing, but that feels awkward. So some guys switch to the tacticool leg holster, but that is both uncomfortable and you lose the use of at least one pocket. So some go for the chest or shoulder holster but that doesn't work with your carrier or backpack or commanding officer... I went for the shoulder one because a) I never seen the inside of a plate carrier b) I got issued my pistol long after my time of lugging around backpacks and c) it's the most confortable in a vehicle. But honestly, I believe people severely overestimate the need to quickdraw swords in a surprise situation. Most times you'd draw a sword you KNEW you were going to draw that sword.

[@gunblade7610]

For CCW (#Murica!) There is a saying that your weapon is comforting not comfortable and yeah after a while your body gets used to it. Also, I like options where maybe for some clothes I need to carry appendix, instead of normal 3 or 4 o'clock or sometimes you do shoulder and get it off your hip (coincidentally, for certain long sword I'm wondering if anyone tried shoulder carry like that - get a vertical shoulder holster and put scabbard there - you're aware of it and it does get it off your hip - just a thought). So maybe it's just having different options and different carry methods. So maybe on the battlefield you have your full kit shield and sword, but maybe while walking about town you have a shorter one for personal defense with the shorter one you can wear on various parts?

[@loneflamescale326]

i prefer shadiversity's idea with the sword on the back (being i have my short sword on my back in the kydex sheath) a kukri knife on the front of the baldric, a dagger behind me on the belt, and another dagger on my right thigh while wearing leather armor with a viking/gladiator/orc/argonian mix hybrid running the sword stays in potion on my back (a sword on the hip flops around and moves way too much) and exploring and hiking makes it so much easier to have on the back hiking through mountains, canyons, cliff and rock climbing venturing into abandoned gold mines i also noticed how easy your blades would slip and fall if you where to fall down a hill or something id like my blades to have more of a security like a kydex locks the blade in place or with a snap buckle on it encase of a trip or fall