Talk:Scabbard

I think a bit more information about why metal scabbards were used at one point, and also why naval and police scabbards were leather. I guess that the police ones were leather so that they were quieter, but I'm no expert. Hellfire83 01:21, 11 February 2006 (UTC)
 * Yes, I agree: the article could do with some expansion. I'd also like to see something on waist scabbards verses back scabbards. Seems as though the design of a back scabbard would have to be rather different to allow one to even draw a sword from it over one's shoulder. At least if my fooling around with faux swords is any indication. :) RobertM525 00:50, 21 August 2006 (UTC)

So far as I know there is no evidence whatsoever supporting the use of "Back scabbards", though they are portrayed regularly in fantasy books and movies.

This topic has been discussed extensively here: http://www.myarmoury.com/talk/viewtopic.php?t=5792&start=80&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=back+scabbard

The general consensus amongst historians is that the back scabbard is a modern construct, and unless anyone can show me evidence to the contrary (which would be most welcome) I am going to edit the topic to clarify that back scabbards are a modern invention.


 * I will. The book A Glossary of the Construction, Decoration and Use of Arms and Armor, by George Cameron Stone (ISBN 0486407268) shows records of back scabbards in Chinese and Korean armories, and in some Mongol weapons depictions as well. However, there is evidence in Guy Windsor Swordsman Companion that European and Near East cultures never used a back scabbard. At best, it would be a baldric slung from a shoulder which was probably incorrectly drawn. I have combined the information as best as I could to form a cohesive fit.-- Elar  a  girl  Talk 07:42, 7 December 2006 (UTC)

Perfect. Excellent work.

Should we possibly split following paragraph into two sections, one for the topic of 'type of scabbards' and 'modern scabbards'.

"Back scabbards were never used in European..."

It would just make the whole thing flow better, I think. That and it's would beef out the 'type pf scabbard section'. We also need more information on scabbards from around the world. Relicswords 04:16, 24 March 2007 (UTC)Relicswords

also I added a link to battojutsu & iajutsu since they are related subjects.


 * The way I heard it, a knight would have his squire draw it for him, since obviously you can't draw it off your own back unless it's unsecured at the lower point, in which case it would constantly be spanking you. If you didn't have a squire or a partner or something you wouldn't wear a back scabbard. The existence of six-foot swords makes it pretty difficult to believe hip scabbards were the only kind of worn scabbards.