The reason this style of carrying went out of fashion is because people started wearing microphones on their collar and they didn't want the constant scratching noises.

The downside is that it interferes with a clip-on mic.

Of course, if it's a lightsaber you can just clip it to your belt.

learning character design for your comics with these video without falling in to TV cliches awesome!

Finally a convenient way of wearing a sword for us nudists.

Brilliant, very interesting indeed and very nice sword :)

I live in fairly rough country and I use a belt & baldric combination in the woods (which are thick enough to often need my machete, so I have done this for many years)You are spot on about climbing over tree trunks, that is a PAIN with a belt mounted sheath!

also, regarding ninjas - there's an interesting tidbit about the "classic" (black) ninja costume. Rather than from history, it came from... theater. You see - the stage hands (responsible for moving decoration, etc.) in traditional Japanese theater wore black, and the audience learned to simply ignore them. If someone was getting shot with an arrow, the black-clad stage hand might be the one to carry the arrow in its "flight" to the target. So to have one of the "we're not here, pay no attention" guys leap onto the stage and "murder" someone would elicit a "holy shit! where'd he come from?!" reaction.

Thanks for including those pictures at the end Matt!

What is a Baldrick? It's a creator of cunning plans. :p

Was going to say that the ancient Chinese maybe carried their swords on the back, but then you demonstrated exactly what I was going to describe. You typically see these "sling swivels" on the scabbard of the early straight swords at around the same positions; near the hilt, and 1/3 down the scabbard. I have no idea if this is their historical use, but that's how I've seen people wear them.

I can hear Lindybeige in my head right now... "BACK SCABBARD ALERT!!!!" :-P

Cool. Hey man I really like your topics. And i REALLY liked the pictures you included at the end, nice touch.

Mat, next GOT season is coming soon. You better prepare the fight reviews.

I work in north Borneo and when locals go to the forest they carry what they call parang (not necessarily the type an European might imagine, it is basically a general term for anything larger than a 'pisau', which is a small kitchen/tool knife, so the sizes and shapes of parangs vary). They always carry it on a string around their hips, which I find quite uneasy for the exact reasons you mentioned, and I tend to tie it onto my backpack instead whenever climbing a steep slippery slope, which is virtually all the time in many areas. But perhaps it's because I have made mine a lot longer and larger than their average... Anyway, I will try this, but I'm afraid it won't go well with the backpack.

You missed how easy it is to shift the mass to your back when you have a 'baldric' strap... you know, for that climbing over crap thing you mentioned. It's exactly like a modern rifle strap, you don't often want it on your back (where its hard to get at), but when you do need it out the way, all you've got do do is raise the opposite hand to your shoulder and grab the strap.... raise your onside arm up out the way, then give it a pull to rotate the whole thing around you.... and obviously it's just as quick+easy to reverse..... you know... discounting backpacks (or pretty much anything else with a strap across/near the chest).... they do tend to fuck everything up.

I appreciate the sentiment, but it is an uphill battle going up against lazy Hollywood scriptwriters and costume departments.

And of course, as a couple of the images show, if you really want your sword on your back-perhaps you're climbing and don't want it sticking in front of you even a little bit-you can put the baldric on the other way.

"Baldric". I was just starting to write a Blackadder reference but, Matt, you made it yourself. My admiration for you has just skyrocketed!

Actually mentioned the Tachi! It existed, nobody ever remembers it. Thank you, thank you so much.

the back quiver, you have to go back and find your arrows

I am always moving in bus, I preffer it rather than a car, because I don't like driving, LOL. So, if I have to transport some training swords and the bus is croud, this method would work, but I think that if I have with me something like a longsword, instead of having the strap across my chest, I would just hang it at one shoulder, like a riffle, so the sword tip doesn't sticks out and beat everyone.

I spent half the video trying to decipher the meaning of his t-shirt. Sniper, lego, fencer?

excellent video been waiting for this topic for soo long. being a manlet I dont think I could draw a long sword from the back, but it does look cool in movies, maybe a short sword on the back as a secondary weapon would work but it creates a vulnerability of someone drawing your sword and cutting your throat in like 2 motions.

A split strap. A broad belt, split down the middle, and stitched so it doesn't split further. No scabbard, you can pull it up to slip it in, and then let it down to settle diagonally across the back. As long as it isn't stupid long, like an Arming Sword, it can be easily reached, and drawn by the pommel, it's just clumbsy to put back. You can even feel the pommel with your scapula when you reach back to draw it. However, it's also prone to whack against you when you move about. (Granted, it's generally better to carry it on your hip, or just hang it by the crossguard from your shoulder, tucked in your belt.)

Wearing a weapon that you need to be always on the ready and trust your life upon, in a sensible AND practical manner? *NO WAY.*

I love how this video is like an info-mercial for this type of wearing system. All that's missing is a clever name like shamholster.

Needed this for my comic, thank you 😊

Very cool buddy thanks, and lovely blade

It's such a simple solution, wear it like a shield! Edit - Or more like a bandolier.

I'm not much of a collector like Mister Easton, but among my blades is an Irish Scian. There are many woodcut art images from the reigns of Henry VIII and Elizabeth I of poorer Irishmen, who still wore their traditional long leine with a simple corded rope girdle. Often these warriors are now called "kerns". They still carried "darts" or javelins, a small targe/buckler, possibly a spear or large axe. Later they were employed as musketeers and riflemen and were serving alongside the more famous "Gallowglas" heavy infantrymen. I digress, the kerns still wore scian with a corded baldric sheath just like Matt has demonstrated. Thank you for showing us this Mister Easton

I seem to recall that some ancient Hellenes would carry there xiphos affixed to their hoplon/aspis in some manner to make it easier to draw in the press of battle. However, I'm not sure where I heard/read this, and for all I know it is a complete fabrication by my aged brain. Does anyone else have any insight on such a practice?

It's like a sling for your sword

Look out, here comes Shad inserting his opinion on the topic

"Your hands are completely free. It doesn't flop around much. It doesn't stick down low..." Thanks for that insight, Matt!

One of the things I like about the Witcher series is that it does a good job keeping historical accuracy in between the fantasy elements. Witchers are usually the only ones wearing swords on their back, and since everyone in the story universe recognizes that its an uncommon way to carry swords, it ends up being an easy way for people to identify someone as a witcher.

Fantastic video! Thank you. I love to get the facts on how 'most' people probably did a thing to compare to how modern myth has iconoclised how the flashy 1% did it.

I'm also wondering if maybe such methods were popular with some people who were wearing either very thick clothing or armor (kind of the opposite of wearing fewer clothes and no belt). I'm imagining that there could have been times when clothes or armor would make getting to a sword on a belt difficult, but a sling or baldrick would do the trick.

Kaskaras are freaking cool. The history behind them fascinates me tbh.

Glad to hear you instantly reference Blackadder in relation to a Baldrick. I had an inside voice immediately answer "A dogsbody", when you asked "What is a Baldrick".

Very informative. I'd love to see a sequel to this video. Was a kind of baldric ever used to wear the jian? I have a fancy to make a jian baldric out of black silk, but have no idea if such a thing has a historical basis.

Thank you for the video nice, good one.

Thank u so much I needed a way without a belt

scholagladiatoria, i have a quick question for backscabbards, because in berserk theres this 'scabbard' for a really large sword, and instead of being a full case, its more like a stirrup, suspended the back, catching the end. do you have any comments on that, in relation to the normal problems with backscabbards?

Nice. Is it also a method how they carried longswords? Scabbard on belt would be kinda uncomfortable because of sword length Also, a video about quivers would be greatly appreciated

There's a bit of a parallel between the example of the Burmese scabbard and the whole back quiver topic. The distinction between back and side quivers is really a bit blurred. One can carry a quiver much like the Burmese scabbard on a strap, and shift its position dynamically as the situation dictates, adjusting the strap length (with a knot) if needed. In some cases having it on the side is appropriate, in other cases (like crawling on the ground) it can be more appropriate to have it on the back. There's a quiver from the Powhatan tribe that is a perfect example of this kind of simple but multifaceted design. The examples of true back quivers that most resemble those from film are typically capped rigid tubes used for the express purpose of carrying poisoned arrows. E.g African back quivers (still used for combat today) and almost identical ones from ancient Greek art. Where the scabbard-quiver comparison breaks down is that back quivers often are more than just quivers. They're backpacks for carrying not just arrows, but the bow itself and misc survival supplies. e.g. those of San bushmen.

Thanks. I didn't know this !

My crecy has a scabbard with baldric, it's waaay nicer than the typical longsword belt. More comfortable to wear and the scabbard doesn't flop about and get in the way once the sword is drawn.

I like it. Maybe I'll wear my umbrella that way with a knot easy to untie.

Aaaaaand BAM - it gets caught up in your lapel microphone! :P

Great style and certainly my standard machete carry on all jungle trips. Use a version of this for EDC fixed blade, cf. neck knife or larger, and have for years,

I think it was called the "handbag" position

I have a Saudi Arabian Officer's sword that comes with a scabbard and a fancy tasseled cord for wear the cord is long enough to allow a good bit of flexibility in wearing style. This sword was purchased at KKMC during the first Gulf War from the Saudi Military Clothing Store.

That carry system can be seen in the "Last Samurai" as a concealed carry katana rig.

Burmese DHA is developed at the time of the thirteen century when the famous king of Burma Bayint Naung who built the second dynasty of Burma. At that time, King Bayint Naung ruled over southeast Asia that we called nowadays Cambodia, Laos, Thai, Vietnam, even apart of China, Yu Nan. The design of Dha and many Burmese cultures influenced those countries which were ruled by Burma. Dha sword is developed from some knife that cut bush and a tree branch in the forest because Burmese are rain hot forest that too much dense. There is a place called Chin State in Myanmar. At there, you can find a bird called Buceros rhinoceros bird. These birds are large and live as a pair. These birds are too loyal to their partner and never betray. We love the behavior of those birds and look carefully. We found their feathers style is unique. Its design controls air is very good. So we make the sword with those bird feather design. By combining, bush cleaning knife technique and feather design the sword of Burmese is formed. The effect of sword design and Burmese martial art is perfectly matched. So, the cultural influence over those countries is pretty big and they started using the Burmese sword and liking it. So they developed their style and designs and implanted them on the Burmese sword. After that, They start talking their own but they never tell the origin of the sword. Mostly Thai people. Swordmaster Thai King Narasean was a student in Myanmar. During the second dynasty of Burma, King Bayint Naung, Conquered Thailand and take back the prince, princess, and other people. When they reached Burma, the king let them taught about our culture and learned about their culture. The Narasean learn our Dha technique, design, and making but he never knew where it is developed from. After King Bayint Naung passed away, Narasean went back to Thailand and fought back to Burma, and built a land of his own Thai people. So, In the eye of Thai People, he is a sword god. He fought back and gave freedom to the Thai people. But the origin of sword design and sword style starts from Burma. The history of Burma and Thailand is very complex because the Burmese conquered Thailand when they grow. The culture between the two countries is very similar. Burmese took much of art culture from Thai. Thailand took many cultures from Burma. When they told about history and culture, they want to claim it is from their own. Thailand is never lost connection to the world and Burma is not. So, Most people know Thailand culture and they thought it is Thai culture but some are Burma. When you search for historical facts, you need to look at both sides and judge your own. Non of both sides are telling the real history but their perspective. Sorry for the long comment. If I don't explain with a long comment. You will never know the origin.

I made this most excellent, low budget Hanger with a leather layered grip. However i made my scabbard a two point system with straps for my belt "button" into the scabbard loop suspension (copper). I should be able to use the same scabbard but just make the button on a longer strap. Love it. this system seems more ghetto for a single dude with a sword. I love it.

I've really been getting into Black Sails (partially because of Matt's fight review from episode 1), even though I know I'm way behind and a lot of the captains wear their swords in a similar way, but I assume you would call their hanging device a baldric.

great video but can you please explain your shirt?

Hi Matt, is it possible you could watch the wranglerstar video "Full Contact Sword Fighting -WARNING GRAPHIC-" and do a review?

Finally I saw what sword is that from the corner. I was wondering all the time.

a while ago now I went to see the celts exhibition in Edinburgh and there was a scabbard there that they said would have been worn on the back, the scabbard was from a few hundred years AD I don't exactly remember, if anyone has any more information about that or has seen it in the exhibition I'd love to hear your opinion :)

I wear my large hunting knife in this manner for all the reasons you mentioned. It is comfortable, accessable, and does not get caught on things or flop around. The only thing I would like to mention is safety. Use a rawhide loop- it will break if you fall and the cord gets caught on something. Better to break the cord than break your neck.

Anyone know where I can find out how to make a bandolier like the one in this video?

This is also exactly how swords were worn in the Classical Greece. It's the only method shown on their sculptures and vase paintings.

Wow, I'm so early nobody is yet pointing out any innuendos.

I have a question for you Matt. Titanium swords? Have you ever seen one and how viable do you think they would be? It's kinda springy like steel if you use the right alloy, no rust, lighter and stronger.

I made a back scabbard once. It's very inconvenient if the sword is longer than your back. The problem with strapping anything over your back for any length of time is that your sweat will ruin it, and be very uncomfortable as well.

I subscribed because this was explained well also you mentioned anime and as a weeb it made me happy. So I was watching because I have a sword it’s medieval sword and it has the chain thingy attached to it but it’s too small to put over your head.

A question I have is how would one sheath and carry two swords if they wished to do so Like in the Witcher book/game series? Would they simply sheath both on the belt one on top of the other like the Samurai for instance or what?

@scholagladiatoria: are you sure about dayaks carrying the mandau that way ? I just looked through my pictures and books and I can't see a strap like this on the photos.

I think that I like that dhar near as well as I like the ornate tulwar that are in the Wallace collection.

Some of those pictures had scabbards with flared parts at the end. How would unsheathe those swords?

This gives me an interesting thought. Could you use this to more practically carry a spear? That is, assuming one has reason to travel with a spear readily available.

I've always worn mine on a baldric as it makes it much easier to take on and off.

that's an awesome shirt!

True story: Forced into vagrancy for a few years left me stranded in California, and this was the natural placement of my defensive blade. The only difference is that It was slung to the back on a slightly longer cord with the blade down, and handle pointing to the floor. Had a snap release allowing for upside-down holding

Hey, can you make a video about the talwar? It's a type of Indian sword :)

Haha, I immediately thought of Black Adder when you said Baldric...

Thankyou for the clarification... I've just found out from you I have a few Kaskara swords... they're all rusty with perishing handles and loose guards as they've been kept in the attic for many years, I'd like to clean and preserve them,I wondered if you had any tips.... one has a crocodile handle grip with the claws intact, there's look like your handles... thanks again: -)..

This video is great but you never explain how to tie the sling! I don't know what its called or what to google

How do you tie it?

Matt, in "The Seven Samurai" we see Kikuchio carrying that god awful huge steel bar of his in this fashion. I remember seeing this method of carrying a katana in other movies, and now that you mention it, it was when the armed character was not wearing an obi. I guess I shouldn't ask if a lightsaber can be carried in this fashion, but how about a magic sock that one would swing over one's head.

I have heard suggestions that swords were/could be carried on the back in a fashion similar to how rifles may be slung, over one shoulder only as opposed to Hollywood's diagonal nonsense.

Is there a tutorial on how to wrap it like that? I want to carry my wakizashi on the back

is there a way to make one

that's the rig I have set up for my ginunting, or if I am using a machete and don't want it hanging from my belt.

Where does the sound at the beginning of the video come from?

the brass scabbard behind and above your head. why is the drag so small on it? was it made that small or did it get that way from being dragged along the ground? were there scabbards made purposely with small drags? i ask because i have a steel scabbard with a very small drag very similar almost identical to the one on the brass scabbard above your head

Y is the kaskara handle hilt so short

How were the two-bladed swords worn (and drawn out)? I always thought these weapons were only subject of fantasy stories, but I saw you talking about them in several videos here.

As a Lego builder, I love the T shirt. What is the story behind that? Shooting, building, and fencing?

I would propose that a large reason NOT to wear a back-scabbard is just the same as law enforcement's reasons for how you stand when facing a person, mostly in a charged atmosphere... you don't want someone to be able to grab your weapon. You don't have eyes in the back of your head to watch your weapon. Anyone who walks behind you just has to take an extra, faster step, grab... and they have your weapon. By your side you can cover by both body placement, turning the weapon side away so its out of reach and also able to be covered by your hand; holding in scabbard or protecting the draw.

There are styles that use scabbard as a second weapon. Even though they literally carry the sword as you've shown. There's a draw wrapping the strap around your hand. Drawing the sword over your shoulder. Sure that's done in so many styles that may be in the part where behind the back the myth came from.

What knotting style is that by name?

could back scabbards be an artist rendering or a misinterpretation thats just stuck since victorian era like so much else? Something to wonder...

I really like that sword. Where'd you get it?

the pics at the end were a nice touch really cool video man

What is the sword shown throughout the video?

One drawback to carrying a blade that way is that it flops forward when you bend over, something you do more than you think especially in the woods, I carry heavy machetes or big knives this way and attaching an anchor point to your belt is a good idea. Just walking in a wooded environment is fine so if those guys in the jungle had servants to make their fires, cook for them etc. then it probably wouldn't have been an issue.

Baldrics were actually very popular since XIII century for footsoldiers, not just post-XVII century.