I was always wondering why fantasy adventurers never go the direction that many soldiers in the early modern era do. To roll the blanket lengthwise, using it as the backpack with all the equipment stuffed inside with the roll tied on both ends with cord, and then tied around the torso. This has it closer to the body, it can just be slid over the head and is much lighter than a backpack itself. And its amazing what you can fit. The biggest example I can give is the US Civil War where backpacks were thrown away on the march normally with the new method taken over. I know its not medieval, but I can gather that this simple touch can serve an adventurer way better than the way I see many adventurers weight down.
While i have never tried it with camping equipment i do however have tried it with swimming stuff, water flask, snacks, sunscreen and goggles for trips to the beach. It's a neat and compact package if you do it right however it does not distribute weight as good as something like a backpack so it falls into the same trap as a overloaded satchel where the shoulder gets tired. Thankfully i never loaded it that much but i can see it happening. That being said it'd definitely be a interesting topic to explore seriously.
It was also used before the US Civil War during the French Indian and Revolutionary war. I used to do mountain man re-enactments and some of the other re-enactors would be in Revolutionary War garb. The Military re-enactors for the most part would have a small haversack and the rest of their belongings would be either on wagons or pack animals. Many of us Mountain Men re-enactors would use donkey's, or mules to carry the majority of our gear and only carry a small haversack and our weapons on us. My friend had 2 mules and a donkey, so we used the mules to pull his cart, and the donkey to carry our water barrel.
This sounds quite useful for the rare hiking style LARP or when you are just going with some friends into the woods for a hike, a picknick and a photoshoot. At a normal LARP event your blankets and clothes are in your tent and the stuff you carry has to be easy, quick access, like snacks, maps, magical items. And your real money, meds and phone in a hidden pocket, too. I'd be too chicken to loose some stuff in a blanket roll tbh.
Fandabi Dozi has a few videos about how Scottish Highlanders might've used their great kilts as cloaks, blankets and backpacks. I'm pretty sure it happened in any age, that person who had cloak or similar garment would've used it as makeshift backpack.
It is worth noting that historical depictions and references to archers rarely include longswords. A one-handed sword (arming, falchion, messer, etc; sword and buckler is common in depictions) or some sort of short, one-handed bludgeon. The shorter weapon (often especially shorter in the hilt) means it protrudes out from the body less and is often angled more vertically as well. Short, single-edged swords were also very popular among period foresters, for a variety of reasons.
If you're a fantasy adventure who is looking for or planning on fights, you'd want the better weapon. A longsword offers a bit more variety in stricking options over single edge swords and more reach than an arming sword. This makes a longsword in most contexts when you're fighting monsters or dueling superior to most easiably wearable weapons. True historically it was done a certain way, but if functionally a longsword can be used instead of other smaller sword options, I can see exception cases for it being prefered especially in fantasy with fantasy threats
@@captainzeth4214 While not necessarily against 'monsters', sword and buckler is generally considerably advantaged over longswords. Having a separate defensive tool in the other hand usually outweighs the extra power of a two-handed sidearm, and as one-handed swords are not limited in reach by crossing the arms or the secondary hand, the reaches tend to be comparable regardless of the weapon's own length. However, in a fantastical setting, you might want the additional penetrative power of a longsword for overcoming armor or hide better than a one-handed sword. If you are at the point where that is a concern, though, you probably do not want to be using a side-arm against them in the first place, and a buckler could easily be i'll-suited as well.
@@NevisYsbryd total fair. My only counter to the secondary tool is, that's another thing you have to carry in addition to what ever else you may desire to carry. However, you right. That is a vaild option that could be prefered over a longsword. In defense of one of your arguments against longswords, if I'm understanding you correctly, you implied that any moster fight where you may prefer a longsword it might be better to pick a different weapon. True, some thing like a spear or axe might do the job better. However, those are not as wearable or fashionable to carry as a longsword. Again longsword might be a poor choice for most warriors, but I still think there are at least exceptional cases for it.
A skeletal rack backpack to get your supplies tied to always comes on my mind with topics like this one. If you have usual stuff tied in the rack and weapons attached to it on the sides you can grab the one you need, pull some quick release to drop the rack and there you go. Works great, at least in my imagination...
Fun fact: The Irish used back scabbards often. They had to carry swords on their backs when moving through boggy terrain. They are one of very few cultures to actually have carried swords on their backs.
Please provide a reference, because I have looked a decent bit into Irish martial history and not encountered a single period depiction, visual or textual, of back scabbards there. The only case where I have seen this is modern artwork.
You could always just carry it like a rifle while in the scabbard. Simply take it off and chuck it to the side before fighting and then pick it up when fighting is done?
I know this isn't something many LARPers are able to do but in the context of how one might adventure in a medieval world, every adventurer should just have a horse. When it comes to carrying a lot of equipment or loot long distance then a horse seems like the best option.
In reality, there weren't all that many "wandering adventurers" in the medieval world. People tended to travel in groups with horses, mules, wagons, etc. Even the "Knight Errant" would have an entourage - Or at least a Squire. Not even Robin Hood functioned on his own. The _lone wanderer_ is largely a modern fiction. Seems rather like a combination of the mythology of the Knight Errant and the Cowboy. Have to be careful not to spoil the fantasy with too much realism....
Probably a donkey or mule, actually. They are more economically efficient in terms of speed/distance to feed and expenses, cost less, and have a more resilient psychology than a lot of horses. Horses would probably be more of middle or higher socioeconomic status thing.
@@_XR40_ It is actually not. Pilgrims travelled relatively independently quite often during the High and Late Middle Ages. While stretches between settlements were fairly small, and thus the amount of supplies like food and water that they needed to drink were rarely more than a couple of days (at most), there were certain times and places where pilgrims were specifically warned about due to things like bandits.
I think that it would be better to have the sword on one side of your back and the bow/quiver on the other side, that way if you were using a sharp sword you have less of a chance of damaging your bow/arrows and it could possibly make wearing a pack easier
It would mean that you'd have to draw each weapon with different hands or across different sholders. Could be trained, but I think it would deffinatley be akward for most. Aragon I noticed does this, but he doesn't use his bow much and therefore isn't reaching for his arrows often
@@captainzeth4214 Since you are holding your bow in your left hand (if righthanded), it makes sense to draw the bow with your left, whereas the sword would be drawn with the right hand.
@@StarlasAiko drawing the bow from the left makes sense, but drawing the arrows from the left if you shoot right handed dlesn't. Also wearing an x pattern means you wouldn't be able to wear as long of a sword
@@captainzeth4214 Not entirely true. The Scythians (I believe it was them; I know at least one culture in the near east did it this day) drew arrows from the left side while shooting right handed, grasping the arrow between the index and middle fingers of the bow hand. This would obviously only really work well if you're shooting thumb draw or Slavic draw, though. I wouldn't wear most bows at the side unless mounted, though, unless you're using an Ottoman bow or similar. This leads me to my next point: there is no way in hell I would use a bow like that shown in the video against anything bigger than a deer. If you need a shorter bow, there are a lot of far superior options; just learn to shoot thumb draw and get a Turkish, Tatar, or Korean bow. That first option in particular allows a full draw to the mouth or high to the cheekbone (assuming you aren't unusually tall) in a bow that can be under 45" strung.
Kramer doesn't have a shabbard? Well we know of a way to fix that problem! To the Shadlands! Seriously, Shad, Tyranth and Nate are totally lost in the woods without a ranger like Kramer, why just the other day they tried to take down an ogre.
The best bow would be a recurve bow in this case. You can have relatively the same draw weight as a long bow with less of it. It'll be shorter and more maneuverable. Alternatively, a light crossbow would serve a good purpose here, or a sling, even.
I feel in conjunction with even this short bow, a one-handed sword might be a better option for this scenario. Or a small axe, for that matter. Another consideration might be to hang said arming sword more vertically, to also minimize getting in the way of the bow. Here, a shorter hilt is also better, as it does not hinder your arm movement as much.
Probably in most contexts, but a longsword offers certain advantages that in certain contexts might be preferable to other shorter weapons. Depending on the context if it can functionally work this may be a preferable side arm despite it being a bit more intrusive
Using a shorter hilted weapon deffinately makes the bow easier to shoot, but then you miss out on the advantages of the longsword. If an bow can be weilded with a longsword, then it's up to the individual achers preferance which advantages they prefer.
Everything kramer says her makes good sense. So many interesting real life problems present themselves when you decide to try carrying things on your back, especially weapons. Personally, I don't shoot a bow, but I've experienced through years of "medieval type" combat experience basically many of the same issues mentioned here with only hand to hand weapons involved.
When you mentioned wearing everything on the back, i immediately thought of the times I sling my laptop backpack on, and feel like I'm about to fall backwards. 😊
Preciate the video. Obviously, historically shorter weapons were used with the bow, but sometimes like with Aragorn it just makes more sense to use a longsword or maybe even something longer. I really appreciate this functionality dive into wearing a back quiver and longsword as well as the alternative options available. Thanks Kramer
This is excellent! I dont think I'll use this for the exact reason you did, but your mention of how a shorter bow works for riders to maneuver it over their mount, it spurred on my idea of a winged person with a human hunter on their back and helped me imagine how they'd look in the air. The bow would need to be small which is great to know!
Ideally, I'd want a scabbard that can be moved to my back when I know I won't need to draw my sword. Less hassle during rest, sitting, walking in the adventurer's guild and so on. As soon as I'm no longer in a safe zone, it's back to the hip for that quick, reliable draw. As for my main weapon, it's either strapped to a pack for travel or in my hand.
I’ve been trying to come up with a holster/scabbard for my son’s larp horsebow so he can can carry it on his back. It’s very cool that this video just came out while I was looking for inspiration. Lots of interesting things to think about and, as always, great video.
What about a pack worn on top that has essentially a quick release knot? You would pull to release the knot, the backpack drops to the ground and you have access to the shabbard.
100kg recurve shortbow in a quiver/scabbard on one hip, kriegsmesser on the other hip, pack over (or under, depending on weather) on the back. If a longbow-user (a bow specialist), I'm wearing a short hangar or an axe on my hip. Also, for amusement, look up lohar axe. Particularly the later folding ones. Weapon on your back is generally for travel, not combat-ready. :P
A sword Shabbard and bow scabbard mounted in an X on your back would let you select your bow with the same hand you wield it with, leaving your strong side hand free to set string/select arrow/draw string/etc.
I can see a very good but specific reason to carry on one's back. Climbing. That activity would be severely hampered by a sword sticking forward and you might even lose the sword if the hilt gets caught and the whole thing tilts enough.
9:00 In my experience, there's still ad advantage of wearing your sword on your back vs a vertical scabbard on the side. In slow movements with a simple terrain, yes, side method with a vertical scabbard is optimal for traversal. However, it can swing about when running unless your grip the sword. But even then, its still possible for the sword to get caught on things like bushes and other ground-level objects (even keeping it vertical can still have it clang on objects that you step over unless you angle it away). With a back scabbard (which I secure mine at two points on the sheathnwith my harness in addition to using a side strap), the sword on my back doesnt sway as much and is less likely to get caught on ground-level obstacles. Sure, theres low clearance stuff like low branches, but I find that I can easily duck under, especially since the hilt doesn't go above my head. Please note that I'm not arguing that the back method isnjust as good as on the side. Theres definitely disadvantages such as a less defensive position amongst other things. But id like to think that I can alternate between the two methods as I see fit (back for travel, side for all other things. In case I do get attacked in travel with a back carry, I'd like to keep my blade just short enough to draw). But alas, this isnjust fantasy imagining as real life prohibits me from carrying a sword in public.
Too add to your point, there is something to be said about being in full control your weapon which is much easier when its in front of you and not always possible when its on your back.
It's honestly fascinating because I personally believe it would be a bit difficult to work with since the bow, the quiver, and the sword scabbard would be so close together. With that in mind, I am under the notion that the buckles or belts or whatever would have to be carefully placed to avoid being tangled. These are just the notions I have from the top of my head as I look at this concept from a practical standpoint (or as best as I could possibly do). It certainly looks cool in fantasy-Talion or Celebrimbor from Middle Earth Shadow of Mordor or Shadow of War immediately comes to mind. Edit 1: I didn't even think about how it would add more weight if an adventurer has a pack or backpack. But the line about the quiver and the arrows not getting all over the place is certainly a good point. I was always confused as to why there are those who wore quivers on their hips.
I like how your kit and current set up looks and works. And it works. You could easily add a light bed roll to your quiver, or on a separate tump line. And you'd be ready to hit the trail. Another thought I've always had on the Ranger idea. Is instead of a sword a lighter twohanded knife and hatchet/tomahawk dual wield fighting style would be very doable, and realistically effective weapon system
For giggles I did make a "Witcher" rig for my longswords, not really for carrying both at the same time except in that specific costume...it's more a fun way to keep the swords together at home. basically it amounts to a modified belt that goes over my right shoulder allowing the swords to hang under my left armpit at a height that actually feels rather comfortable on my frame (6'2") so that neither sword drags on the ground nor lets the crossguards ride too high into my armpit. One of the swords (Cold Steel MAA Italian Longsword) is a more-or-less vertical hang that naturally leans a little forward while the other (UC Honshu Broadsword...named a "broadsword" but is only a couple inches shorter than the Cold Steel and very similar in weight) has a scabbard that hangs at a diagonal angle that, on my rig, is itself closer to vertical...luckily when worn this way the crossguards don't interfere with each other when drawing one or the other.
I'm a bit of an oddball in that I an dominantly right handed, btu I use a bow as a lefty. The hilt of my sword never gets in the way that way, which is a nice bonus
One more thing to note that having it all on your back would be good if you are going somewhere with no roads and tricky terrain. As you can use your arms better for keeping balance. As an example you are a scout (party/army) if bow, quiver and shabbard are almost vertical they won't hinder you when you are climbing trees, or have to climb short cliff surfaces. (Long ones would be draining with equipment worn.) So that you have the high ground to better search for prey / enemies. You can see them coming and can prepare for an ambush if you want.
I have had ideas of improving on the shabbard in a couple ways. One is making it able to wear both on the back and on the hip. The other is giving it a built in mini quiver. The second one I would call the Ranger’s Shabbard/Back Scabbard. At some point I’m gonna make some prototypes, though I am new to leathering and such…
So to avoid the bow string getting caught on the handle have the bow positioned straight off to your side instead of in front of your chest. That is how a medieval archer would hold their bow as not only would it keep the bow away from the sword but also allows you to pull back the bow string further and more efficiently.
If you fix two hooks to a bar, you can hang your sword by the guard, just strap it into the sheath like most knives. Also my crossbow is never gets tangled in my zwielhander and the small bolts tuck neatly to my thigh. People forget crossbow are in fantasy because there not a fancy to shoot. And before somebody says loading, I can load my crossbow using the stirrup 0.3 seconds slower then my recurve but i never have to string my crossbow before use.
I agree with you 100% Kramer, wearing a sword and quiver on your back would be a great inconvenience, they get in the way and limits how much you can carry, I do it in Skyrim, but that's make believe
I mean, I can think of quite a lot of moments when you would wear both of these at your back. Being in rough terrain or climbing somewhere is the first one that comes to mind.
Interesting thoughts Kramer and yes Aragorn is always right. For myself, I like options. Everything is situational dependent. Am I hunting, travelling long distance, carrying everything I own, going to meet a fair maiden. Am I in a dangerous part of the country. also why I am more of a staff/spear/short sword type. The stick is always in your hand ready to deploy. Nate
Neat. I like the idea of multiple carry modes. You have long distance or heavy travel set up. Kit and weight set up to maximize comfort, but transition to combat would take time. Light travel, weapons more at the ready, but still focused on travel. Little or no kit on hand. Day trips or patrols Combat ready. Carring weapons at the ready or in hand, and maybe some other key items.
This is the reason why I started to use my left hand for sword wielding and rest him at the right side. Nothing too complicated, just some extra hours of training my left hand.
I wonder if a combination quiver and scabbard would require additional straps. Something like a cross strap that goes over the other shoulder could compensate for the additional weight and add stability.
THe game Outward has a mechanic which allows you to quickly drop your backpack. I wonder if anyone has tested if grabbing your sword handle and pulling some quick release to drop your backpack would assist in drawing the sword super easily.
In Lord of the Rings (at least in the book), the sword Aragorn carries is the shards of Narsil and is functionally useless. It makes sense to get it out of the way with a back scabbard because he never draws and uses it.
In considering the realistic problems of carrying various equipment and weapons, this is solved by bringing along mercenaries, porters, and pack animals and handlers. The fighter is there to fight, the mage to cast spells, and the thief pick locks and stab things. All adventurers would do the bulk of the dangerous work, but the hirelings would be around to provide supplemental firepower, and carry the lord's sword to be handed off when needed. The problems of carrying bow and sword, averted. This just depends on if you elect to carry the detail this far.
Interesting video, thanks. I do not have hand and a half/bastard/longswords. My own are either Roman shortswords, spatha, or my Del Tin Glamdring, a single-hand blade. I far prefer the single-hand type and I never put it on my back. I prefer it at my left hip. Then again, I often wear my arrows in an arrow bag/quiver where the arrows are drawn directly down onto the bow. As for bows...I have some stick bows, a few warbows, yet I mostly use my Scythian style composite bow. it is short, light, powerful, and great when I hunt in the bush. :) Good video! Thank you for sharing!
The only times I can see a quiver and a sword being worn kn the back and it'd make sense is either 1) when there's no reel estate on your hips 2) when you're injured in your hip/legs and a sword is getting in the way or hurting you too much
Another reason that someone might what to carry their weapons on their back is if they are cumbersome to wear at the hip. Shad points out that his back scabbard allows him to carry a sword that is a bit to long for him to easily carry and draw from his hip. Now how many warriors are going to go for a large sword and a bow and arrow? Not many. How many will throw everything on the back? Probably fewer. It is fun though to test the options and limits
Hello again Kramer. Thank you for another video! Go on ahead and keep wearing your swords on your waist, it shows off your staunch birthing hips, which might be another reason it makes drawing your bow all the harder. Kidding aside, the video here is pretty good. Though, I do have a question for you as a dancer. Where would it be better to wear your sword if you needed to dance in a hurry? For a possible dance off against your enemies.
Its great to see a video showing the benefits of a short bow, i had a quiver on back with top anchored to shoulder strap of knapsack, and bottom attached to belt, and belt over top of knapsack strap, axe worn eith paralel to quiver as itw as same length, or n belt loop ready for combat, the aragorn style of bastard sword on belt and secondary weapon on back makes logistical sense, i never liekd shads longsword and quievr on belt and longbow on back, seemed very combersome, belt quivers are a pain for moving and shooting, back quvers arent. also medieval war archers didnt use longswords so much, falchions and small weapons hung vertically or out of the way and didnt snag the longer bow, short bows are so usefull....
If you would land on your back with the sword and bow on your back, you could have a dagger on your belt for those tight situations. It also depends on the world you are in. There might be some space-time magic that allows you to store your survival gear and stuff in just a small pouch that you wear on your hip. That would allow you the option of wearing a larger weapon on your back, like a larger two-handed sword. Perhaps there are magical materials that are lighter than, but just as strong or stronger than steel, that would reduce or remove the weight issue if you carry all or most of your gear on your back. This fantasy world maybe has nice, small and powerful hand-crossbows that are easy to load, that can hang on your belt and those small bolts could be secured in a pouch or holster close to it. Those could replace a bow. It all depends on the type of world the adventurer is in. Maybe he/she has a mule or horse that carries all of the survival gear so that the adventurer just has to carry the weapons. I bet that Shad will be all over this in a response video xD
Also isn't practical for enclosed spaces, either. Nor sitting down in chairs or on benches. Stools and smaller seats would be feasible. Samurai would sit on small foldable stools while armed and armored.
So the most OP video game superpower is clipping through the superfluous coverings of your gear to get what you want out of, say, that backpack full of health potions?
im gettin blasted by the wildfires too. Just finished welding a high tensile trailer repair and i had a headache after! Also, a tip for the bow- The Cherokee cant the bow many times past 45 degrees. A good rule of thumb for barebow archery is the closer the target, the more cant you put in the bow. Close up targets, my bow is almost flat, using my chin as an anchor point. The longer the distance the more vertical your bow. I call the flat bow position the "Cher'kee Turkee" because I would shoot at close range moving targets like turkey with a horizontal bow, not vertical. When you have a fast moving hunting target there simply is no time to get your bow vertical and aim. You are forced to shoot instinctually if you want to eat.
I know hammocks were used by sailor/pirates because they keep stable. My hammock takes notably less weight, space and volume than even a medium sized blanket let alone a bedroll. Is there much/any historical context to adventurers carrying hammocks over bedrolls? It seems more practical and comfortable in most scenarios- less chance of bugs and stuff too.
I'm right handed but left-eye dominant. I draw my bastard sword with my RH from my left hip but I shoot left handed. My bow string never has the oppertunity to catch on my sword. Also when it comes to D&D, Rangers usually go the Dex build route (wielding 2 short swords legolas-style rather than carrying a longsword, which is considered a strength weapon).
I think about what my adventuring load out would be all the time. The problem is that there are too many cool swords and I can’t decide which I’d bring.
A point on having swords carried at the waist almost horizontally. It may be all well and good when you happen to be in an OPEN area. When you're going through crowds, or narrow streets/alleys/whatever, that thing sticking out way behind you can become something of an embarrassment(figure it out), or a real ENCUMBRANCE!
Interesting video again. I definitely do have to work on more stuff for my kit, especially a new bow. I'm still using my very first fiberglass bow i got when i was like 13 (the thing is really durable, i stored it probably 10 years and no problems whatsoever) Right now I'm making a new all leather sheath for my seax and it reinforced my doubts with the shabbard. It's a cool construction and all, but it doesn't do it's job in protecting the blade from rain. I wet-formed the leather to my blade, removed the blade, let it mostly dry, then strongly oiled my blade and put it back in the very slightly moist sheath to let it dry over night. It was quite rusty when i had a look at it in the morning. Nothing a bit fine sandpaper and sharpening stone couldn't handle, but that was from very little moisture. Now the shabbard is basically a rain pipe that guides all rain onto the blade. That might work in arid Australian climate or when you're just using it on sunny renfairs, but for long time adventuring? (Or you got an enchantment that rust protects your blade, that would solve the problem anyhow)
Wood frame. Make the scabbard of leather-covered wood. It absorbs the moisture. This is the difference between a scabbard and a sheathe. Everyone from medieval knights to samurai did this.
@@_XR40_ my old one was wood core and my swords all have sheep skin, wood and leather. But for the seax, for all I know, it was only leather, no wood core historically. Right now I'm thinking that I'll probably try linseed oil on a test piece to improve water resistance. But for now I need it to be able to get wet for some more tooling (mainly edges, decorations and wet forming should be finished) (The blade is from an archeological find, migration period, if I remember correctly from an Alemannen child grave. The handle isn't particularly historical or great handiwork, as it was the very first knife I made a handle for, but I still really like it)
@@Glimmlampe1982 Thing is that lots of leather is tanned with "tannic acid". This reacts with steel. There are certain types of leather tanning that don't use this, but I forget what it's called (haven't made a sheath or scabbard in years). I do know that wood helps. I have both an 1840 NCO civil war sword and an 1896 Type 32 Japanese saber in wooden scabbards that I made for them, and there isn't a speck of rust on the blades. Also have a pre-WWII katana. It has a bronze scabbard, but that has a thin strip of bamboo inside that serves the purpose, and the blade is still spotless. Obviously, none of these are stainless steel - And your seax wouldn't be either. However, it's pretty likely that a blade like that would be used, and maintained, on a daily basis. You might be better off using vegetable oil. Linseed oil turns into a varnish and cracks....
@@_XR40_ that's only a problem with really long term storage. If you take it out every once in awhile and use some oil the tannic acids aren't a big problem. Or I could use some Renaissance wax I got with my long knife. But the main problem was the slight moisture from wet forming, it's now dried and no problem. But that was my main point why I think the shabbard isn't a really great thing, it wouldn't protect the blade from rain.
@@Glimmlampe1982 Probably true. This is why I prefer the alternate method of carrying a sword on the back - Just use the regular scabbard and place it over your _left_ shoulder (unless you happen to be left-handed).
I think wearing a shorter sword and quiver on my waist and keeping my bow on my back would be my preferred way to handle this. I find drawing arrows from my hip easier and if I need my bow hopefully that means I am at range and I have a little more time to deploy it
There are some types of swords you can’t wear on your hip the Scottish claymore, and the German great sword. However with the sword he uses or a shorter sword there is no reason to wear it on your back except for the fashion.
I always kept my swords on my back and my bow an quiver on my back as well for larping and in live combat keeping my blades there made more sense. On the belt was more of a royal thing I felt.
Custom made from an old leather vest, cut to the waist, with 4 long rectangles sewn around the waistline that go down to about the knee. Excess leather from the vest (from around the waist) was the. Used to create those decorative pointed shapes, 2 in the front, 2 in the back. Used a riveter to get the lacing holes, and the whole jacket is lined with grey linen.
What's the most optimal way of carrying a great sword, long sword, 2 daggers, 10 javelins, and possibly a scythe? it'd actually be cool to see you try it
In LARP: When you shot a arrow at a demon and it doesnt take him out. He runs at you. Being able to draw the longsword from the hip saved my life ;-) though i like the look on the back. holy shit I was in trouble :P I am trying to come up with a strap system that hangs it a bit loose on the back and a bit lower to make it easy to draw.. we shall see :)
Check out the my video in the cards, I have a bow sheath attached to my quiver. It might work for longer bows, but would be more difficult to draw, similar to a sword if carried on the back.
I was always wondering why fantasy adventurers never go the direction that many soldiers in the early modern era do. To roll the blanket lengthwise, using it as the backpack with all the equipment stuffed inside with the roll tied on both ends with cord, and then tied around the torso. This has it closer to the body, it can just be slid over the head and is much lighter than a backpack itself. And its amazing what you can fit.
The biggest example I can give is the US Civil War where backpacks were thrown away on the march normally with the new method taken over. I know its not medieval, but I can gather that this simple touch can serve an adventurer way better than the way I see many adventurers weight down.
While i have never tried it with camping equipment i do however have tried it with swimming stuff, water flask, snacks, sunscreen and goggles for trips to the beach. It's a neat and compact package if you do it right however it does not distribute weight as good as something like a backpack so it falls into the same trap as a overloaded satchel where the shoulder gets tired. Thankfully i never loaded it that much but i can see it happening.
That being said it'd definitely be a interesting topic to explore seriously.
It was also used before the US Civil War during the French Indian and Revolutionary war. I used to do mountain man re-enactments and some of the other re-enactors would be in Revolutionary War garb. The Military re-enactors for the most part would have a small haversack and the rest of their belongings would be either on wagons or pack animals. Many of us Mountain Men re-enactors would use donkey's, or mules to carry the majority of our gear and only carry a small haversack and our weapons on us. My friend had 2 mules and a donkey, so we used the mules to pull his cart, and the donkey to carry our water barrel.
This sounds quite useful for the rare hiking style LARP or when you are just going with some friends into the woods for a hike, a picknick and a photoshoot. At a normal LARP event your blankets and clothes are in your tent and the stuff you carry has to be easy, quick access, like snacks, maps, magical items. And your real money, meds and phone in a hidden pocket, too. I'd be too chicken to loose some stuff in a blanket roll tbh.
Fandabi Dozi has a few videos about how Scottish Highlanders might've used their great kilts as cloaks, blankets and backpacks.
I'm pretty sure it happened in any age, that person who had cloak or similar garment would've used it as makeshift backpack.
that's a day pack, not a long-distance pack.
It is worth noting that historical depictions and references to archers rarely include longswords. A one-handed sword (arming, falchion, messer, etc; sword and buckler is common in depictions) or some sort of short, one-handed bludgeon. The shorter weapon (often especially shorter in the hilt) means it protrudes out from the body less and is often angled more vertically as well. Short, single-edged swords were also very popular among period foresters, for a variety of reasons.
This is true. However, a fantasy ranger is liable to run into threats that a longsword answers better.
@@markfergerson2145 Such as?
If you're a fantasy adventure who is looking for or planning on fights, you'd want the better weapon. A longsword offers a bit more variety in stricking options over single edge swords and more reach than an arming sword. This makes a longsword in most contexts when you're fighting monsters or dueling superior to most easiably wearable weapons. True historically it was done a certain way, but if functionally a longsword can be used instead of other smaller sword options, I can see exception cases for it being prefered especially in fantasy with fantasy threats
@@captainzeth4214 While not necessarily against 'monsters', sword and buckler is generally considerably advantaged over longswords. Having a separate defensive tool in the other hand usually outweighs the extra power of a two-handed sidearm, and as one-handed swords are not limited in reach by crossing the arms or the secondary hand, the reaches tend to be comparable regardless of the weapon's own length.
However, in a fantastical setting, you might want the additional penetrative power of a longsword for overcoming armor or hide better than a one-handed sword. If you are at the point where that is a concern, though, you probably do not want to be using a side-arm against them in the first place, and a buckler could easily be i'll-suited as well.
@@NevisYsbryd total fair. My only counter to the secondary tool is, that's another thing you have to carry in addition to what ever else you may desire to carry. However, you right. That is a vaild option that could be prefered over a longsword. In defense of one of your arguments against longswords, if I'm understanding you correctly, you implied that any moster fight where you may prefer a longsword it might be better to pick a different weapon. True, some thing like a spear or axe might do the job better. However, those are not as wearable or fashionable to carry as a longsword. Again longsword might be a poor choice for most warriors, but I still think there are at least exceptional cases for it.
A skeletal rack backpack to get your supplies tied to always comes on my mind with topics like this one. If you have usual stuff tied in the rack and weapons attached to it on the sides you can grab the one you need, pull some quick release to drop the rack and there you go. Works great, at least in my imagination...
Commenting for the algorithm.
That's my line🤠
@@robertjensen1438 I've been doing this for the last 100 videos or so, I am fairly confident in saying that this is my line.
Reply for the Al Gore Rhythm.
Comments for the comment god
Likes for the like throne
Fun fact: The Irish used back scabbards often. They had to carry swords on their backs when moving through boggy terrain. They are one of very few cultures to actually have carried swords on their backs.
Nice! But, did they wear them on their back when going into combat, or just when they are on the move?
@LuxisAlukard not sure. Shad commented that it was very difficult to draw a sword of any decent length from your back so probably just for travel.
Please provide a reference, because I have looked a decent bit into Irish martial history and not encountered a single period depiction, visual or textual, of back scabbards there. The only case where I have seen this is modern artwork.
You could always just carry it like a rifle while in the scabbard. Simply take it off and chuck it to the side before fighting and then pick it up when fighting is done?
Yes, but those swords were bronze or iron and were shorter
Everyone always talking about swords on your back, nobody trying to wear swords on your front
Schwing!
I mean, it was popular among the landsknechts.
@@NevisYsbryd exactly! And why wouldn't you emulate the best dressed mercenaries of history?
I know this isn't something many LARPers are able to do but in the context of how one might adventure in a medieval world, every adventurer should just have a horse. When it comes to carrying a lot of equipment or loot long distance then a horse seems like the best option.
In reality, there weren't all that many "wandering adventurers" in the medieval world. People tended to travel in groups with horses, mules, wagons, etc. Even the "Knight Errant" would have an entourage - Or at least a Squire.
Not even Robin Hood functioned on his own.
The _lone wanderer_ is largely a modern fiction. Seems rather like a combination of the mythology of the Knight Errant and the Cowboy.
Have to be careful not to spoil the fantasy with too much realism....
@@_XR40_ It was purely a hypothetical
@@xXArtemis5Xx Fair.
Probably a donkey or mule, actually. They are more economically efficient in terms of speed/distance to feed and expenses, cost less, and have a more resilient psychology than a lot of horses. Horses would probably be more of middle or higher socioeconomic status thing.
@@_XR40_ It is actually not. Pilgrims travelled relatively independently quite often during the High and Late Middle Ages. While stretches between settlements were fairly small, and thus the amount of supplies like food and water that they needed to drink were rarely more than a couple of days (at most), there were certain times and places where pilgrims were specifically warned about due to things like bandits.
Always love the videos, Kramer. Very inspiring and informative.
I think that it would be better to have the sword on one side of your back and the bow/quiver on the other side, that way if you were using a sharp sword you have less of a chance of damaging your bow/arrows and it could possibly make wearing a pack easier
That's a very good point
It would mean that you'd have to draw each weapon with different hands or across different sholders. Could be trained, but I think it would deffinatley be akward for most. Aragon I noticed does this, but he doesn't use his bow much and therefore isn't reaching for his arrows often
@@captainzeth4214 Since you are holding your bow in your left hand (if righthanded), it makes sense to draw the bow with your left, whereas the sword would be drawn with the right hand.
@@StarlasAiko drawing the bow from the left makes sense, but drawing the arrows from the left if you shoot right handed dlesn't. Also wearing an x pattern means you wouldn't be able to wear as long of a sword
@@captainzeth4214 Not entirely true. The Scythians (I believe it was them; I know at least one culture in the near east did it this day) drew arrows from the left side while shooting right handed, grasping the arrow between the index and middle fingers of the bow hand. This would obviously only really work well if you're shooting thumb draw or Slavic draw, though. I wouldn't wear most bows at the side unless mounted, though, unless you're using an Ottoman bow or similar.
This leads me to my next point: there is no way in hell I would use a bow like that shown in the video against anything bigger than a deer. If you need a shorter bow, there are a lot of far superior options; just learn to shoot thumb draw and get a Turkish, Tatar, or Korean bow. That first option in particular allows a full draw to the mouth or high to the cheekbone (assuming you aren't unusually tall) in a bow that can be under 45" strung.
Kramer doesn't have a shabbard? Well we know of a way to fix that problem!
To the Shadlands!
Seriously, Shad, Tyranth and Nate are totally lost in the woods without a ranger like Kramer, why just the other day they tried to take down an ogre.
The best bow would be a recurve bow in this case. You can have relatively the same draw weight as a long bow with less of it. It'll be shorter and more maneuverable. Alternatively, a light crossbow would serve a good purpose here, or a sling, even.
Your videos are getting better and better! Loving all your content and giving larpers/cosplayers awesome ranger ideas! Please keep it up!
I feel in conjunction with even this short bow, a one-handed sword might be a better option for this scenario. Or a small axe, for that matter. Another consideration might be to hang said arming sword more vertically, to also minimize getting in the way of the bow. Here, a shorter hilt is also better, as it does not hinder your arm movement as much.
Probably in most contexts, but a longsword offers certain advantages that in certain contexts might be preferable to other shorter weapons. Depending on the context if it can functionally work this may be a preferable side arm despite it being a bit more intrusive
Using a shorter hilted weapon deffinately makes the bow easier to shoot, but then you miss out on the advantages of the longsword. If an bow can be weilded with a longsword, then it's up to the individual achers preferance which advantages they prefer.
Amazing background, it makes a world of difference for the video. Overall production value keeps increasing, good stuff
Everything kramer says her makes good sense. So many interesting real life problems present themselves when you decide to try carrying things on your back, especially weapons. Personally, I don't shoot a bow, but I've experienced through years of "medieval type" combat experience basically many of the same issues mentioned here with only hand to hand weapons involved.
This made a lot of sense. Thanks! :)
When you mentioned wearing everything on the back, i immediately thought of the times I sling my laptop backpack on, and feel like I'm about to fall backwards. 😊
Back "Shabbard" for sword, with bow and quiver on hip in an asiatic style.
Preciate the video. Obviously, historically shorter weapons were used with the bow, but sometimes like with Aragorn it just makes more sense to use a longsword or maybe even something longer. I really appreciate this functionality dive into wearing a back quiver and longsword as well as the alternative options available.
Thanks Kramer
Noted! Absolutely stunning scenery and lighting by the way. 👌
This is excellent! I dont think I'll use this for the exact reason you did, but your mention of how a shorter bow works for riders to maneuver it over their mount, it spurred on my idea of a winged person with a human hunter on their back and helped me imagine how they'd look in the air. The bow would need to be small which is great to know!
Ideally, I'd want a scabbard that can be moved to my back when I know I won't need to draw my sword. Less hassle during rest, sitting, walking in the adventurer's guild and so on. As soon as I'm no longer in a safe zone, it's back to the hip for that quick, reliable draw. As for my main weapon, it's either strapped to a pack for travel or in my hand.
I’ve been trying to come up with a holster/scabbard for my son’s larp horsebow so he can can carry it on his back. It’s very cool that this video just came out while I was looking for inspiration. Lots of interesting things to think about and, as always, great video.
One thing that comes to mind is injuries - they could force you to move your equipment around until you recover.
What about a pack worn on top that has essentially a quick release knot?
You would pull to release the knot, the backpack drops to the ground and you have access to the shabbard.
100kg recurve shortbow in a quiver/scabbard on one hip, kriegsmesser on the other hip, pack over (or under, depending on weather) on the back. If a longbow-user (a bow specialist), I'm wearing a short hangar or an axe on my hip.
Also, for amusement, look up lohar axe. Particularly the later folding ones.
Weapon on your back is generally for travel, not combat-ready. :P
I’m very curious how a bow and quiver compares to a shepherd’s sling or staff sling when it comes to adventuring.
A sword Shabbard and bow scabbard mounted in an X on your back would let you select your bow with the same hand you wield it with, leaving your strong side hand free to set string/select arrow/draw string/etc.
Very handy for my group with the new combat system in place
Carrying extra weapons is now a better choice during our skirmish fights
I can see a very good but specific reason to carry on one's back. Climbing. That activity would be severely hampered by a sword sticking forward and you might even lose the sword if the hilt gets caught and the whole thing tilts enough.
9:00 In my experience, there's still ad advantage of wearing your sword on your back vs a vertical scabbard on the side. In slow movements with a simple terrain, yes, side method with a vertical scabbard is optimal for traversal. However, it can swing about when running unless your grip the sword. But even then, its still possible for the sword to get caught on things like bushes and other ground-level objects (even keeping it vertical can still have it clang on objects that you step over unless you angle it away). With a back scabbard (which I secure mine at two points on the sheathnwith my harness in addition to using a side strap), the sword on my back doesnt sway as much and is less likely to get caught on ground-level obstacles. Sure, theres low clearance stuff like low branches, but I find that I can easily duck under, especially since the hilt doesn't go above my head.
Please note that I'm not arguing that the back method isnjust as good as on the side. Theres definitely disadvantages such as a less defensive position amongst other things. But id like to think that I can alternate between the two methods as I see fit (back for travel, side for all other things. In case I do get attacked in travel with a back carry, I'd like to keep my blade just short enough to draw). But alas, this isnjust fantasy imagining as real life prohibits me from carrying a sword in public.
Too add to your point, there is something to be said about being in full control your weapon which is much easier when its in front of you and not always possible when its on your back.
It's honestly fascinating because I personally believe it would be a bit difficult to work with since the bow, the quiver, and the sword scabbard would be so close together. With that in mind, I am under the notion that the buckles or belts or whatever would have to be carefully placed to avoid being tangled. These are just the notions I have from the top of my head as I look at this concept from a practical standpoint (or as best as I could possibly do). It certainly looks cool in fantasy-Talion or Celebrimbor from Middle Earth Shadow of Mordor or Shadow of War immediately comes to mind.
Edit 1: I didn't even think about how it would add more weight if an adventurer has a pack or backpack. But the line about the quiver and the arrows not getting all over the place is certainly a good point. I was always confused as to why there are those who wore quivers on their hips.
I’m excited to see what you say on this! Seems like a very cool video.
Love the backdrop ❤
I like how your kit and current set up looks and works. And it works. You could easily add a light bed roll to your quiver, or on a separate tump line. And you'd be ready to hit the trail.
Another thought I've always had on the Ranger idea. Is instead of a sword a lighter twohanded knife and hatchet/tomahawk dual wield fighting style would be very doable, and realistically effective weapon system
I never even thought about a sword getting in the way of shooting a bow, just glad I am left-handed... Yet learned how to shoot a bow right-handed.
For giggles I did make a "Witcher" rig for my longswords, not really for carrying both at the same time except in that specific costume...it's more a fun way to keep the swords together at home. basically it amounts to a modified belt that goes over my right shoulder allowing the swords to hang under my left armpit at a height that actually feels rather comfortable on my frame (6'2") so that neither sword drags on the ground nor lets the crossguards ride too high into my armpit. One of the swords (Cold Steel MAA Italian Longsword) is a more-or-less vertical hang that naturally leans a little forward while the other (UC Honshu Broadsword...named a "broadsword" but is only a couple inches shorter than the Cold Steel and very similar in weight) has a scabbard that hangs at a diagonal angle that, on my rig, is itself closer to vertical...luckily when worn this way the crossguards don't interfere with each other when drawing one or the other.
I'm a bit of an oddball in that I an dominantly right handed, btu I use a bow as a lefty. The hilt of my sword never gets in the way that way, which is a nice bonus
A pack frame could make a big difference and allow more freedom with carrying equipment than a standard backpack.
One more thing to note that having it all on your back would be good if you are going somewhere with no roads and tricky terrain. As you can use your arms better for keeping balance. As an example you are a scout (party/army) if bow, quiver and shabbard are almost vertical they won't hinder you when you are climbing trees, or have to climb short cliff surfaces. (Long ones would be draining with equipment worn.) So that you have the high ground to better search for prey / enemies. You can see them coming and can prepare for an ambush if you want.
Really cool and well done in articulation my guy!
I have had ideas of improving on the shabbard in a couple ways. One is making it able to wear both on the back and on the hip. The other is giving it a built in mini quiver. The second one I would call the Ranger’s Shabbard/Back Scabbard. At some point I’m gonna make some prototypes, though I am new to leathering and such…
Great video as always Kramer!
Been on a binge of your videos so this is a cheeky little treat!
So to avoid the bow string getting caught on the handle have the bow positioned straight off to your side instead of in front of your chest. That is how a medieval archer would hold their bow as not only would it keep the bow away from the sword but also allows you to pull back the bow string further and more efficiently.
If you fix two hooks to a bar, you can hang your sword by the guard, just strap it into the sheath like most knives. Also my crossbow is never gets tangled in my zwielhander and the small bolts tuck neatly to my thigh. People forget crossbow are in fantasy because there not a fancy to shoot.
And before somebody says loading, I can load my crossbow using the stirrup 0.3 seconds slower then my recurve but i never have to string my crossbow before use.
I agree with you 100% Kramer, wearing a sword and quiver on your back would be a great inconvenience, they get in the way and limits how much you can carry, I do it in Skyrim, but that's make believe
I mean, I can think of quite a lot of moments when you would wear both of these at your back. Being in rough terrain or climbing somewhere is the first one that comes to mind.
Interesting thoughts Kramer and yes Aragorn is always right. For myself, I like options. Everything is situational dependent. Am I hunting, travelling long distance, carrying everything I own, going to meet a fair maiden. Am I in a dangerous part of the country. also why I am more of a staff/spear/short sword type. The stick is always in your hand ready to deploy.
Nate
Neat.
I like the idea of multiple carry modes.
You have long distance or heavy travel set up. Kit and weight set up to maximize comfort, but transition to combat would take time.
Light travel, weapons more at the ready, but still focused on travel. Little or no kit on hand. Day trips or patrols
Combat ready. Carring weapons at the ready or in hand, and maybe some other key items.
Sup! Love your videos, keep them coming. 👍
My biggest issue with the back scabbard is cosplay. So many characters wear it on their back and of course you have to pull the sword out for photos
This is the reason why I started to use my left hand for sword wielding and rest him at the right side. Nothing too complicated, just some extra hours of training my left hand.
Love your channel dude
Thanks!
I wonder if a combination quiver and scabbard would require additional straps. Something like a cross strap that goes over the other shoulder could compensate for the additional weight and add stability.
THe game Outward has a mechanic which allows you to quickly drop your backpack.
I wonder if anyone has tested if grabbing your sword handle and pulling some quick release to drop your backpack would assist in drawing the sword super easily.
In Lord of the Rings (at least in the book), the sword Aragorn carries is the shards of Narsil and is functionally useless. It makes sense to get it out of the way with a back scabbard because he never draws and uses it.
Maybe some lining in drawers to remove annoying rattling?
In considering the realistic problems of carrying various equipment and weapons, this is solved by bringing along mercenaries, porters, and pack animals and handlers. The fighter is there to fight, the mage to cast spells, and the thief pick locks and stab things. All adventurers would do the bulk of the dangerous work, but the hirelings would be around to provide supplemental firepower, and carry the lord's sword to be handed off when needed. The problems of carrying bow and sword, averted. This just depends on if you elect to carry the detail this far.
Interesting video, thanks. I do not have hand and a half/bastard/longswords. My own are either Roman shortswords, spatha, or my Del Tin Glamdring, a single-hand blade. I far prefer the single-hand type and I never put it on my back. I prefer it at my left hip. Then again, I often wear my arrows in an arrow bag/quiver where the arrows are drawn directly down onto the bow. As for bows...I have some stick bows, a few warbows, yet I mostly use my Scythian style composite bow. it is short, light, powerful, and great when I hunt in the bush. :) Good video! Thank you for sharing!
The only times I can see a quiver and a sword being worn kn the back and it'd make sense is either
1) when there's no reel estate on your hips
2) when you're injured in your hip/legs and a sword is getting in the way or hurting you too much
Another reason that someone might what to carry their weapons on their back is if they are cumbersome to wear at the hip. Shad points out that his back scabbard allows him to carry a sword that is a bit to long for him to easily carry and draw from his hip. Now how many warriors are going to go for a large sword and a bow and arrow? Not many. How many will throw everything on the back? Probably fewer. It is fun though to test the options and limits
sword on your hip,as a secondary (back up) weapon. The Bow is your primary, carry in your hand or on pack horse when not in combat situation
Hello again Kramer. Thank you for another video! Go on ahead and keep wearing your swords on your waist, it shows off your staunch birthing hips, which might be another reason it makes drawing your bow all the harder. Kidding aside, the video here is pretty good. Though, I do have a question for you as a dancer. Where would it be better to wear your sword if you needed to dance in a hurry? For a possible dance off against your enemies.
Great video
Never been so hype for a new jojo channel
Good video. I agree, I think Aragorn's setup works well.
Its great to see a video showing the benefits of a short bow, i had a quiver on back with top anchored to shoulder strap of knapsack, and bottom attached to belt, and belt over top of knapsack strap, axe worn eith paralel to quiver as itw as same length, or n belt loop ready for combat, the aragorn style of bastard sword on belt and secondary weapon on back makes logistical sense, i never liekd shads longsword and quievr on belt and longbow on back, seemed very combersome, belt quivers are a pain for moving and shooting, back quvers arent. also medieval war archers didnt use longswords so much, falchions and small weapons hung vertically or out of the way and didnt snag the longer bow, short bows are so usefull....
Wish you'd make longer vids man
I'd like to hear how possible it is to sit down with the different layouts.
If you would land on your back with the sword and bow on your back, you could have a dagger on your belt for those tight situations. It also depends on the world you are in. There might be some space-time magic that allows you to store your survival gear and stuff in just a small pouch that you wear on your hip. That would allow you the option of wearing a larger weapon on your back, like a larger two-handed sword. Perhaps there are magical materials that are lighter than, but just as strong or stronger than steel, that would reduce or remove the weight issue if you carry all or most of your gear on your back. This fantasy world maybe has nice, small and powerful hand-crossbows that are easy to load, that can hang on your belt and those small bolts could be secured in a pouch or holster close to it. Those could replace a bow. It all depends on the type of world the adventurer is in. Maybe he/she has a mule or horse that carries all of the survival gear so that the adventurer just has to carry the weapons. I bet that Shad will be all over this in a response video xD
Also isn't practical for enclosed spaces, either. Nor sitting down in chairs or on benches. Stools and smaller seats would be feasible.
Samurai would sit on small foldable stools while armed and armored.
So the most OP video game superpower is clipping through the superfluous coverings of your gear to get what you want out of, say, that backpack full of health potions?
Love that intro
im gettin blasted by the wildfires too. Just finished welding a high tensile trailer repair and i had a headache after! Also, a tip for the bow- The Cherokee cant the bow many times past 45 degrees. A good rule of thumb for barebow archery is the closer the target, the more cant you put in the bow. Close up targets, my bow is almost flat, using my chin as an anchor point. The longer the distance the more vertical your bow. I call the flat bow position the "Cher'kee Turkee" because I would shoot at close range moving targets like turkey with a horizontal bow, not vertical. When you have a fast moving hunting target there simply is no time to get your bow vertical and aim. You are forced to shoot instinctually if you want to eat.
I know hammocks were used by sailor/pirates because they keep stable. My hammock takes notably less weight, space and volume than even a medium sized blanket let alone a bedroll. Is there much/any historical context to adventurers carrying hammocks over bedrolls? It seems more practical and comfortable in most scenarios- less chance of bugs and stuff too.
I have personal preference for having sword on the back purely on the basis that its more practical for stealth, kicking and grappling.
I'm right handed but left-eye dominant. I draw my bastard sword with my RH from my left hip but I shoot left handed. My bow string never has the oppertunity to catch on my sword. Also when it comes to D&D, Rangers usually go the Dex build route (wielding 2 short swords legolas-style rather than carrying a longsword, which is considered a strength weapon).
After spending over ten years in the construction field, I can attest to the value of weight distribution.
I think about what my adventuring load out would be all the time. The problem is that there are too many cool swords and I can’t decide which I’d bring.
would be interesting to also see gear carrying styles with ruana cloak....
A point on having swords carried at the waist almost horizontally. It may be all well and good when you happen to be in an OPEN area. When you're going through crowds, or narrow streets/alleys/whatever, that thing sticking out way behind you can become something of an embarrassment(figure it out), or a real ENCUMBRANCE!
Interesting video again. I definitely do have to work on more stuff for my kit, especially a new bow. I'm still using my very first fiberglass bow i got when i was like 13 (the thing is really durable, i stored it probably 10 years and no problems whatsoever)
Right now I'm making a new all leather sheath for my seax and it reinforced my doubts with the shabbard. It's a cool construction and all, but it doesn't do it's job in protecting the blade from rain. I wet-formed the leather to my blade, removed the blade, let it mostly dry, then strongly oiled my blade and put it back in the very slightly moist sheath to let it dry over night. It was quite rusty when i had a look at it in the morning. Nothing a bit fine sandpaper and sharpening stone couldn't handle, but that was from very little moisture. Now the shabbard is basically a rain pipe that guides all rain onto the blade. That might work in arid Australian climate or when you're just using it on sunny renfairs, but for long time adventuring?
(Or you got an enchantment that rust protects your blade, that would solve the problem anyhow)
Wood frame. Make the scabbard of leather-covered wood. It absorbs the moisture. This is the difference between a scabbard and a sheathe. Everyone from medieval knights to samurai did this.
@@_XR40_ my old one was wood core and my swords all have sheep skin, wood and leather. But for the seax, for all I know, it was only leather, no wood core historically. Right now I'm thinking that I'll probably try linseed oil on a test piece to improve water resistance. But for now I need it to be able to get wet for some more tooling (mainly edges, decorations and wet forming should be finished)
(The blade is from an archeological find, migration period, if I remember correctly from an Alemannen child grave. The handle isn't particularly historical or great handiwork, as it was the very first knife I made a handle for, but I still really like it)
@@Glimmlampe1982 Thing is that lots of leather is tanned with "tannic acid". This reacts with steel. There are certain types of leather tanning that don't use this, but I forget what it's called (haven't made a sheath or scabbard in years).
I do know that wood helps. I have both an 1840 NCO civil war sword and an 1896 Type 32 Japanese saber in wooden scabbards that I made for them, and there isn't a speck of rust on the blades. Also have a pre-WWII katana. It has a bronze scabbard, but that has a thin strip of bamboo inside that serves the purpose, and the blade is still spotless.
Obviously, none of these are stainless steel - And your seax wouldn't be either. However, it's pretty likely that a blade like that would be used, and maintained, on a daily basis. You might be better off using vegetable oil. Linseed oil turns into a varnish and cracks....
@@_XR40_ that's only a problem with really long term storage. If you take it out every once in awhile and use some oil the tannic acids aren't a big problem. Or I could use some Renaissance wax I got with my long knife.
But the main problem was the slight moisture from wet forming, it's now dried and no problem. But that was my main point why I think the shabbard isn't a really great thing, it wouldn't protect the blade from rain.
@@Glimmlampe1982 Probably true. This is why I prefer the alternate method of carrying a sword on the back - Just use the regular scabbard and place it over your _left_ shoulder (unless you happen to be left-handed).
I think wearing a shorter sword and quiver on my waist and keeping my bow on my back would be my preferred way to handle this.
I find drawing arrows from my hip easier and if I need my bow hopefully that means I am at range and I have a little more time to deploy it
There are some types of swords you can’t wear on your hip the Scottish claymore, and the German great sword. However with the sword he uses or a shorter sword there is no reason to wear it on your back except for the fashion.
We need a going into battle video
I like the point of modularity
Maybe one could make a shabbard with a medieval style MOLLE web attachment for the quiver.
I always kept my swords on my back and my bow an quiver on my back as well for larping and in live combat keeping my blades there made more sense. On the belt was more of a royal thing I felt.
Loved it
I know the video is old and improbably won't see this comment, but I need to know where you got that jacket it looks amazing
Custom made from an old leather vest, cut to the waist, with 4 long rectangles sewn around the waistline that go down to about the knee. Excess leather from the vest (from around the waist) was the. Used to create those decorative pointed shapes, 2 in the front, 2 in the back. Used a riveter to get the lacing holes, and the whole jacket is lined with grey linen.
All my characters have a cart and donkey. That way the characters can carry as much as we are likely to find at first
I'd love to hear your thoughts on the roman sarcina and furca.
Where is Shad?
What's the most optimal way of carrying a great sword, long sword, 2 daggers, 10 javelins, and possibly a scythe? it'd actually be cool to see you try it
In LARP: When you shot a arrow at a demon and it doesnt take him out. He runs at you. Being able to draw the longsword from the hip saved my life ;-) though i like the look on the back. holy shit I was in trouble :P
I am trying to come up with a strap system that hangs it a bit loose on the back and a bit lower to make it easy to draw.. we shall see :)
Instead of a sword, two daggers are easier to wear on the back.
What if you dont use a quiver, and instead use the pin/hook contraption Shad once had on his bow?
It's been a while. Awesome video! I've actually been wondering ho you mount the bow on your back? I always struggle with this.
Check out the my video in the cards, I have a bow sheath attached to my quiver. It might work for longer bows, but would be more difficult to draw, similar to a sword if carried on the back.
@@LivingAnachronism Oh, thank you!
Ever thought about a composite bow for your kit?