How to wear my 39 Inch broadsword

**Kamilavalamp** · 2nd December 15, 12:58 PM

I got myself a nice 39 Inch Broadsword to go with my kilt
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ilpage_o04_s00
I've tried wearing it on my back like a claymore and on my hip.
It looks good both ways but when I try to draw it my arms seem to be an inch too short to draw it all the way out, I am always caught stuck with my arm stretched out as far as it will go and the last inch of the sword still in the scabbard and all the while I have a ridiculous look on my face like "almost there! almost there!! GRRRRR".
I don't want to shorten the sword and I don't want to carry around the scabbard in my hand all the time. What can I do?
I don't think I'm too short because I'm 5''9'. Should I get a different back holster?

Edit: It's a 39 Inch Broadsword.

**Liam** · 2nd December 15, 01:05 PM

I would wear it on my fireplace!😉

**Chip** · 2nd December 15, 01:26 PM

The lengths on the sword in your link don't seem to match - 38 3/4" overall, 29 3/4" blade. Is your 49" the same as in the link, or just similar?

Anyway, I am short (5'6") with relatively short arms to match. The solution I've found for drawing longer blades from a back slung sheath (and hip is just flat out not going to work) is to set it so that it rests lower on your back. With your off hand, reach behind and lift the sheath so that the hilt can be grasped by your on hand, then release the sheath from your off hand. This should give you enough clearance to draw the weapon cleanly.

**Tarheel** · 2nd December 15, 02:01 PM

It seems the length would have been used more by someone on horse back. The reach outward would be more advantages while astride a steed. The scabbard would mount lower on the tack for better draw space.

I have no help while on foot or how to carry on one's back or side.

**Kamilavalamp** · 2nd December 15, 02:15 PM

Originally Posted by Chip

The lengths on the sword in your link don't seem to match - 38 3/4" overall, 29 3/4" blade. Is your 49" the same as in the link, or just similar?

Anyway, I am short (5'6") with relatively short arms to match. The solution I've found for drawing longer blades from a back slung sheath (and hip is just flat out not going to work) is to set it so that it rests lower on your back. With your off hand, reach behind and lift the sheath so that the hilt can be grasped by your on hand, then release the sheath from your off hand. This should give you enough clearance to draw the weapon cleanly.

I meant to round it up to 39, I typed 49 by mistake.

**Jock Scot** · 2nd December 15, 04:52 PM

I have no idea! Please enlighten me, why on earth would you want to wear a broadsword?

**Steve Ashton** · 2nd December 15, 05:39 PM

I edited the thread title for you.

**Chip** · 2nd December 15, 06:02 PM

Ah, OK then. At 49", I thought you had a two hander, or hand and a half. For single handed, 16th - 17th century dueling rapiers actually got almost that long (~42").

At 29" blade length, that sword could well be hung on your hip and drawn with the use of a scabbard frog. A frog will allow the sword to sit in a suitable position on your hip but give just a few more inches of draw length to clear the scabbard (again, drawing the sword with your on hand, pulling the scabbard back with your off hand). The frog has a couple of leather straps that hang the scabbard down from your belt or baldric, and these straps add just a bit more space when you move the scabbard back with your off hand.

There are a variety of reasons I can think of off the top of my head for wanting to wear and draw a sword - honor guard at a military / military style wedding springs right to mind.

**Kamilavalamp** · 2nd December 15, 06:48 PM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

I have no idea! Please enlighten me, why on earth would you want to wear a broadsword?

All the other big, strong, kilt wearing, bare chested, tall, dark, and handsome strangers fighting to defend the honor of poor damsels in distress down the road wear them.
Plus I like It.

**davidlpope** · 2nd December 15, 06:50 PM

At the risk of giving advice that won't be well received, I don't think you should wear a sword with your kilt. Unless you're attending a Renfaire or fantasy-themed event, it looks ridiculous and perpetuates the notion that the kilt is some sort of fancy-dress.

As has been suggested, perhaps you can find a nice way to hang the sword on the wall in your study.