Sgian scabbard

[AKScott]

I have built one wet formed sheath that grips the boltser quite well. I suspect were I to go to the ground the kinfie would stay in the sheath, but I doubt the assemblage would stay in my hose.

[Ryan Ross]

Before the early-to-mid-1800s you wouldn't have had a sgian in your stocking: It would have (with a wee longer blade) been a "backup" in the armpit of your jacket.

Second point: If it's in your stocking and you don't want to lose it, don't go to the ground. Easier said than done, I know, as a martial artist who for 27 years has delighted in going to the ground. . .

Seago Sensei knows what of he speaks...
...though I might add that grabbing the knife in question, if at all possible, while or slightly before going to the ground, is another way of not losing it. *wink* Ever try grappling with a fellow who had a shiv? *wink wink*

Don't put it there in the first place.




This is probably the reason that sgian dubhs developed as a "hose fashion accessory" well after the period that on-the-ground sword fighting was a reality.




Why not do something 17th-18th century and just forgo putting it in your hose (which would have been cadadh, anyway, if you weren't going bare-legged in the first place)?

Best of luck,

David

...as does Mr. Pope.

[Dale Seago]

...though I might add that grabbing the knife in question, if at all possible, while or slightly before going to the ground, is another way of not losing it. *wink*

Now I wonder where you might ever have come up with a concept like that. . .

(nudge nudge, wink wink, say no more)




BTW Ryan, you cleared out your PMs yet? You were all full last time I tried to send you something.

[Mark E.]

Ok. From the lineup of replies:

#1 method is to stash in sporran. This will work for me, given my sporran size, but for the rest out there...

#2 method-double garter, or tuck in jacket. Since hot weather often negates the jacket, this is not a constant option for me...

#3 method-make sheath to scabbard portion handle as well as blade. While this may retain the knife in sheath, the sheath may wander...with knife firmly in place.

#4 method-well, going barelegged in 18th century style doesn't help anything, save I would lose no knives from stockings without stockings, eh?

#5 method-Shank'm before you hit the ground. Well...I have two hands-and the right one usually has a sword or dirk in it. The left, whatever is handy (this time, a targe).To grab the wee blade would be, literally, last resort.

Here is the sketch of my idea...I figured even if I don't use it for 17/18th century, it would be an idea for the rest of you who may in the future run into a similar issue.



Pretty much mounting a mini upside down sword locket (narrow though-don't want to tear up my stockings), with a longer reinforcing strap going down, riveted top and bottom. The "locket" up top would keep the scabbard from rising up, and the long tail of metal would reinforce the leather against the blade (as well as forming a sort of metallic belt loop for an alternate garter situation). Combined with a deeper flared throat to accept a portion of handle...

[Ryan Ross]

Now I wonder where you might ever have come up with a concept like that. . .

(nudge nudge, wink wink, say no more)




BTW Ryan, you cleared out your PMs yet? You were all full last time I tried to send you something.

(we really need a suspicious ninja smilie on this board)

...and my apologies, good sir. The issue has been taken care of.

Now, back on topic with a responce to method #5, always consider letting the sword go once he's attached to you, too close to you for the sword to be much use, and when there's an appropriate blade within easy reach of your hand but not his; the "let the sword go" scenario must also take into account wether or not there are other fellows baring down on you at this point, but let's be honest- if there are, and you're already on your way to the ground, you're probably on your way to the Low Road already, as well.

...but if you want to play that guessing game, there's always too many possible factors to imagine at one time. Best to train hard in the mean time and let zen take care of you by living in the moment when it counts.

End pontification.

[Mark E.]

Och, aye. I am already moving in the direction of making a wood sgian for practice purposes (practice of it's use in a fight, not for the scabbard). Would be bad pr to start shanking my opponents these days. Never would be able to get the blood out of my clothing...Just switch the true sgian out for the woodie pre-fight/demo.

So, perhaps when I have something of a less sharp nature, I will be doing the practical thing.

Thanks for the idea! May be a new thing-practice "battle" sgians all around...

Mark

[Calico]

Have you ever tried pulling a sgian, actually? With mine, the sheath always comes out with it. The blade is much more stuck in the sheath than the sheath is in my hose.

If I need to have a knife that can be functional, I use tie-downs just like old cowboy revolver holsters. In this case I use silk ribbon instead of rawhide, and tie it around my foot instead of my calf, but I think you can see what I mean.

Sheath stays put. And unless your knife or sgian is mighty loose, it stays put, too. As far as upward motion, anyway.

[Oberu]

Howdy
Keeping it at par I'm putting in my $0.02 and late. I've seen this before actually. You can punch a hole in the bottom point of the sheath and run a leather thong long enough to tie around the lower portion of your calf. Sounds rediculous but just try it if you like. If you have wetted your sheath and let it dry over your knife (I only assume most of us do this) then it's shaped so it won't fall out if you jump about a bit. You should be able to do hand stands.. just warn me if I'm in your company.. and it won't come off!

[Fitzy]

What about,...
Attach the scabbard to one of the flesh colored elastic knee support sleeves. You can get them at most drug stores. They come in various sizes and are about the 6-8 inches long.

Paul

[Mark E.]

Howdy
Keeping it at par I'm putting in my $0.02 and late. I've seen this before actually. You can punch a hole in the bottom point of the sheath and run a leather thong long enough to tie around the lower portion of your calf. Sounds rediculous but just try it if you like. If you have wetted your sheath and let it dry over your knife (I only assume most of us do this) then it's shaped so it won't fall out if you jump about a bit. You should be able to do hand stands.. just warn me if I'm in your company.. and it won't come off!

Shoot. That WOULD work. Leave it to me to take something simple and complicate the devil out of it.