Swords in a non-reenacting situation

[Jerick]

So it sounds like I shouldn't be walking around town carrying a sword anymore... Would a great axe be or mace be fine?

[davedove]

Never have like the idea of walking around with a sword anyways. Weather your wearing a kilt or not. Looks just silly.

Nowadays, sure, but at one time (not that awfully long ago) a gentleman wasn't considered properly dressed without his sword.

[davedove]

So it sounds like I shouldn't be walking around town carrying a sword anymore... Would a great axe be or mace be fine?

I can't tell if you're serious or not, but I think those would be worse than the sword.

[puffer]

As I have mentioned before, I am VERY active in doing "historical" presentations. ( NOT "REM FAIRES") I do own 2 Basket hilts ( a good "production" & a Semi-Custom) I also own 2 "Dirks" ( one "production" & one "custom" ( neither "Dress type") & a "Highland Steel Pistol". And of course a couple of Sqian Dubh's.

When do I wear this "Gear"??
1. Historical Presentations -
2. Highland Games - I usually wear my dirk & Sqian Dubh, But my sword & pistol, only when I want to "show them off"
3. Formal Occasions - Only one ( It is put on by a "historical Group" & Swords etc, are "encouraged (but they are removed prior to dinner etc.)
4. Civilian wear - Sword & pistol = NEVER. Why ?? Because they are not appropriate (IMHO) Dirk = SELDOM
NOTE- although "technically" illegal (sword & Dirk), I have NEVER had a problem. ( But I do exercise "PRUDENCE" )
Sqian Dubh = often ( but only if appropriate)

THOUGHTs on wearing a Basket Hilt Sword
1. I enjoy wearing my Sword BUT if you do, then
a. IMHO, take time to decide on how to wear it & choose the Baldric or sword belt design (esp. the "Frog" & Scabbard) IMHO, the majority of the "off the shelf rigs" NEED to be "customized' to the individual. (NOTE- Body configuration is VERY important. I am tall & slender, so how I wear mine is different than how a person with a "different build, would wear their's.
1. BALDRICS -
Sheath = IMHO Leather with a button or "hook" to fasten to the Frog.
Length - How high do you want the sword to hang ?? ( I wear mine "high" ( the basket rides on my hip bone) Why ?? Comfort & "control"
Angle/cant - My swords have 32" blades, so with the sheath, I have 33" "STICKING OUT BEHIND me This can cause problems in crowds, with furniture etc. So I "minimize" the "stick out" by redusing the "cant"

2. SWORD BELTS -- IMHO, this Style of carry is a "PROBLEM CHILD" The basic design is to accomindate a sheath with rings ( leather or metal ( most inexpensive swords use a metal sheath.) & is designed to hang from chains or straps. The sword hangs LOW ( historically, the sheath actually drags on the ground.) If you are "mounted, no prob. but on foot, a PAIN Even if you "shorten the chains/straps, to the min. it WILL cause probs in crows, with furn. etc. NOT to mention the FACT that it beats the "daylights out of your calves & ankles PLUSI have been known to TRIP over it more than once
NOTE - I use a "military style Frog & chain combo, that alows me to Hang the sword straight (90o) & High ( hilt is above the sword belt ) when I walk around.

2. IMHO, If the occation is there, then WEAR your GEAR.

Puffer

[Fiddler Doyle]

At my Burns Supper, and several others I have attended... when the Haggis is paraded we give it a kilted honor guard with swords. A very popular twist is to have one of the honor guard draw sword, stab the haggis, then taste a sample from the sword - loudly pronouncing ot "fit to eat" for the Laird of the house and his guests. A twist on the traditional Dining In, and who knows which came first...

[Fiddler Doyle]

I agree with all of your comments on wearing the basket-hilt Claymore. Well spoken ! After much experimenting, I opted to go with the traditional military approach. with the two long straps that hang down low and almost but not quite parallel to the ground (not a problem when mounted, quite the challenge when walking). I have a hook on the belt which hikes it up properly while on foot.

Not being of "thin frame" the weight of the rig and claymore is a bit of a challenge. I recently saw a photo of Prince Charles in his Black Watch and he had the same rig as I have, and used a shoulder strap to help with the weight bearing - which I am going to experiment with on my rig asap.

Fiddler Doyle

[macwilkin]

At my Burns Supper, and several others I have attended... when the Haggis is paraded we give it a kilted honor guard with swords. A very popular twist is to have one of the honor guard draw sword, stab the haggis, then taste a sample from the sword - loudly pronouncing ot "fit to eat" for the Laird of the house and his guests. A twist on the traditional Dining In, and who knows which came first...

The escort of the Haggis party is fairly common at Burns Suppers. Our local Burns Supper has such an escort, and I have participated in several in the area -- BUT, once the Haggis has been paraded, the swords go on a display stand that one of our members made.

I have seen gentlemen at one Burns Supper I attended several years coming swaggering in with all sorts of weaponry, and wearing attire that looked like something worn in Braveheart. The Haggis escort is one thing, but the other really isn't appropriate at an event like a Burns Supper.

Regards,

Todd

[Streetcar]

So we've established that at formal events they are no longer worn, but when/why did this go out of style? Did the natural "casualization" of our society do it, or are there other reasons why we went from this:
(picture removed for brevity)

to this:

( Again, removed for brevity)

Good questions, Greg!

I think part of it goes to the general level of "civilization." Images of armed highlanders are from a time when swords were the weapon of the day. Additionally, there was a higher likelyhood of needing to use them.
As late as the 1920's* a gentleman was considered underdressed if he did not have something to protect his lady against ruffians. (By that time the sword for the gentleman had changed to a sturdy walking stick).

As we have (in theory) become more "civilized" there is supposedly less need to go about armed. Also, for those who have made the choice to be armed, a sword is no longer the practical weapon of the day.

Personally, I would like to see dress swords come back. But I have a penchant for sharp pointy things...


* I'm basing this statement purely on some side research on stick fighting, which led me to some publications from that time. I have no doubt there are those on these boards who could provide better dates, and cite sources. I defer to those individuals in advance.

[hospitaller]

I guess you're referring ONLY to the US correct?

There are members from several countries and I figure they may have different rules in their countries as well.

As for Chile, you are NOT allowed to carry any kind of knife if the blade is longer than 3 inches, but ironically...you are allowed to carry your sword! (A law that has not changed since the mid 1600's!) Of course the police will stop you every time they see you carrying yours...but they can't really arrest you or fine you or anything.

So, if I were to travel to Chile and wear my full highland attire I can legally walk out with my sgian dubh and my sword. Thanks for the idea.

[puffer]

Not being of "thin frame" the weight of the rig and claymore is a bit of a challenge. I recently saw a photo of Prince Charles in his Black Watch and he had the same rig as I have, and used a shoulder strap to help with the weight bearing - which I am going to experiment with on my rig asap.

Fiddler Doyle

Even though I am "of slim frame", the weight of my sword is a problem. I do use a "cross belt" when I am wearing the sword for extended periods of time.

Here is an idea. This is an "old" Brit. Officer's Sam Brown Belt. (not only pre WWII, but in need of refinishing, which I am doing) You will note that it is designed to carry a sword. You culd EASILY adapt your current belt.



PUFFER