Recently I was asked to show some pictures of my sword rig, that can be worn in several modes. At my side, on my back or concealed.
I have carried this sword for over 10 years in this “rig”, with minor variations.
It is ~26 inches long total, with a 6 inch handle. Stainless spring steel full tang with oak slabs pinned and glued to the tang. It is essentially a single edged blade, though it appears, to casual glance to be double edged. For urban use, it is useful to be able to use a blunt edge to break or crush objects rather than slice, or stab them. I have used that ability, to break up a dog fight, that involved two aggressive dogs attacking my wolf, while on a walk on a leash. The use of the sword ended the attack quickly and decisively, without obviously killing or maiming. Bruising? yep, maybe a broken bone, yep. No cuts. Within the last few years, I was able to affect the rescue of a person trapped in a big-rig truck that had overturned in a marsh by use of a different blade 15 inches long that I had in my car at the time.
A sword can function in many ways, and not merely as some weapon of war. I USE it, often enough as a TOOL, that I carry it nearly everywhere.
This first picture shows the rig configured for urban street concealed carry.
And this next pic, shows a closer view of how the straps function in this mode.
A note on the construction of the scabbard.
To start, I wrapped the blade in a layer of polyester blanket, then added an aluminum chape to maintain an open top, covered in leather for quiet carry and function. Then I added a long wide strip of , (https://www.wood-database.com/bubinga/), Bubinga wood lath to the back, and a strip of black walnut lath to the front, then there are several wraps of copper wire along with strips of the blanket material, and wolf fur spun into cordage that are used decoratively and structurally to bind the components together.
This next pic shows the rig configured for open carry, and as such, can be quickly changed to front carry for immediate use, side carry for nearly immediate use, and for carry on my back for travel transport of just to keep it outta my way.
These next two pics show close up views of how the sliding loops are quickly reconfigured to open carry configuration. The loops in the strap grip the scabbard securely and do not slide around, even when I am very active or doing stuff like riding my motorcycle at 70 mph.
The rig simply stays where I put it generally.
A quick note on the small knife, also crafted by me for specific purpose. Low carbon steel, meant for eating, kitchen work, etc.
This next pic shows the rig set up for open carry over my winter shirt/jacket. This is at my side carry. It just hangs there ready for nearly immediate use.
I have now slung it around to my back. It is outta my way, but can be easily and quickly deployed simply by grabbing the handle and yanking it out.
This next shot demonstrates front carry, ready to draw immediately.
Next is a back view of carry on my back. This is where people get all messed up trying to sling a sword on their back. THIS IS HOW TO DO IT!!! If your sword and scabbard won’t allow this carry option, then you may as well just leave the slab of sharp steel at home, because you are gonna get hammered trying to draw over your shoulder. Sorry but that is reality.
OK, so, for concealment, or perhaps obfuscation, this is under garment carry.
Next two shots show how effective the conceal is.
There ya go. Any questions?