How to wear my 39 Inch broadsword

**Mike M.** · 3rd December 15, 07:16 PM

If that link is correct, I'm not sure that particular sword is period-appropriate for a kilt. It's a surprisingly modern garment - 1600s at the earliest, from what I've read.

**Mike M.** · 3rd December 15, 07:19 PM

Originally Posted by Father Bill

. . . and this is a source of pride?

I always thought it wisest to move like a ghost when overseas. Blend in. Impress the locals with your good manners.

**freep** · 3rd December 15, 11:50 PM

I suspected this might be an entertaining thread.

It has not disappointed.

**Orvis** · 4th December 15, 06:02 AM

Originally Posted by Father Bill

It's because, as Jock has said elsewhere, "We just don't do that sort of thing around here old chap."

You'd stand out like a sore thumb and it would be subtly obvious to every Canadian in the place that you didn't fit in.

Father Bill and Jock,

That one experience at the Maxville games (as related above) was enough to teach me my lesson about event-appropriate Scottish apparel, especially outwith the US!

**MacRob** · 30th December 15, 01:33 PM

Originally Posted by Kamilavalamp

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.

First of all, I usually wear a sword in the Parade of Tartans at the Highland Games I attend. That is with a modern kilt. A lot of folks do it and there is nothing wrong with it - provided you are not violating either the rules of the Games or any local, State or Federal laws. After the Parade of Tartans, and before as well, the sword(s) are on display in the Clan Gunn tent. I long ago abandoned wearing them all day, however, if you are going to give the guest of honor a proper sword salute at the reviewing stand, it helps to actually have a sword in your hand! To your question.

The sword you have described is actually shorter than any of my Highland basket hilts, so carrying it on the hip or using an over the shoulder baldric is the most comfortable way. However, I would rethink carrying this particular sword at a Highland Games. It is German, has no Scottish connection or history and there are plenty of basket hilts available on the market. I see folks carrying all sorts of swords that are not Scottish at Highland Games and while it is hard for me as a former sword and dirk vendor not to say anything to them, I do not. Doing this does confuse the masses who think that you know what you are carrying and that it is appropriate. Since there are some nice basket hilts available, why not save up and get one of them with baldric to match? I am not here to promote any vendor so if you would like to get the names of some vendors of these kinds of swords, send me a PM and I will respond ASAP.

One final caution. Don't even think about actually using that sword for cutting (if sharp) or in any kind of live steel combat. At that price point it simply will not hold up and is only meant for display.

**Kamilavalamp** · 30th December 15, 03:52 PM

Originally Posted by MacRob

First of all, I usually wear a sword in the Parade of Tartans at the Highland Games I attend. That is with a modern kilt. A lot of folks do it and there is nothing wrong with it - provided you are not violating either the rules of the Games or any local, State or Federal laws. After the Parade of Tartans, and before as well, the sword(s) are on display in the Clan Gunn tent. I long ago abandoned wearing them all day, however, if you are going to give the guest of honor a proper sword salute at the reviewing stand, it helps to actually have a sword in your hand! To your question.

The sword you have described is actually shorter than any of my Highland basket hilts, so carrying it on the hip or using an over the shoulder baldric is the most comfortable way. However, I would rethink carrying this particular sword at a Highland Games. It is German, has no Scottish connection or history and there are plenty of basket hilts available on the market. I see folks carrying all sorts of swords that are not Scottish at Highland Games and while it is hard for me as a former sword and dirk vendor not to say anything to them, I do not. Doing this does confuse the masses who think that you know what you are carrying and that it is appropriate. Since there are some nice basket hilts available, why not save up and get one of them with baldric to match? I am not here to promote any vendor so if you would like to get the names of some vendors of these kinds of swords, send me a PM and I will respond ASAP.

One final caution. Don't even think about actually using that sword for cutting (if sharp) or in any kind of live steel combat. At that price point it simply will not hold up and is only meant for display.

This sword was made by windlass steelcrafts and it is a good blade usable in SCA combat. I just got it at a good price because they don't make that model anymore. I agree that a basket-hilt, a claymore, or a lowlander sword would have more historical relevance but I thought there were plenty of these kinds of swords in Scotland left over from the vikings.

**MacRob** · 30th December 15, 05:52 PM

Windlass, which was one of the brands that I stocked and sold when I had the business, makes a decent blade but, and I emphasize the but here, they are not in the same class with those made by Albion in the US, Del Tin in Italy, Armour Class in Scotland and even some of the Hanwei swords. I am not knocking Windlass, in fact I have one of their backswords, but their quality can be uneven and I will stand by what I wrote earlier, so proceed with caution.

I have heard more than one person say that Viking swords were probably handed down over the centuries and may have been used much later than the Viking Age, in Scotland. If that is the case, I would like someone to show me a sword that can be successfully documented as having been used for 4-500 years, originally of Norse origin. I have never seen one. It is true that Vikings frequently used "heirloom" swords, i.e. swords handed down from one generation to another. These swords had names and often had stories attached to them indicating they were magic, etc. Viking swords, especially after the commencement of pattern welding technique of manufacture, were of very good quality for their time but they could break as readily as any other when used. There are quite a few complete Viking swords in pretty good condition preserved in Britain and Europe. Their survival rate is attributable, in part, to the Viking custom of burying their prominent dead with weapons. It also should be noted that many, perhaps most, Viking sword blades were made in France and Germany. The hilts, of course, were produced in Scandinavia or the other areas inhabited by Vikings. This mirrors the Scottish practice of buying blades from the Continent then equipping them with Scottish-made hilts.

Any way, if you have any questions about sources do send me a PM and I will respond.

**McCafferty** · 29th January 16, 05:12 PM

I dont own any swords or such but if I did I wouldn't wear any type sword or axe outside events like the "Highland Games" Even at events people have to remember LEO's cant read minds, also just because you cant see them doesn't mean no one is watching.

**MacRob** · 30th January 16, 05:26 AM

Originally Posted by McCafferty

I dont own any swords or such but if I did I wouldn't wear any type sword or axe outside events like the "Highland Games" Even at events people have to remember LEO's cant read minds, also just because you cant see them doesn't mean no one is watching.

I don't believe that anyone was advocating wearing them to Walmart or church or to do any every day activity. Certainly Highland Games are the most appropriate venue.

**McCafferty** · 31st January 16, 10:14 AM

Originally Posted by MacRob

I don't believe that anyone was advocating wearing them to Walmart or church or to do any every day activity. Certainly Highland Games are the most appropriate venue.

I agree that would be stupid. I just want to point out even at an event the laws can differ. The Highland games in Central Florida are held at a park. A lot of the parking is at the school next door.

790.115 Possessing or discharging weapons or firearms at a school-sponsored event or on school property prohibited; penalties; exceptions.—
(1) A person who exhibits any sword, sword cane, firearm, electric weapon or device, destructive device, or other weapon as defined in s. 790.001(13), including a razor blade, box cutter, or common pocketknife, except as authorized in support of school-sanctioned activities, in the presence of one or more persons in a rude, careless, angry, or threatening manner and not in lawful self-defense, at a school-sponsored event or on the grounds or facilities of any school, school bus, or school bus stop, or within 1,000 feet of the real property that comprises a public or private elementary school, middle school, or secondary school, during school hours or during the time of a sanctioned school activity, commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s.
http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/.../0790.115.html

I'm not trying to say that LEO's are out to get anyone, its just people really need to know and understand the laws where they live and where they travel. What you may have pay an attorney could pay for a hand made Kilt.