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