Swords in a non-reenacting situation

[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

[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

[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