myArmoury.com - Albion Prince Custom Handmade Scabbard

Posts: 309 Location: NZ

Tue 03 Mar, 2009 11:08 am

Hi Brian,

Very nice work.

I'm curious about the belt suspension, it seems like a very practical system. Did you come up with it yourself or is it based on medieval examples/illustrations?

If it isn't giving away trade secrets can you tell us what type and thickness of leather you use for your coverings and belts?

Thanks.

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Brian K.

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Posts: 727 Location: Salt Lake City, Utah

Tue 03 Mar, 2009 11:30 am

Al Muckart wrote:

Hi Brian,

Very nice work.

I'm curious about the belt suspension, it seems like a very practical system. Did you come up with it yourself or is it based on medieval examples/illustrations?

If it isn't giving away trade secrets can you tell us what type and thickness of leather you use for your coverings and belts?

Thanks.

Hi Al,

The suspension system is based on my own experience with the traditional integral complex suspension system, and ultimately what I felt was historically practical and plausible. In doing the single wrap suspension system what I didn't like about it is how the angle & position of the hilt is stuck that way and usually a little higher up than desired. So I came up with a plausible double-wrap belt system that would allow the lower belt holding the scabbard & sword to sit a little lower, a little looser, and allow for a comfortable fast draw system, and allow the angle to adjust for sitting purposes.

I don't have any documentation revealing authenticity of the suspension system. However, I feel as a scabbard maker using historical methods, that if I can think it, I'm sure they did then too. That isn't to say it's genuine, but when taking artistic liberties, I try to do it in a way that would be historically plausible.

As for my leather, I will say I use the premium high-end oak-tanned leather. It usually costs a third more in price, but the results are worth it. My customers get a top-notch quality product from chape to throat. I don't feel inclined to reveal thickness however.

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Chad Arnow

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Posts: 9,545 Location: Dayton, OH

Tue 03 Mar, 2009 4:05 pm

Conceptually, there are some design similarities with the scabbard/belt rig I have for my Sovereign. It can be seen here.

Is leather thickness now a trade secret by the way? :)

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Al Muckart

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Posts: 309 Location: NZ

Tue 03 Mar, 2009 4:56 pm

Thanks for the reply Brian.

Chad, I had a look at your Soverign scabbard. It've seen it before but never really clicked that that was how it was done. When looking at that picture in the past I'd always assumed the top strap and buckle was just the normal clothing belt and that the sword belt was the lower strap.

Cheers.

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I Sam

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Posts: 16

Tue 03 Mar, 2009 8:10 pm

I haven't said anything before, but I've been continually impressed with your work, Brian. But this, man... this is just plain nuts.

If this set up is going to your first born son, I'd like to volunteer for that position.

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R D Moore

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Posts: 425 Location: Portland Oregon

Wed 04 Mar, 2009 7:31 am

Chad Arnow wrote:

Conceptually, there are some design similarities with the scabbard/belt rig I have for my Sovereign. It can be seen here.

Is leather thickness now a trade secret by the way? :)

I love the bronze pommel and guard on your Soveriegn, Chad, and the scabbard is period authentic from what I've researched. A great combination.

I agree that leather thickness is not a trade secret, but I understand Brian's hesitance to disclose what thicknesses he uses, too. That said, I've included a chart that may be helpful and a link to the site I copied it from. The thin weights could be used to wrap handles and a belt and scabbard would require a haevier weight. http://www.boatleather.com/material%20.htm

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Brian K.

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Posts: 727 Location: Salt Lake City, Utah

Wed 04 Mar, 2009 8:22 am

R D Moore wrote:

Chad Arnow wrote:

Conceptually, there are some design similarities with the scabbard/belt rig I have for my Sovereign. It can be seen here.

Is leather thickness now a trade secret by the way? :)

I love the bronze pommel and guard on your Soveriegn, Chad, and the scabbard is period authentic from what I've researched. A great combination.

I agree that leather thickness is not a trade secret, but I understand Brian's hesitance to disclose what thicknesses he uses, too. That said, I've included a chart that may be helpful and a link to the site I copied it from. The thin weights could be used to wrap handles and a belt and scabbard would require a haevier weight. http://www.boatleather.com/material%20.htm

To somewhat reiterate:

"The thin weights could be used to wrap handles and a belt and scabbard would require a haevier weight."

You want a fine leather on a scabbard, and a thicker leather on suspension or belts. The reason being is a thinner leather stretches. You want to stretch a leather around a wood core, and you don't want a leather stretching on your suspension.

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