Matt Easton would have been a great character for the Walking Dead. An English gentleman who carries around loads of medieval weapons, cracks zombie heads with a pole axe and throws Roman pila at Bandits. so much potential... I even already have the scene how he enters the story: the group of Rick Grimes discovers a huge pile of zombies trying to eat something at the bottom. After getting rid of the zombies they discover Matt Easton, who has been lying burried by the zombies for three days in his full plate knight armour...
Oh, I forgot one very important detail: after being rescued from beneath the zombies, he opens the visor of his bascinet helmet with an enthusiastic "hey guys! Matt Easton here, Schola Gladiatoria"
It is an important subject when considering long-term use. With regards to "modern" material options, Kydex IMO is the go-to: Tough, hydrophobic and lightweight. You can make one to securely carry any of the practically sized bladed tools one would actually want in contemporary times considering the greatest threat is firearms, regardless of what country you live in. The long weapons will absolutely be in the way in most situations, especially when cover and concealment is paramount. Regardless of fighting situation, being able to maneuver is the biggest force-multiplier an individual can employ for their survival, and long weapons are a trade-off with ease of maneuver. Whether you're two grapplers on a mat at your local gym or two tank commanders fighting each other in 1942 northern Africa (and everything in between), being able to maneuver effectively to bring your application of force to bear, or to escape forces against you is what preserves life and limb. "Move" comes first in "Move, Shoot, Communicate" for a reason; much the same a footwork is key in melee or hand-to-hand combat. It is the stratagem of "position before submission"; you cannot achieve submission of the enemy combatant without tactically superior position. Based on my training experience going against guys with long weapons while wielding my two shorter weapons, I think training with a kukri / tomahawk combo for fighting and bushcraft make the most sense. They offer very fast (speed kills, because of maneuver) hook/slash/thrust/chop options. Add 2-3 smaller task-oriented knives for work such as skinning, prying, drilling holes in materials, cutting cordage, etc. Rule of two's applies. (Kukri + Tomahawk; 2-3 task knives) Good video! Cheers!
@@lazyhominid Lots of kydex sword scabbards out there. Just google 'kydex sword scabbard' and you'll see all sorts of ones. Don't know how they fare overall, but they should be decent. The main disadvantage is that kydex molding generally requires at least one lip, so the sheath is wider than it would be when made from other materials.
You need to make sure the Kydex does not contain glass fiber. I have several fixed blade knives with Kydex sheaths reinforced with glass fiber. The minute you draw the blade the sharpened edge is gone and you have to sharpen it again. Usually not enough room to put leather or epoxy to protect the edge. Mora Knives, Glock field knives, etc. do not contain glass fibers. Older Cold Steel sheaths did not contain glass fibers, but the newer ones do. CRKT sheaths almost always contain glass now, so after getting 2 CRKT knives with glass filled Kydex sheaths I have stopped buying CRKT fixed blade knives. I first ran into this problem 50 years ago with a high quality diving knife. Not having a sharp edge on a diving knife or a knife used for self defense could be fatal to the user.
I've been a Napolenic cavalry reenactor. ( 14th Curasier 1812) One of the drawbacks if a steel scabbard is the rust. When on horseback, the lower part if the scabbard is in contact with the horse flank. Horse sweat is very corrosive, I can assure you. We had some people in the club that had to replace their scabbards, because they rusted through. Some had their scabbards nickel plated. Personally I would take a Khukri, a Opinel pocket knife and my leatherman surge tool.
Great topic. I've heard many people talk about the sword/knife options for different situations, but never a focus on scabbards. Thanks for the great video.
I've played zombie survival larps with larp weapons and will do so again this year. I make my own scabbards. Things I noticed in this topic: - Running for your life through thick woods with long swords are basically "don't". Short swords (
I think a spear is a great idea for a bugout weapon. But when Matt talked about sword sticks in another video not long ago, it gave me an idea. Has anyone ever made a spear stick? I'm imagining something like the hiking staff I used in Boy Scouts (about 5 1/2 feet long) with a metal spear point concealed by a disguising cap.
If the other guy has to be REALLY DENSE to not see your spear as a threat, even if he has a Glock. Even so, good comments. In RWA (Real World Actions) ounces count and pounds kill, especially if you are out for multiple days and/or covering a lot of ground. If it is just today I'll grab what's available and go. If I know I'm going for a several days or weeks then I carefully consider every ounce. An extra canteen means fewer rounds of ammo or one less MRE, that sort of thing. A blade that weighs less is worth more, everything else being equal.
@@daveh7720 yes I've seen a really dumb tacticool, multiool screw together spear stick abomination, but idk about a practical or historical one. It'd be easy enough, but quite impractical in a lot of ways. Polearms are awkward af to do anything with.
I’ve never larped but in my training for bugouts and survival scenarios it’s definitely easier to move with a short sword or machete, or a hatchet. Having a rifle with a longer sword is to much to manage safetly and effectively. With a spear it’s ineffective unless you carry the rifle slung on your back and use the spear as your true primary. Larping is different to because your not using metal weapons, so the weight difference will hit hard in a real life emergency/shtf scenario.
I have obviously some kydex-packed knives, and I think it might be a good material for sword or sabre scabbards. Funnily enough you get molle fittings to attach swords to your belt or backpack. For fun I fitted my training katana with one. It looks... strange.
When the old sheathe for my machete fell apart from age and use I got some old thin hollow core door, peeled the panels off. Made six rectangular panels near an inch larger than the blade, using roofing shears. Drew a cutout on 2 panels. Glued everything together and stacked a few bricks on top. It has lasted near 30 yrs, but, the machete will try to bounce out if care not taken in how worn. Nought pretty about it, utilitarian. Thanks Matt, another I interesting vid. You do good work.
In Ukraine everyone is helping each other. I haven't fully watched the video yet, but that is what happens in a healthy country when the **** hits the fan. No need to fight for food or anything of that sort. I don't understand why especially in the United States and especially in Hollywood there is a presumption that everyone will just start to fight with each other if a disaster strikes and think only about themselves.
In longer term conflicts with messy, civil wars etc, where multiple factions are fighting and infighting, small conflicts, warlords, fluid battle lines and small bands of soldiers/militants/etc. People trying to survive by stealing, extorting etc. It happens in North African and middle Eastern conflicts, pretty sure it happened in ww2 etc. Also looting and stuff does happen, the Ukrainian conflict is still quite young, so people aren't starving yet.
Here in America, prevailing politics these days divide us against one another rather than bonding us together. When that's what happens in peacetime, double down in wartime. "You know it's sad but true..." 🎶
@@brendandor Yeah, hopefully this Russian-Ukrainian conflict doesn't last this long but thinking like that in a prolonged conflict results in the besieged party having to eat wallpaper and their own shoes. Growing, stockpiling and preserving is extremely important.
@@brendandor Clearly people are having other priorities than just their own lives, so I doubt starvation would turn them against each other. People are already sharing whatever they have and in case you die, it does not really matter if you are blown to pieces or starve to death. But I get your point. The war has only just begun.
well,, a kukri is a sword. Yes, there's plenty of argument about no it's a knife, but my approach (of course my opinion) is that swords are a class of use,,, they're knives,, but big so that they're better weapons. knives today are like a box cutter, and a big knife today is like, 3.5 inches s30v. All of the utility a normie needs is found in those two sizes, and a bowie knife is completely useless. However, along with the box cutter being so small,, swords shrunk right down in size as well, with your average gladius class of weapon now being the 9 inch combat knife. I would consider the usmc combat knife as the best way to understand your average sword in the modern world,,, soldiers carry them, they fight with them, they are too big for most utility and soldiers carry a small triangle box cutter or pliers multitool with a 3 inch or smaller blade as their utility knife. With guns, full sized swords are never really going to make it to the field, because they just aren't worth the bulk. HOwever, a combat knife, kukri, bowie knife, large bushcraft knife, or big kitchen knife all are in a separate size class, and do actually get used as weapons today, in the same way that swords always have. Therefore,, I think a kukri IS a sword, and although when sabers were everywhere it would be common language to call them large knives for sake of distinction between the 3 foot blades and everything else,,, today,, there are no 3 foot swords in practical use, so a kukri IS the sword that you find. (so is the combat knife, the kitchen knife, etc.)
What about modern materials? Many modern day fighting knives (for example the Glock Feldmesser 78) come with a plastic scabbard, and for many "tacticool" edged weapons, kydex has been more or less the standard for quite some time now. Can we get a part 2 discussing modern materials?
I was going to bring up the subject of modern materials myself. In addition to Kydex, alot of modern knives come with nylon sheathes. Sometimes it;'st just plain nylon and other times ti's nylon over something that makes the sheath stiffer.
Totally agree , he'd make a mint if he made a collaboration with a manufacturer with the modern edged weapon made completely with the idea of shtf carrying .. I'm so glad he addressed the scabbard here as most people don't carry one anymore daily ..
Concur. My knife sheaths are leather and very traditional (19th century or earlier) in design. However, I'm going to make a modern combat/utility knife for my vest, and I may try kydex; I like the look, it seems easy to work with, and its comparatively cheap...three of my very favorite qualities.
Great idea. Another commenter mentioned using Kydex instead of wood for stiffness but Kydex can be pricey for something the size of a sword. I've seen some TH-cam videos on making knife sheaths from used PVC pipe which is a lot more accessible. A covering of ripstop or other fabric would help with the noise and visibility issues, and a leather or wool or fur liner might be a good idea to further mitigate noise and help protect the blade. I have a sirupate that came with a wood scabbard (no leather shell) and have been contemplating making a PVC sheath for it. All that's held me back to this point is the beautiful carving on the wood.
I have watched your channel a few times and am subscribed now, I have been a martial artist since 8yr old, I am 50 now, started EU blade training at 8 and oriental at 9, personally I would take the Amazon katana. It has a full tang, dual pinned and is cheap enough to not make me cringe when and if I ding the hell out of it in use. Good steel, 1055, and Rockwell of 56. Yes the long handle gets in the way, mitigated by personal carry preference of double wrap of braiding adjustable to my belt, slings to the side or slightly around back for convenience. All round a killer and durable enough to do the job and keep cutting. Sharp enough to work as a weapon and a tool if necessary, it cuts, period. Single and two handed, very versatile and deadly. As far as scabbards go, history has made this easy, this is a choice of blade protection, draw before you need it, remember no martial art or melee weapon can defeat ChingPow in battle( i.e. a firearm). Note, don't store a blade, any blade in a scabbard, ever, only put the blade in a scabbard when you intend to carry it, otherwise keep it oiled and in an accessible and safe place.
A good modern alternative to leather is HDPE sheet (60 mil thickness recommended.) It has the flexibility of stiff leather but is much more cut resistant and is impervious to the elements, especially if assembled with brass rivets/eyelets.
well in ukraine they're handing out guns, and if things went like that, I think a full sized sword is for someone fleeing the battle, not going towards it. If I were to accept a gun, I have to say that a normal everyday claw hammer (not a big framing hammer,, just the regular wood handle cheap one) is probably a really useful thing . In the modern world, you probably will do more breaking and entering than manufacturing, so a hammer would get you in a lot of places, and probably work as a weapon well enough in a close combat situation to justify carrying it,,, also, it would still function as a deterrent for scavengers, and would be easy to carry by hanging on a belt by just sticking it through.
@@TheBaconWizard your 'scabbard' would obviously be the hammer loop on your dad-jorts. If you're not that classy, something like a caribeener clipped to a belt-loop can work in a pinch
Don't mind me, just leaving a comment before watching the video: as much as I hate to say it since I hate the aesthetic, I'm imagining a durable synthetic plastic molded to tightly fit the blade to insure it won't fall out even in rough-and-tumble situations that also has holes to aid drainage of excess water in the scabbard. I also imagine that the sword would be coated in some type of black or khaki colored protective coating to resist corrosion and scratches and increase its durability. I also think the sword would be a shorter sword on the level of a long knife like a Bowie or Kukri or Wakizashi, and the scabbard would either lay along the flat of the back/under the pack or across the belly, probably across the soldier's ammo belt (I don't actually know what this part of the kit is called).
I have got a Condor Cutlass style machete (with leather sheath) and a Khukri (with leather lined wooden scabbard) which would be my go tos. I do not trust the medieval arming sword I own to be sturdy and practical enough. And unfortunately I do not own a proper outdoor/combat knife. So maybe I should look for one at some point, even though I am not prepping for the worst... However, I would recommend everyone to get a robust and easily wearable flashlight, that could double as self defense tool. Bright light to blind and daze an attacker and sturdy enough to hit someone with it. But only a bit longer than fist-wide. It is not a truncheon but an concealable inconspicuous every-day carry object that could reinforce a hammer-fist strike if needed. Or bash in some glass, etc. Best self defense tool in a common modern environment, that has definitely a purpose outside the realm of self defense and combat. If you want to know more about this topic, try the hard2hurt channel. Totally recommended content about non-bullshit self defense and self defense tools as well as combat sports. He really loves his flashlights and is pretty convincing...
Oh my. I just stumbled across a video by Shad from about three weeks ago, giving a shout out to hard2hurt and talking about swords and flashlights. So I guess that's old news...
12:30 Don’t think I didn’t notice this sly sneak-peek, here. That blade-geometry and ricasso look phenomenal. That’s the longsword I’m most looking forward to out of the 3 coming, as unique as the other 2 are.
Watching this channel has taught me one more advantage of wooden scabbards - some fighting styles utilize a wooden scabbard held in the off hand as a means to parry/block when absolutely necessary. It might be the last thing you do with your scabbard, but taking a hit on it might be better than a hit on your body. I believe it was sometimes done with a jian.
There are certainly Ming era manuals showing this kind of thing, I don't have access to translations unfortunately. Similarly many kobudo schools teach this sort of technique (both in early Edo period and some periods of Chinese history carrying the sword in one's hand was considered to be the fashionable and polite thing to do, idk if nobles were just tired of random duels when people accidentally banged each other with suspended scabbards or what but it existed). There's also art (particularly from Italy if I'm not mistaken) showing folks walking around with the sheathed sword in their hands instead at the belt
Great point about the potential disadvantages of a rigid scabbard. A 17th-century Chinese manual specifically mentions this regarding the popular Japanese-style swords adopted in China. It recommends leather over wood to avoid a rigid scabbard making movement difficult in crowded combat situation.
All my UK people and other countries where it’s difficult to get firearms, choose the melee weapons you train with! Training is everything guns or melee!! If your gonna use a sword or machete make sure you can get in your car while the weapon is mounted on your belt. Especially if using a spear or similar getting in a car or other small spaces will be difficult. Even knives can impede your movements. So again train train train. My choice of scabbard is synthetic or non stiff leather. Not stiff whatsoever so it’s easier to manipulate. My current “main” melees are a cold steel gladius, and or a cold steel Norse hawk, with a moraknife, and a gerber pocket knife. Let’s chat about it in the reply’s!!!
I absolutely love these. One point about kitchen knives - if you stab a person with a kitchen knife, the lack of hand guard makes it easy to cut yourself on the bottom of the blade. Use a leather glove or fix a makeshift hand guard for it
Yes. It's not his topic of expertise... I really missed him talking about the fact that we wear now different belts which makes carry of old sabers and guns awkward... (they used to be higher up than modern belts)
Rule of thumb with my travels. Keep a multitool/swiss army knife and heavy duty blade on your person. Having a modest sized chopping implement and decent saw will cover most needs. The issue is having the skilns practice to make use of your tools be it martial or practical. Great video by the way.
Matt, seems like withmodern options, leather can be whatever you want it to be. It can be formed wet, reinforced with wood, etc, but then treated with oil (flexible) , warmed and impregnated with parafin or hard beeswax (pretty stiff extremely waterproof), or stiffened almost completely with leather varnish or even soaked in wood finishes (polyurathane, lacquer, etc..).
Do you have a bayonet for your rifle? The spear that’s nine pounds and normally used for .303 is always better than the spear you left at home, and generally better than a sword.
I've tested wooden scabbards with machetes and doing multiple movements before (running, jumping, crawling, etc). One thing to consider is that wooden scabbards get looser over time, and as such the blade will fall out of the scabbard if turned on an angle. I find when I drop to crawl the machete will fall out of the scabbard and when jumping the machete will sort of jump out of the scabbard slightly. So if you get a wooden scabbard it would be wise to make a retaining cap for it. Here in South East Asia where wood scabbards are still common place what people would do is make a leather belt loop and restaraing strap unit that you could tie to your wood scabbard (imagine the scabbard as your arm and the leather belt loop unit as a vambrace you can slip on to the scabbard)
Interesting, but I missed two topics: 1) Kydex, and the like (most modern blades seem to have it, but oddly enough none of mine) 2) the fact that our fashion influences how we can carry weapons. We used to have thicker belts that were higher up. Attaching a saber to a modern trousers, or an old holster will make things awkward, as they are suddenly at the wrong level... Plus, thinner belts are not really meant to carry much weight. I notice this a lot as I tend to carry a pouch and a leatherman on my belt. BTW, you could expand the topic to grip types (metal, wood, ivory, ray skin, leather, cord, wire, ...) PS: The blades I'd be most tempted to choose are Kukri and Tanto from a versatility point of view.
Thank you so much for this most fascinating and thought provoking topic! The modern adaptation of a scabbard in my opinion would be a reinforced shoulder sling scabbard. In the future settings or even fantasy games set in the present you can wear bigger swords over your shoulder because you are going into and out of subways in and out of vehicles so you can remove and put them back on easily like a messenger bag. In a modern world, you probably don’t need to draw a sword from the sheath immediately (although very very helpful if you’re trained to do so) but of course that’s a training issue. My conclusion is most will still choose that bigger sword on a back/shoulder sling made out of a durable Kevlar - like material but perhaps not have the training to use one as effectively. Also, clothing might evolve into less penetrable materials. Thanks so much!
When historians start reviewing historical weapons and accoutrements in the context of potential necessities for modern use we know we're really in trouble. I found the video reassuring, especially when our host said "you can never have enough knives." I just ordered a custom bowie knife and had some creeping buyer's remorse. Now, not so much. It will have a sheath with attachment for sharpening stone--- my first of that style, which I had never favored. Also, last year, I got a crazy wild hair and bought one on the new Kabar EK bowies (kydex sheath on that one.) I was beating myself up a little over that. Glad I have it: razor sharp right out of the box.
Regardless of anything else, I'm a machete fan, simply because it's a tool I've used alot. I have some advice for making impromptu or replacement scabbards for machetes and smaller blades. It's stupid and simple, but it works well and is fast and easy. Layered paper, like newspapers, or non corrugated cardboard- with duct tape interior and exterior. Fast, cheap, and easy. Pretty durable, too.
Matt, you missed one very common covering for modern edged weapons. That being, "Kydex"! It is typically "quiet", holds the weapon VERY securely and is virtually impervious to weather to a very high degree! Also not to mention if designed properly, it can be customizable to accommodate almost any shape and even be designed to carry multiple weapons, and sharpeningn tools, as well as firestarters and other "bushcraft" type of items, to your hearts content! It can even be adapted to fit things such as vintage or replica weapons, (ie. SWORDS)! Certaianly something to think about in a "bugout" scenario! Still loving your channel, but I don't know how conducive to her lifestyle and work allowablility, or even her interest in doing so, but many would enjoy having Lucy involved on your videos more often! Maybe ply her with a "bit" of wine to make her more conducive to the idea! Lol! 🛡🗡⚔️
I love this mini-series! At first I was surprised that oldschool wooden scabbards are this practical but on second thought it makes sense since they were designed to be practical, durable and intended for diverse everyday use. As for the knives I would definately go for my oldest kichen knife first because it has proved its durability and the ability to remain sharp for a long time. Actually, this very knife may even be older than myself.
I'd probably grab my USN cutlass. Leather scabbard, handy size and good hand protection. It would need a quick paint job with matt black paint due to the shiny brass fittings. I'd also have a belt knife (my Glock field knife perhaps) and a pocket folding knife. So, worst case? Semi-Auto AK47, a CZ75 & a cutlass.
"William barged into the room, 9mm pistol in one hand, cutlass in the other: yarrrr! He shouted, lunging at the opponent in front of him while dumping the mag into the chest on one at his flank!"
I have a vintage machete, that you might interest you. It was manufactured for the British army back in the forties, but never issued. It has been used, and sharpened, has one nick in the blade, but it still had remnants of packing grease on the blade when I got it.
Well, I hadn't thought about it, but I'd take what I've got. All together that's an Albion Yeoman, and a Tod Cutler dagger, so I'd take those. I also have a hatchet a few small saws, so I'd probably grab those too (although the saws aren't for fighting). But being from the USA, I don't know how useful any of that would be, as all the aggressive people around here own guns.
I love the discussion about blades in a modern context. I have implemented a Basket Hilted Cutlass into my peacekeeping gear. An Officer isn't fully dressed without his sword, after all. 😎 (My practical, on-the-go, concealed choice is a dagger or Bowie.)
While I love swords, I'd hate to rely on one for self defense. Thank god that I live in the US. I have an AR for the wife and me each, carry a Sig P365 everyday, and have a Sig MPX in my backpack that goes back and forth to work with me. While I have swords, I'd hate to have to carry my swept hilt rapier every day. An absolute PITA getting in and out of my vehicles with that dependent from my belt. ;) Regardless of which weapon system you are using, skill is the most important aspect. My firearm skill I'd say is on par with your saber skills (You look Very Competent...) I hope that neither of us find ourselves in a position where we need to rely on these tools, but with the Crazy that has infected the world lately, it certainly can't be ruled out. Stay chilly, brother!
Why a lot more thought hasn't gone into scabbard design I don't know. In my eyes this is low hanging fruit that could give greater utility without greatly more expense or time expended. For example it would be quite easy to position metal strips or an abrasive surface at the portion of the exit facet of the scabbard to enable a light sharpen every time the sword is drawn or sheathed to and from the scabbard. A drainage slot, that also discourages water ingress, could be added to the tip of the sheath. The interior surface of the scabbard could be of a laminate thickness of bamboo so that moisture absorption is minimal and drawing is smooth, whilst having the outside made of leather. This would also provide a relatively flexible and non-intrusive scabbard. A couple of 4mm strips of very thin metal could be added to the out-facing surface of the scabbard to protect it from cuts and slashes whilst retaining flexibility. Thanks for a thought provoking video Matt. Mic Barrett
The abrasive surface wouldn’t have been possible a while ago because the stones would have been abraided away in the key area, but now that diamond honing “stones” are out there it might be. That said I don’t consider it a great idea, though perhaps honing steel there. Tip drainage slots are common on knife sheathes already. Bamboo laminate would be a good idea. The metal strips would probably be heavier and do less than you think for protection. The real answer though is that there is no real demand for scabbard innovation in the world today because they aren’t used. Hell, barely any actual scabbards are even _made, and the situations those are designed for (when they aren’t either just traditional or for bare minimum function) just aren’t close to what we’re theorizing. Otherwise we could see things like steel scabbards with practical modern attachment points, internal brass inserts that hug the blade but leave the edge alone (not a problem to do really nowadays with a set pattern), blackened and quiet fittings, and some sort of wrap or coating. Hell, most of this could have been possible in the past in theory; shellac existed as a durable colored coating, attachments could have been static to avoid rattling, etc.
Cover the scabbard in flex seal, it’s a durable covering, it waterproofs the scabbard, it pads the scabbard cutting down the noise and obscures the shape.
I think back scabbards (the design proposed by Shad) could be another factor. Actually having one is really rare, but it would still be fun to explore.
i'f you had to take a sword, in a modern context, something like a wakizashi, hanger/cutlass, or gladius/xiphos would probably be the most practical sword you could carry. they're all longer than the largest knives you might encounter, but small enough to not be too cumbersome. Some of them would be possible to conceal if need be. If you find your self in some unavoidable melee situation, they are all better weapons than anything your likely to encounter being used in the modern age, and the chances of running into another sword are less than the chances of you having to use a sword. if you really think that your going to be in some kind of melee take a buckler as well. also if you could get a modern kydex scabbard made for the aforementioned blades, that would probably be the best way to go.
I would love to see a scabbard made thoughtfully with modern materials. Kydex is more or less in line with a basic steel scabbard, but with improved stealth. But what about lining a scabbard with industrial nylon (particularly one of the kinds that can absorb moisture similarly to wood while remaining more stable) or teflon? Maybe built in desiccant packs in the chape and/or silicone seals at the throat. Thin nylon supporting dyneema or aramid fabric for a flexible but durable sheathe? Molle compatibility, or updated suspension systems with modern, secure quick release fittings? Sigi's recent experiments with modern tool coatings on their fencing saber hilts also opens up some interesting possibilities both for scabbard fittings and the blades themselves...
Good topic, thanks for the video. My choice is thermoplastic. Considering the price of Kydex or Boltaron for a sword sized object, the simple PVC pipe and the heat gun makes quite decent and deffinately functional scabbard.
Good video. I'd take my kukri, my gladius, my kopesh, and my seax. Then I'd make a buckler of some kind since none of mine have any hand protection. I prefer shorter swords since they can be used in grappling ranges easier.
I acquired a WWII Manchurian-made Japanese military sword at a flea market. The scabbard was trashed and the distal 4" of blade was eaten up with corrosion. I shortened it to wakizashi length, polished and sharpened it, and made a scabbard of oak that is stout enough to serve as a deadly club, with a cord-wrapped grip.
A steel scabbard can be wrapped with both silence it and to prevent the glare. And you then have the wrapping material for other uses is needed. A steel scabbard also makes an excellent off hand weapon or blocking device, and it's a good potentially non-lethal weapon too. The main concern I have with steel scabbards is onse getting bent and unusable, but if that happens you can make a non-steel scabbard if needed.
Cold Steels Gladius machete would be a good choice and/or a tomahawk. A spear would be handy and can double as a walking staff. A big belt knife like a bowie with a small one and a couple of pocket knives would be a good idea to have with as well. Full sized swords are cool but I wouldn't wanna have to be carrying one all the time in a SHTF situation.
BK9 knife , cordura sheath with smaller knife pocket and sharpening stone, British light infantry belt axe with leather sheath, 2 .44 revolvers in leather holsters , small automatic pistol in pocket. And a few things that go 💥 .
I have a few swords around my house of various types, but if SHTF I would go for a cold steel machete in a cordura sheeth. It's not particularly well made, not very nice, so it is not on display like other swords, but on a belt in the cupboard beside my bed. It's length is shortl enough for me to have it hanging at my waist without getting caught in things and without bothering me too much. Maybe, if I was living in another period and was used to wear a sword at my waist every day, I would'nt be as bothered to have a long object dangeling from my belt.
My biggest kitchen knife has a 14" full tang blade 19" overall. My Condor barong machete has a 14" blade 5" handle. It doesn't flex and has a leather scabbard.
I feel the most useful things to have would be a few knives of varying sizes, a small axe like a hatchet or a tomahawk, a bow and arrow, and for a sword probably a shorter, slightly curved blade that could also be used as a tool if needed like a cutlass or hanger or a falchion with a wooden scabbard.
For a steel scabbard: cut off the rings and hang it from a carabiner or such with paracord (either through the bosses the rings go through or do some fancy ropework stuff to sling it from those spots), spraypaint it flat camo color for the region and/or wrap it in strips of cloth torn from old clothing, Bob's your auntie. And you get to have your beatin' stick/offhand parry. And of course the WWI rifle (mine's Enfield 1915) and bayonet with the original scabbard as primary/tertiary/quincenary. (Rifle, pistol, empty rifle with bayonet, saber, bayonet without rifle, 6" utility knife, pocketknife. That's a reasonable amount of things to carry, innit?) I really need to find somebody to make drawings for a Remington 870 military-type bayonet mount (they exist, but are so rare they cost more than the gun) and a machinist to make it, and Kickstarter up a project to remake them with optional adapters to take other bayonets instead of the US M9, because the old British one is stabbier and would add quite a bit of reach to my riot gun.
I know it's been mentioned earlier but what about kydex? It's often used for knife scabbards these days. It's lightweight, stiff, weather proof and can be molded to the weapon for minimum rattle. Kydex can also be had in black, olive drab or various patterns of camouflage. The only problem might be its stiffness after the sword is drawn.
The only really combat ready edged weapon I own that I could grab in an emergency is an okatana that's been sitting in my closet for a few years. It has a wooden scabbard wrapped in waterproof nylon, of all things.
Water proofing leather is easy. There are a few commercial applications, or you can use wax. I use Boiled Linseed Oil, inside and out. Keeps the leather water proof. I recently bought the United Cutlery Combat Commander Gladiator sword/machete. 16.63 inch long blade. So just the right size to carry. And good in close quarters.
I pack 4 or 5 various sized axes in my truck. I have a tomahawk, a hatchet and several cheap "axes" in my camping kits. I carry 5 knifes of various sizes as well as a multitool in my pockets, or on my belt. I also have several bows and machetes. And last but not least I have a questionable katana and a "ninja-to". Not to mention the camping/bushcraft knives that are parts of the kits mentioned above. I have broadheads for my arrows too!
This video got me thinking/trying out a few things, now I know that: I barely notice when I'm walking about with quite a long axe stuck through my belt, sitting down with it isn't bad either, not sure about when cycling which is my only real form of transportation :S Bucklers are very noisy things, while wearing one even the rivets on my jeans were making it clang and clank, I think if I were to have one with me it'd have to go in my backpack but it's a lot of weight and space. Slipping a chopping board under my hema jacket isn't as uncomfortable as it sounds.
I have handguns, rifles and a shotgun. Using those in the wrong situation might get you in more trouble than you wanted. If the SHTF, I absolutely would want a rock solid large knife on hand also. A big knife or sword can be very intimidating and does not have be used with lethal intent. I do not have any HEMA training with knives or swords so I would probably just get myself in more trouble with a sword. Although, in a close quarters situation, 10 people with swords would be very intimidating; even for someone with a gun.
Very interesting and thorough. I still couldn't really make my choice. But I do know that I wouldn't use a scabbard that was specifically designed to be worn in the back. They serve no practical use and are even more of a hindrance if someone is trying to sit. Their only use is to try and pretend to be cool on youtube video thumbnails :P
Just like carrying knives and pistols, kydex is the material that comes out on top. Metal scabbards have advantages, but kydex is lighter, impervious to the environment, and easy to make and make with useful features like multiple anchor points/methods, as well as have molded in 'retention' like pistol and knife holster/sheathes have.
Some Cold Steel products come with kydex scabbards/sheathes, don't they? Also, he didn't cover plastic covers of for example the M9 bayonet or many knives.
@@UH1Phil I think the closet historical material is waxed or baked rattan.... or horn. But I idk if horn was used for scabbards, just it been describe to be very similiar to plastic.
If you have the option to make your own scabbard for a sword, especially a longsword, you could make a back scabbard. Shadiversity designed one that can allow you to easily, safely, and quickly draw even a large longsword from your back. You get the benefits of a wooden scabbard, and the downsides of maneuvering with it are lessened considerably.
I'd carry some type of axe to make a tiny house and possibly fight. It would probably be a tomahawk to easily ditch the handle. I'd have >0 buck saw blades, possibly a 7 inch 1 edge fighting knife froe, and scandi knives of various thicknesses.
That's a beautiful sabre that you first showed. Kydex is nice due to their durability, lightweight, and they don't hold water like leather. Not a thing you can easily make yourself though if you needed a replacement
Nice blue and yellow on the shirt there. Not sure if that was intentional. But I am glad to see a discussion on scabbard construction. It is sorely overlooked when compared to a the attention the blades and handles get. What about modern synthetic materials whether soft or hard?
I have a lot of knives, and if I could pick any sword I'd bring a short saber ir messer, but the only sharp sword I have currently that I'd bring is my United Cutlery Gladius Machete. Canvas sheath with a leather or fake leather fitting. It is a short, handy sword useful for chopping through brush but also extremely good in the thrust and close range combat.
I think steel scabbard is a good thing imo precisely because it would make my sword also a blunt weapon when it needs to be... but maybe bonking things is just my style, idk.
truth. Secured to you by frog or strap with a compression clip, so it can be removed fast with the blade. Once cleared, you have a blade in one hand, a decent blocking and bludgeoning tool in the other.
I have a jian with a fiberglass scabbard. I wish more swords would do that. It may not be flexible, but it's cheap, waterproof, and virtually weightless.
I have an idea for the sword belt problem Baldrics are pretty good for carrying around swords in place of a belt as you're able to just slide them off and hold it. I actually tested this out a few days ago when I went to the park with my family. I brought my Pentti in my baldric, getting in and out of the car was pretty easy by just sliding it off. However there's a new problem where the baldric isn't very stable while running, so you'll always have a hand on your hip to stabilize it when moving. So you gain the ease of getting through tight spaces and being able to easily take off the baldric, but loose the stableness of having it on a more secure point. Thoughts?
wonderful video as im working on making a jacobite era dirk and in the near future id like to make a couple bowies as well and id prefer to make brass or bronze scabbards for them, but have no idea how so learning about the virtues and downfalls is great stuff
I think the most modern option would be a leather lined Kydex scabbard. Lightweight, rigid, durable, and weatherproof, and since its lined, it can be made very minimal as the lining itself is what would hold the kydex closed, which otherwise would need to be made wider and closed with studs, negating a good deal of its advantages for the application.
In many years of bushcraft and country side living I concluded that 3 blades are a good choice: 1 small eating knife, 1 bushcraft/working knife and one big knife/small sword for self defense.
If feces hit the fan, I'd take my blunt hand and a half sword (that's made of 1070 steel and well done) with a sharpening stone to eventually give it a nice edge on the hitting part, and assorted survival knives I've got over years (basically, the sword for it's reach, the others primary as tools) Another thing to consider is modern materials. I'm not sure how a kydex or similar scabbard would work for a sword, but being basically plastic it could marry durability, weight and (if done to size) noise quite well.
Although most of my blades/weapons are in storage elsewhere, I still have a not inconsiderable collection of knives and walking sticks where I currently live. And one bodice dagger (a birthday gift for the Missus).
I'm in Panama, although I don't think it is too likely that 💩will hit the fan over here. It is still an strategic tropical location. So looking back at what happened in the many years of civil wars, brigandage and guerrillas in Central America and the Caribbean between the 19th and 20th century their sword of choice was the peinilla/cutacha (also known as Cuban machete) since it is an hybrid of sword and machete. Same as the spadroon it may not specialized in any one task, but it is good enough in both. I own one antique one fairly good that is not with me at the moment and another one is bent sideways. I got the closest modern comercial version available from Marbles (made in El Salvador) which is their "sword machete". It lacks the appropiate distal taper but it is a nice and affordable thing and I already got a local-made leather scabbard for it which are easily available even in the center of the city, these traditionally hung at the shoulder, not the waist which is more traditional further south.
I have to say that in a survival-of-the-apocalypse scenario, I wouldn't choose any sword at all, unless, obviously, I had no choice (no choice means no choice!) One has to consider load-out, and unless you're a bloody great specimen in top military spec-ops shape, there's a pretty strict limit on how much you can carry. Survival isn't just about fighting, in fact, avoiding fighting in a end-of-the-world situation is by far the best survival tactic. One has to carry clothing for cold weather (assuming you live in a temperate climate...and it's not like there aren't cold places in sub-tropical climates). A couple of blankets would be smart. An extensive medical kit, probably weighing in a around five pounds; water (and the damned stuff is heavy when you're carrying a half-gallon); high energy food; a rifle, preferably with scope and a LOT of ammo for it, rhe rifle is going to weigh in at around seven or eight pounds and a hundred rounds of ammo is pretty heavy; also a pistol (I'd want to go with a pistol calibur carbine in .45ACP personally, but YMMV.) If you get much over 30 pounds total, even with a really good backpack, and as mentioned, you're not in really good shape, hauling that load for twenty miles, possibly uphill and through rough county (actually preferable if you're trying to get away from crazy humans) is a lot of work. I've backpacked with 40 pounds over two mile gradients, on a well-groomed trail, mind you, and by the time I got to the top, on a pretty hot day, I was pretty well wiped out. Sure, if attacked epinephirne would have kicked in and given me a short boost, but the fact reamains that if you only have your feet and legs to travel with, load out is cricital and every damned thing you're lugging around had better be there for a reason. In this scenario, I'd get my hands on a horse, pony, mule, donkey, llama (a great choice!) even a large dog to give me more load capacity. Wheeled vehicles? Other than an electic dirt bike (the gas ones are waaay too noisy) I'd be avoiding vehicles and roads, since that's where all you fat, lazy zombie-food types are going first.
Small (28") compound bow in bag and sling, large and small survival knife, small axe with an integrated saw are my choices. A telescopic spear/pole might prove useful (eg BMF black). Ideally, I'd go for a sidearm rather than carrying a rifle (probably an 8 shot revolver) but this is the UK. Try getting a shotgun certificate at the moment. Body armour is a must, stab proof shirt and level 3 kevlar.
Copies of Cosmopolitan, Elle and other thick Women's magazines along with gaffer tape make an effective improvised body armour against edged/pointed hand weapons.
Interesting. In these situations fuel is one of the first things to disappear so horses might not be entirely ridiculous, if you can ride a horse perhaps "borrowing" one before it is eaten or starves in its enclosure would be a good thing. The 1% of the population that can ride a horse and use a cavalry sword will be sorted!! At least a honking great big knife or a tomahawk would be useful in that the intimidation factor might stop a disagreement before it happened. I have one or two knives which would be awful to get out of the sheath in a hurry, definitely not made for conflict, this is something I would be taking into account sheath/scabbard wise.
![เปิดใจ “ต้นหอม ศกุนตลา” หลังโดนพาดพิงธุรกิจที่เคยทำ และผลกระทบทำถูกปลดฟ้าผ่า! | แฉ 24 ต.ค.67 [2/3]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/vCi5OIqlxaE/mqdefault.jpg)
Matt Easton would have been a great character for the Walking Dead. An English gentleman who carries around loads of medieval weapons, cracks zombie heads with a pole axe and throws Roman pila at Bandits. so much potential... I even already have the scene how he enters the story: the group of Rick Grimes discovers a huge pile of zombies trying to eat something at the bottom. After getting rid of the zombies they discover Matt Easton, who has been lying burried by the zombies for three days in his full plate knight armour...
That mental image just made my night. Thank you, sir.
Oh, I forgot one very important detail: after being rescued from beneath the zombies, he opens the visor of his bascinet helmet with an enthusiastic "hey guys! Matt Easton here, Schola Gladiatoria"
Nosferatu.
@@Tipi_Dan dammit, I can't unsee it
@@albertdittel8898 "And today were demonstrating the necessity of mail when fighting *pause for dramatic effect* The Zombie Horde!"
It is an important subject when considering long-term use. With regards to "modern" material options, Kydex IMO is the go-to: Tough, hydrophobic and lightweight. You can make one to securely carry any of the practically sized bladed tools one would actually want in contemporary times considering the greatest threat is firearms, regardless of what country you live in. The long weapons will absolutely be in the way in most situations, especially when cover and concealment is paramount. Regardless of fighting situation, being able to maneuver is the biggest force-multiplier an individual can employ for their survival, and long weapons are a trade-off with ease of maneuver. Whether you're two grapplers on a mat at your local gym or two tank commanders fighting each other in 1942 northern Africa (and everything in between), being able to maneuver effectively to bring your application of force to bear, or to escape forces against you is what preserves life and limb. "Move" comes first in "Move, Shoot, Communicate" for a reason; much the same a footwork is key in melee or hand-to-hand combat. It is the stratagem of "position before submission"; you cannot achieve submission of the enemy combatant without tactically superior position. Based on my training experience going against guys with long weapons while wielding my two shorter weapons, I think training with a kukri / tomahawk combo for fighting and bushcraft make the most sense. They offer very fast (speed kills, because of maneuver) hook/slash/thrust/chop options. Add 2-3 smaller task-oriented knives for work such as skinning, prying, drilling holes in materials, cutting cordage, etc. Rule of two's applies. (Kukri + Tomahawk; 2-3 task knives) Good video! Cheers!
I've never seen a sword size Kydex scabbard. How well does that work? Do you know of any examples?
@@lazyhominid I believe Zombie Tools makes all their scabbards out of kydex. From what I've heard, it works well.
@@lazyhominid Lots of kydex sword scabbards out there. Just google 'kydex sword scabbard' and you'll see all sorts of ones. Don't know how they fare overall, but they should be decent.
The main disadvantage is that kydex molding generally requires at least one lip, so the sheath is wider than it would be when made from other materials.
You need to make sure the Kydex does not contain glass fiber. I have several fixed blade knives with Kydex sheaths reinforced with glass fiber. The minute you draw the blade the sharpened edge is gone and you have to sharpen it again. Usually not enough room to put leather or epoxy to protect the edge. Mora Knives, Glock field knives, etc. do not contain glass fibers. Older Cold Steel sheaths did not contain glass fibers, but the newer ones do. CRKT sheaths almost always contain glass now, so after getting 2 CRKT knives with glass filled Kydex sheaths I have stopped buying CRKT fixed blade knives. I first ran into this problem 50 years ago with a high quality diving knife. Not having a sharp edge on a diving knife or a knife used for self defense could be fatal to the user.
I've been a Napolenic cavalry reenactor. ( 14th Curasier 1812)
One of the drawbacks if a steel scabbard is the rust.
When on horseback, the lower part if the scabbard is in contact with the horse flank.
Horse sweat is very corrosive, I can assure you.
We had some people in the club that had to replace their scabbards, because they rusted through.
Some had their scabbards nickel plated.
Personally I would take a Khukri, a Opinel pocket knife and my leatherman surge tool.
Great topic. I've heard many people talk about the sword/knife options for different situations, but never a focus on scabbards. Thanks for the great video.
I've played zombie survival larps with larp weapons and will do so again this year. I make my own scabbards. Things I noticed in this topic:
- Running for your life through thick woods with long swords are basically "don't". Short swords (
I think a spear is a great idea for a bugout weapon. But when Matt talked about sword sticks in another video not long ago, it gave me an idea. Has anyone ever made a spear stick? I'm imagining something like the hiking staff I used in Boy Scouts (about 5 1/2 feet long) with a metal spear point concealed by a disguising cap.
Thank's for your comment. Very insightful. There were lots of things i had not coincided.
If the other guy has to be REALLY DENSE to not see your spear as a threat, even if he has a Glock.
Even so, good comments. In RWA (Real World Actions) ounces count and pounds kill, especially if you are out for multiple days and/or covering a lot of ground. If it is just today I'll grab what's available and go. If I know I'm going for a several days or weeks then I carefully consider every ounce. An extra canteen means fewer rounds of ammo or one less MRE, that sort of thing. A blade that weighs less is worth more, everything else being equal.
@@daveh7720 yes I've seen a really dumb tacticool, multiool screw together spear stick abomination, but idk about a practical or historical one. It'd be easy enough, but quite impractical in a lot of ways. Polearms are awkward af to do anything with.
I’ve never larped but in my training for bugouts and survival scenarios it’s definitely easier to move with a short sword or machete, or a hatchet. Having a rifle with a longer sword is to much to manage safetly and effectively. With a spear it’s ineffective unless you carry the rifle slung on your back and use the spear as your true primary. Larping is different to because your not using metal weapons, so the weight difference will hit hard in a real life emergency/shtf scenario.
Why do you always answer the questions I didn't know I needed to know😎👍
I have obviously some kydex-packed knives, and I think it might be a good material for sword or sabre scabbards. Funnily enough you get molle fittings to attach swords to your belt or backpack. For fun I fitted my training katana with one. It looks... strange.
Molle is like lego. The fun is multiplied by the number of pieces you have.
I'm thinking about upgrading to kydex from a Securex sheath for my big chopper, they're similar but the kydex is just better suited in every way.
I don't own a sword but I do have multiple knives and I can say kydex is the best.
@@Omniseed secure ex dulls blades. Those sheaths are made from a glass filled polymer.
What is kydex
When the old sheathe for my machete fell apart from age and use I got some old thin hollow core door, peeled the panels off. Made six rectangular panels near an inch larger than the blade, using roofing shears. Drew a cutout on 2 panels. Glued everything together and stacked a few bricks on top. It has lasted near 30 yrs, but, the machete will try to bounce out if care not taken in how worn. Nought pretty about it, utilitarian.
Thanks Matt, another I interesting vid. You do good work.
In Ukraine everyone is helping each other.
I haven't fully watched the video yet, but that is what happens in a healthy country when the **** hits the fan. No need to fight for food or anything of that sort. I don't understand why especially in the United States and especially in Hollywood there is a presumption that everyone will just start to fight with each other if a disaster strikes and think only about themselves.
In longer term conflicts with messy, civil wars etc, where multiple factions are fighting and infighting, small conflicts, warlords, fluid battle lines and small bands of soldiers/militants/etc. People trying to survive by stealing, extorting etc. It happens in North African and middle Eastern conflicts, pretty sure it happened in ww2 etc.
Also looting and stuff does happen, the Ukrainian conflict is still quite young, so people aren't starving yet.
Here in America, prevailing politics these days divide us against one another rather than bonding us together. When that's what happens in peacetime, double down in wartime.
"You know it's sad but true..." 🎶
@@brendandor Yeah, hopefully this Russian-Ukrainian conflict doesn't last this long but thinking like that in a prolonged conflict results in the besieged party having to eat wallpaper and their own shoes. Growing, stockpiling and preserving is extremely important.
@@brendandor Clearly people are having other priorities than just their own lives, so I doubt starvation would turn them against each other. People are already sharing whatever they have and in case you die, it does not really matter if you are blown to pieces or starve to death.
But I get your point. The war has only just begun.
@@taekatanahu635 Don't have to turn to get horrific, the starving lots of times end up eating the dead, think of the donner party.
I've thought about this a lot myself, and as much as I love swords I would also choose my modern style kukri. It actually lives on my bedside table.
well,, a kukri is a sword. Yes, there's plenty of argument about no it's a knife, but my approach (of course my opinion) is that swords are a class of use,,, they're knives,, but big so that they're better weapons. knives today are like a box cutter, and a big knife today is like, 3.5 inches s30v. All of the utility a normie needs is found in those two sizes, and a bowie knife is completely useless. However, along with the box cutter being so small,, swords shrunk right down in size as well, with your average gladius class of weapon now being the 9 inch combat knife. I would consider the usmc combat knife as the best way to understand your average sword in the modern world,,, soldiers carry them, they fight with them, they are too big for most utility and soldiers carry a small triangle box cutter or pliers multitool with a 3 inch or smaller blade as their utility knife. With guns, full sized swords are never really going to make it to the field, because they just aren't worth the bulk. HOwever, a combat knife, kukri, bowie knife, large bushcraft knife, or big kitchen knife all are in a separate size class, and do actually get used as weapons today, in the same way that swords always have. Therefore,, I think a kukri IS a sword, and although when sabers were everywhere it would be common language to call them large knives for sake of distinction between the 3 foot blades and everything else,,, today,, there are no 3 foot swords in practical use, so a kukri IS the sword that you find. (so is the combat knife, the kitchen knife, etc.)
What about modern materials? Many modern day fighting knives (for example the Glock Feldmesser 78) come with a plastic scabbard, and for many "tacticool" edged weapons, kydex has been more or less the standard for quite some time now. Can we get a part 2 discussing modern materials?
I was going to bring up the subject of modern materials myself. In addition to Kydex, alot of modern knives come with nylon sheathes. Sometimes it;'st just plain nylon and other times ti's nylon over something that makes the sheath stiffer.
Totally agree , he'd make a mint if he made a collaboration with a manufacturer with the modern edged weapon made completely with the idea of shtf carrying .. I'm so glad he addressed the scabbard here as most people don't carry one anymore daily ..
I was going to ask this same question.
Concur. My knife sheaths are leather and very traditional (19th century or earlier) in design. However, I'm going to make a modern combat/utility knife for my vest, and I may try kydex; I like the look, it seems easy to work with, and its comparatively cheap...three of my very favorite qualities.
Great idea. Another commenter mentioned using Kydex instead of wood for stiffness but Kydex can be pricey for something the size of a sword. I've seen some TH-cam videos on making knife sheaths from used PVC pipe which is a lot more accessible. A covering of ripstop or other fabric would help with the noise and visibility issues, and a leather or wool or fur liner might be a good idea to further mitigate noise and help protect the blade.
I have a sirupate that came with a wood scabbard (no leather shell) and have been contemplating making a PVC sheath for it. All that's held me back to this point is the beautiful carving on the wood.
I've said it before , I'd love to see you put together a "modern" carry edge weapon. With modern materials and the" what if "
Fallout 76 style
I have watched your channel a few times and am subscribed now, I have been a martial artist since 8yr old, I am 50 now, started EU blade training at 8 and oriental at 9, personally I would take the Amazon katana. It has a full tang, dual pinned and is cheap enough to not make me cringe when and if I ding the hell out of it in use. Good steel, 1055, and Rockwell of 56. Yes the long handle gets in the way, mitigated by personal carry preference of double wrap of braiding adjustable to my belt, slings to the side or slightly around back for convenience. All round a killer and durable enough to do the job and keep cutting. Sharp enough to work as a weapon and a tool if necessary, it cuts, period. Single and two handed, very versatile and deadly. As far as scabbards go, history has made this easy, this is a choice of blade protection, draw before you need it, remember no martial art or melee weapon can defeat ChingPow in battle( i.e. a firearm). Note, don't store a blade, any blade in a scabbard, ever, only put the blade in a scabbard when you intend to carry it, otherwise keep it oiled and in an accessible and safe place.
A good modern alternative to leather is HDPE sheet (60 mil thickness recommended.) It has the flexibility of stiff leather but is much more cut resistant and is impervious to the elements, especially if assembled with brass rivets/eyelets.
well in ukraine they're handing out guns, and if things went like that, I think a full sized sword is for someone fleeing the battle, not going towards it. If I were to accept a gun, I have to say that a normal everyday claw hammer (not a big framing hammer,, just the regular wood handle cheap one) is probably a really useful thing . In the modern world, you probably will do more breaking and entering than manufacturing, so a hammer would get you in a lot of places, and probably work as a weapon well enough in a close combat situation to justify carrying it,,, also, it would still function as a deterrent for scavengers, and would be easy to carry by hanging on a belt by just sticking it through.
Yes, but with what scabbard?
@@TheBaconWizard a hammer scabbard obviously.
@@TheBaconWizard yeah, I'd definitely want a scabbard for the razor sharp claws of the hammer
@@TheBaconWizard your 'scabbard' would obviously be the hammer loop on your dad-jorts.
If you're not that classy, something like a caribeener clipped to a belt-loop can work in a pinch
A decent sized pry bar and a wire cutter would be the best tools in an urban collapse, besides first aid/food/water reserves
Don't mind me, just leaving a comment before watching the video: as much as I hate to say it since I hate the aesthetic, I'm imagining a durable synthetic plastic molded to tightly fit the blade to insure it won't fall out even in rough-and-tumble situations that also has holes to aid drainage of excess water in the scabbard. I also imagine that the sword would be coated in some type of black or khaki colored protective coating to resist corrosion and scratches and increase its durability. I also think the sword would be a shorter sword on the level of a long knife like a Bowie or Kukri or Wakizashi, and the scabbard would either lay along the flat of the back/under the pack or across the belly, probably across the soldier's ammo belt (I don't actually know what this part of the kit is called).
I have got a Condor Cutlass style machete (with leather sheath) and a Khukri (with leather lined wooden scabbard) which would be my go tos. I do not trust the medieval arming sword I own to be sturdy and practical enough. And unfortunately I do not own a proper outdoor/combat knife. So maybe I should look for one at some point, even though I am not prepping for the worst...
However, I would recommend everyone to get a robust and easily wearable flashlight, that could double as self defense tool. Bright light to blind and daze an attacker and sturdy enough to hit someone with it. But only a bit longer than fist-wide. It is not a truncheon but an concealable inconspicuous every-day carry object that could reinforce a hammer-fist strike if needed. Or bash in some glass, etc. Best self defense tool in a common modern environment, that has definitely a purpose outside the realm of self defense and combat. If you want to know more about this topic, try the hard2hurt channel. Totally recommended content about non-bullshit self defense and self defense tools as well as combat sports. He really loves his flashlights and is pretty convincing...
Oh my. I just stumbled across a video by Shad from about three weeks ago, giving a shout out to hard2hurt and talking about swords and flashlights. So I guess that's old news...
12:30 Don’t think I didn’t notice this sly sneak-peek, here. That blade-geometry and ricasso look phenomenal.
That’s the longsword I’m most looking forward to out of the 3 coming, as unique as the other 2 are.
Watching this channel has taught me one more advantage of wooden scabbards - some fighting styles utilize a wooden scabbard held in the off hand as a means to parry/block when absolutely necessary. It might be the last thing you do with your scabbard, but taking a hit on it might be better than a hit on your body. I believe it was sometimes done with a jian.
There are certainly Ming era manuals showing this kind of thing, I don't have access to translations unfortunately. Similarly many kobudo schools teach this sort of technique (both in early Edo period and some periods of Chinese history carrying the sword in one's hand was considered to be the fashionable and polite thing to do, idk if nobles were just tired of random duels when people accidentally banged each other with suspended scabbards or what but it existed).
There's also art (particularly from Italy if I'm not mistaken) showing folks walking around with the sheathed sword in their hands instead at the belt
Great point about the potential disadvantages of a rigid scabbard. A 17th-century Chinese manual specifically mentions this regarding the popular Japanese-style swords adopted in China. It recommends leather over wood to avoid a rigid scabbard making movement difficult in crowded combat situation.
Spoiler alert: the answer is a back scabbard. Because they just look so cool! :P
And also because you will need your hands free for ice cream and your Playstation.
The apocalypse is one of my favorite subjects, excellent video.
All my UK people and other countries where it’s difficult to get firearms, choose the melee weapons you train with! Training is everything guns or melee!! If your gonna use a sword or machete make sure you can get in your car while the weapon is mounted on your belt. Especially if using a spear or similar getting in a car or other small spaces will be difficult. Even knives can impede your movements. So again train train train. My choice of scabbard is synthetic or non stiff leather. Not stiff whatsoever so it’s easier to manipulate. My current “main” melees are a cold steel gladius, and or a cold steel Norse hawk, with a moraknife, and a gerber pocket knife. Let’s chat about it in the reply’s!!!
I absolutely love these.
One point about kitchen knives - if you stab a person with a kitchen knife, the lack of hand guard makes it easy to cut yourself on the bottom of the blade. Use a leather glove or fix a makeshift hand guard for it
I know you're focused on antiques and stuff, but I really hoped you talked about modern scabbards and sheathes. Still, good video.
Yes. It's not his topic of expertise... I really missed him talking about the fact that we wear now different belts which makes carry of old sabers and guns awkward... (they used to be higher up than modern belts)
Rule of thumb with my travels. Keep a multitool/swiss army knife and heavy duty blade on your person. Having a modest sized chopping implement and decent saw will cover most needs. The issue is having the skilns practice to make use of your tools be it martial or practical. Great video by the way.
Matt, seems like withmodern options, leather can be whatever you want it to be.
It can be formed wet, reinforced with wood, etc, but then treated with oil (flexible) , warmed and impregnated with parafin or hard beeswax (pretty stiff extremely waterproof), or stiffened almost completely with leather varnish or even soaked in wood finishes (polyurathane, lacquer, etc..).
Do you have a bayonet for your rifle? The spear that’s nine pounds and normally used for .303 is always better than the spear you left at home, and generally better than a sword.
I've tested wooden scabbards with machetes and doing multiple movements before (running, jumping, crawling, etc). One thing to consider is that wooden scabbards get looser over time, and as such the blade will fall out of the scabbard if turned on an angle. I find when I drop to crawl the machete will fall out of the scabbard and when jumping the machete will sort of jump out of the scabbard slightly. So if you get a wooden scabbard it would be wise to make a retaining cap for it. Here in South East Asia where wood scabbards are still common place what people would do is make a leather belt loop and restaraing strap unit that you could tie to your wood scabbard (imagine the scabbard as your arm and the leather belt loop unit as a vambrace you can slip on to the scabbard)
You're still teasing with these Windlass prototypes, Matt. Take my money already!
Interesting, but I missed two topics:
1) Kydex, and the like (most modern blades seem to have it, but oddly enough none of mine)
2) the fact that our fashion influences how we can carry weapons. We used to have thicker belts that were higher up. Attaching a saber to a modern trousers, or an old holster will make things awkward, as they are suddenly at the wrong level... Plus, thinner belts are not really meant to carry much weight. I notice this a lot as I tend to carry a pouch and a leatherman on my belt.
BTW, you could expand the topic to grip types (metal, wood, ivory, ray skin, leather, cord, wire, ...)
PS: The blades I'd be most tempted to choose are Kukri and Tanto from a versatility point of view.
Thank you for making this happen !
Thank you so much for this most fascinating and thought provoking topic! The modern adaptation of a scabbard in my opinion would be a reinforced shoulder sling scabbard. In the future settings or even fantasy games set in the present you can wear bigger swords over your shoulder because you are going into and out of subways in and out of vehicles so you can remove and put them back on easily like a messenger bag. In a modern world, you probably don’t need to draw a sword from the sheath immediately (although very very helpful if you’re trained to do so) but of course that’s a training issue.
My conclusion is most will still choose that bigger sword on a back/shoulder sling made out of a durable Kevlar - like material but perhaps not have the training to use one as effectively.
Also, clothing might evolve into less penetrable materials.
Thanks so much!
This guy keeps the kukri fan club alive, love it
I love the What If? category of videos!
You always have great insight Matt, I commend you sir
Thank you so much for covering this topic! I very much like to play with these thoughts.
When historians start reviewing historical weapons and accoutrements in the context of potential necessities for modern use we know we're really in trouble.
I found the video reassuring, especially when our host said "you can never have enough knives." I just ordered a custom bowie knife and had some creeping buyer's remorse. Now, not so much. It will have a sheath with attachment for sharpening stone--- my first of that style, which I had never favored.
Also, last year, I got a crazy wild hair and bought one on the new Kabar EK bowies (kydex sheath on that one.) I was beating myself up a little over that. Glad I have it: razor sharp right out of the box.
Regardless of anything else, I'm a machete fan, simply because it's a tool I've used alot.
I have some advice for making impromptu or replacement scabbards for machetes and smaller blades. It's stupid and simple, but it works well and is fast and easy. Layered paper, like newspapers, or non corrugated cardboard- with duct tape interior and exterior.
Fast, cheap, and easy. Pretty durable, too.
Matt, you missed one very common covering for modern edged weapons. That being, "Kydex"! It is typically "quiet", holds the weapon VERY securely and is virtually impervious to weather to a very high degree! Also not to mention if designed properly, it can be customizable to accommodate almost any shape and even be designed to carry multiple weapons, and sharpeningn tools, as well as firestarters and other "bushcraft" type of items, to your hearts content! It can even be adapted to fit things such as vintage or replica weapons, (ie. SWORDS)! Certaianly something to think about in a "bugout" scenario! Still loving your channel, but I don't know how conducive to her lifestyle and work allowablility, or even her interest in doing so, but many would enjoy having Lucy involved on your videos more often! Maybe ply her with a "bit" of wine to make her more conducive to the idea! Lol! 🛡🗡⚔️
I love this mini-series! At first I was surprised that oldschool wooden scabbards are this practical but on second thought it makes sense since they were designed to be practical, durable and intended for diverse everyday use. As for the knives I would definately go for my oldest kichen knife first because it has proved its durability and the ability to remain sharp for a long time. Actually, this very knife may even be older than myself.
I'd probably grab my USN cutlass. Leather scabbard, handy size and good hand protection. It would need a quick paint job with matt black paint due to the shiny brass fittings. I'd also have a belt knife (my Glock field knife perhaps) and a pocket folding knife.
So, worst case? Semi-Auto AK47, a CZ75 & a cutlass.
"William barged into the room, 9mm pistol in one hand, cutlass in the other: yarrrr! He shouted, lunging at the opponent in front of him while dumping the mag into the chest on one at his flank!"
@@Sk0lzky Hopefully not but it is a heck of an image if I ever write a screenplay! LOL!
I have a vintage machete, that you might interest you. It was manufactured for the British army back in the forties, but never issued. It has been used, and sharpened, has one nick in the blade, but it still had remnants of packing grease on the blade when I got it.
Well, I hadn't thought about it, but I'd take what I've got. All together that's an Albion Yeoman, and a Tod Cutler dagger, so I'd take those. I also have a hatchet a few small saws, so I'd probably grab those too (although the saws aren't for fighting). But being from the USA, I don't know how useful any of that would be, as all the aggressive people around here own guns.
The answer to your quandary is simple; get on the good-side of those armed, aggressive people.
I love the discussion about blades in a modern context. I have implemented a Basket Hilted Cutlass into my peacekeeping gear. An Officer isn't fully dressed without his sword, after all. 😎 (My practical, on-the-go, concealed choice is a dagger or Bowie.)
While I love swords, I'd hate to rely on one for self defense. Thank god that I live in the US. I have an AR for the wife and me each, carry a Sig P365 everyday, and have a Sig MPX in my backpack that goes back and forth to work with me.
While I have swords, I'd hate to have to carry my swept hilt rapier every day. An absolute PITA getting in and out of my vehicles with that dependent from my belt. ;)
Regardless of which weapon system you are using, skill is the most important aspect. My firearm skill I'd say is on par with your saber skills (You look Very Competent...)
I hope that neither of us find ourselves in a position where we need to rely on these tools, but with the Crazy that has infected the world lately, it certainly can't be ruled out.
Stay chilly, brother!
Great idea and great video!
Maybe a follow-up video on scabbards made from modern materials?
Why a lot more thought hasn't gone into scabbard design I don't know.
In my eyes this is low hanging fruit that could give greater utility without greatly more expense or time expended.
For example it would be quite easy to position metal strips or an abrasive surface at the portion of the exit facet of the scabbard to enable a light sharpen every time the sword is drawn or sheathed to and from the scabbard.
A drainage slot, that also discourages water ingress, could be added to the tip of the sheath.
The interior surface of the scabbard could be of a laminate thickness of bamboo so that moisture absorption is minimal and drawing is smooth, whilst having the outside made of leather. This would also provide a relatively flexible and non-intrusive scabbard. A couple of 4mm strips of very thin metal could be added to the out-facing surface of the scabbard to protect it from cuts and slashes whilst retaining flexibility.
Thanks for a thought provoking video Matt.
Mic Barrett
The abrasive surface wouldn’t have been possible a while ago because the stones would have been abraided away in the key area, but now that diamond honing “stones” are out there it might be. That said I don’t consider it a great idea, though perhaps honing steel there.
Tip drainage slots are common on knife sheathes already.
Bamboo laminate would be a good idea. The metal strips would probably be heavier and do less than you think for protection.
The real answer though is that there is no real demand for scabbard innovation in the world today because they aren’t used. Hell, barely any actual scabbards are even _made, and the situations those are designed for (when they aren’t either just traditional or for bare minimum function) just aren’t close to what we’re theorizing. Otherwise we could see things like steel scabbards with practical modern attachment points, internal brass inserts that hug the blade but leave the edge alone (not a problem to do really nowadays with a set pattern), blackened and quiet fittings, and some sort of wrap or coating. Hell, most of this could have been possible in the past in theory; shellac existed as a durable colored coating, attachments could have been static to avoid rattling, etc.
interesting topic! thought about this myself for quite a while....thanks!
Cover the scabbard in flex seal, it’s a durable covering, it waterproofs the scabbard, it pads the scabbard cutting down the noise and obscures the shape.
I think back scabbards (the design proposed by Shad) could be another factor. Actually having one is really rare, but it would still be fun to explore.
i'f you had to take a sword, in a modern context, something like a wakizashi, hanger/cutlass, or gladius/xiphos would probably be the most practical sword you could carry. they're all longer than the largest knives you might encounter, but small enough to not be too cumbersome. Some of them would be possible to conceal if need be. If you find your self in some unavoidable melee situation, they are all better weapons than anything your likely to encounter being used in the modern age, and the chances of running into another sword are less than the chances of you having to use a sword. if you really think that your going to be in some kind of melee take a buckler as well. also if you could get a modern kydex scabbard made for the aforementioned blades, that would probably be the best way to go.
I would love to see a scabbard made thoughtfully with modern materials. Kydex is more or less in line with a basic steel scabbard, but with improved stealth. But what about lining a scabbard with industrial nylon (particularly one of the kinds that can absorb moisture similarly to wood while remaining more stable) or teflon? Maybe built in desiccant packs in the chape and/or silicone seals at the throat. Thin nylon supporting dyneema or aramid fabric for a flexible but durable sheathe? Molle compatibility, or updated suspension systems with modern, secure quick release fittings? Sigi's recent experiments with modern tool coatings on their fencing saber hilts also opens up some interesting possibilities both for scabbard fittings and the blades themselves...
Good topic, thanks for the video.
My choice is thermoplastic. Considering the price of Kydex or Boltaron for a sword sized object, the simple PVC pipe and the heat gun makes quite decent and deffinately functional scabbard.
Good video. I'd take my kukri, my gladius, my kopesh, and my seax. Then I'd make a buckler of some kind since none of mine have any hand protection. I prefer shorter swords since they can be used in grappling ranges easier.
I acquired a WWII Manchurian-made Japanese military sword at a flea market. The scabbard was trashed and the distal 4" of blade was eaten up with corrosion. I shortened it to wakizashi length, polished and sharpened it, and made a scabbard of oak that is stout enough to serve as a deadly club, with a cord-wrapped grip.
A steel scabbard can be wrapped with both silence it and to prevent the glare. And you then have the wrapping material for other uses is needed.
A steel scabbard also makes an excellent off hand weapon or blocking device, and it's a good potentially non-lethal weapon too.
The main concern I have with steel scabbards is onse getting bent and unusable, but if that happens you can make a non-steel scabbard if needed.
i've seen some hammers that have a hollow steel handle which doesn't always seem to last well.
Cold Steels Gladius machete would be a good choice and/or a tomahawk. A spear would be handy and can double as a walking staff. A big belt knife like a bowie with a small one and a couple of pocket knives would be a good idea to have with as well. Full sized swords are cool but I wouldn't wanna have to be carrying one all the time in a SHTF situation.
I'm with you, couple of knives and a camp axe.
BK9 knife , cordura sheath with smaller knife pocket and sharpening stone, British light infantry belt axe with leather sheath, 2 .44 revolvers in leather holsters , small automatic pistol in pocket. And a few things that go 💥 .
I want that longsword! :D need one looks super elegant and cool
I have a few swords around my house of various types, but if SHTF I would go for a cold steel machete in a cordura sheeth. It's not particularly well made, not very nice, so it is not on display like other swords, but on a belt in the cupboard beside my bed. It's length is shortl enough for me to have it hanging at my waist without getting caught in things and without bothering me too much. Maybe, if I was living in another period and was used to wear a sword at my waist every day, I would'nt be as bothered to have a long object dangeling from my belt.
My biggest kitchen knife has a 14" full tang blade 19" overall. My Condor barong machete has a 14" blade 5" handle. It doesn't flex and has a leather scabbard.
I feel the most useful things to have would be a few knives of varying sizes, a small axe like a hatchet or a tomahawk, a bow and arrow, and for a sword probably a shorter, slightly curved blade that could also be used as a tool if needed like a cutlass or hanger or a falchion with a wooden scabbard.
For a steel scabbard: cut off the rings and hang it from a carabiner or such with paracord (either through the bosses the rings go through or do some fancy ropework stuff to sling it from those spots), spraypaint it flat camo color for the region and/or wrap it in strips of cloth torn from old clothing, Bob's your auntie. And you get to have your beatin' stick/offhand parry.
And of course the WWI rifle (mine's Enfield 1915) and bayonet with the original scabbard as primary/tertiary/quincenary. (Rifle, pistol, empty rifle with bayonet, saber, bayonet without rifle, 6" utility knife, pocketknife. That's a reasonable amount of things to carry, innit?)
I really need to find somebody to make drawings for a Remington 870 military-type bayonet mount (they exist, but are so rare they cost more than the gun) and a machinist to make it, and Kickstarter up a project to remake them with optional adapters to take other bayonets instead of the US M9, because the old British one is stabbier and would add quite a bit of reach to my riot gun.
I know it's been mentioned earlier but what about kydex? It's often used for knife scabbards these days. It's lightweight, stiff, weather proof and can be molded to the weapon for minimum rattle. Kydex can also be had in black, olive drab or various patterns of camouflage. The only problem might be its stiffness after the sword is drawn.
The only really combat ready edged weapon I own that I could grab in an emergency is an okatana that's been sitting in my closet for a few years. It has a wooden scabbard wrapped in waterproof nylon, of all things.
Water proofing leather is easy. There are a few commercial applications, or you can use wax. I use Boiled Linseed Oil, inside and out. Keeps the leather water proof. I recently bought the United Cutlery Combat Commander Gladiator sword/machete. 16.63 inch long blade. So just the right size to carry. And good in close quarters.
I pack 4 or 5 various sized axes in my truck. I have a tomahawk, a hatchet and several cheap "axes" in my camping kits. I carry 5 knifes of various sizes as well as a multitool in my pockets, or on my belt. I also have several bows and machetes. And last but not least I have a questionable katana and a "ninja-to". Not to mention the camping/bushcraft knives that are parts of the kits mentioned above. I have broadheads for my arrows too!
This video got me thinking/trying out a few things, now I know that:
I barely notice when I'm walking about with quite a long axe stuck through my belt, sitting down with it isn't bad either, not sure about when cycling which is my only real form of transportation :S
Bucklers are very noisy things, while wearing one even the rivets on my jeans were making it clang and clank, I think if I were to have one with me it'd have to go in my backpack but it's a lot of weight and space.
Slipping a chopping board under my hema jacket isn't as uncomfortable as it sounds.
I have handguns, rifles and a shotgun. Using those in the wrong situation might get you in more trouble than you wanted. If the SHTF, I absolutely would want a rock solid large knife on hand also. A big knife or sword can be very intimidating and does not have be used with lethal intent. I do not have any HEMA training with knives or swords so I would probably just get myself in more trouble with a sword. Although, in a close quarters situation, 10 people with swords would be very intimidating; even for someone with a gun.
Having lived in Phoenix AZ, I know how hot metal gets in the sun. Defiantly hot enough to raise a blister.
Very interesting and thorough.
I still couldn't really make my choice. But I do know that I wouldn't use a scabbard that was specifically designed to be worn in the back. They serve no practical use and are even more of a hindrance if someone is trying to sit. Their only use is to try and pretend to be cool on youtube video thumbnails :P
Just like carrying knives and pistols, kydex is the material that comes out on top. Metal scabbards have advantages, but kydex is lighter, impervious to the environment, and easy to make and make with useful features like multiple anchor points/methods, as well as have molded in 'retention' like pistol and knife holster/sheathes have.
Some Cold Steel products come with kydex scabbards/sheathes, don't they? Also, he didn't cover plastic covers of for example the M9 bayonet or many knives.
@@UH1Phil I think the closet historical material is waxed or baked rattan.... or horn. But I idk if horn was used for scabbards, just it been describe to be very similiar to plastic.
If you have the option to make your own scabbard for a sword, especially a longsword, you could make a back scabbard. Shadiversity designed one that can allow you to easily, safely, and quickly draw even a large longsword from your back. You get the benefits of a wooden scabbard, and the downsides of maneuvering with it are lessened considerably.
I'd carry some type of axe to make a tiny house and possibly fight. It would probably be a tomahawk to easily ditch the handle. I'd have >0 buck saw blades, possibly a 7 inch 1 edge fighting knife froe, and scandi knives of various thicknesses.
That's a beautiful sabre that you first showed.
Kydex is nice due to their durability, lightweight, and they don't hold water like leather.
Not a thing you can easily make yourself though if you needed a replacement
Nice blue and yellow on the shirt there. Not sure if that was intentional.
But I am glad to see a discussion on scabbard construction. It is sorely overlooked when compared to a the attention the blades and handles get. What about modern synthetic materials whether soft or hard?
I have a lot of knives, and if I could pick any sword I'd bring a short saber ir messer, but the only sharp sword I have currently that I'd bring is my United Cutlery Gladius Machete. Canvas sheath with a leather or fake leather fitting. It is a short, handy sword useful for chopping through brush but also extremely good in the thrust and close range combat.
In the immortal words of Logen Nine- fingers: "You can never have too many knives."
"I don't think anyone . . . would say, 'I've got too many knives!'" ... CHALLENGE ACCEPTED! 😁
I think steel scabbard is a good thing imo precisely because it would make my sword also a blunt weapon when it needs to be... but maybe bonking things is just my style, idk.
truth. Secured to you by frog or strap with a compression clip, so it can be removed fast with the blade. Once cleared, you have a blade in one hand, a decent blocking and bludgeoning tool in the other.
A magically oil-preserving, water-repelling, damage-repairing, enchantment-restoring, noise-damaging, blinged-to-the-nines- whenever-wanted scabbard.
I have a jian with a fiberglass scabbard. I wish more swords would do that. It may not be flexible, but it's cheap, waterproof, and virtually weightless.
I have an idea for the sword belt problem
Baldrics are pretty good for carrying around swords in place of a belt as you're able to just slide them off and hold it. I actually tested this out a few days ago when I went to the park with my family. I brought my Pentti in my baldric, getting in and out of the car was pretty easy by just sliding it off.
However there's a new problem where the baldric isn't very stable while running, so you'll always have a hand on your hip to stabilize it when moving.
So you gain the ease of getting through tight spaces and being able to easily take off the baldric, but loose the stableness of having it on a more secure point.
Thoughts?
A large crescent wrench for adjusting attitudes
Another use for a metal or wood scabbard is defensive. You can use it in your off hand to help block and parry.
wonderful video as im working on making a jacobite era dirk and in the near future id like to make a couple bowies as well and id prefer to make brass or bronze scabbards for them, but have no idea how so learning about the virtues and downfalls is great stuff
I think the most modern option would be a leather lined Kydex scabbard.
Lightweight, rigid, durable, and weatherproof, and since its lined, it can be made very minimal as the lining itself is what would hold the kydex closed, which otherwise would need to be made wider and closed with studs, negating a good deal of its advantages for the application.
Until the first time the leather gets damp… I’m a leatherworker, you can’t fully weatherproof leather.
Khukuri House are now offering Kydex scabbard with some of their models
In many years of bushcraft and country side living I concluded that 3 blades are a good choice: 1 small eating knife, 1 bushcraft/working knife and one big knife/small sword for self defense.
If feces hit the fan, I'd take my blunt hand and a half sword (that's made of 1070 steel and well done) with a sharpening stone to eventually give it a nice edge on the hitting part, and assorted survival knives I've got over years (basically, the sword for it's reach, the others primary as tools)
Another thing to consider is modern materials. I'm not sure how a kydex or similar scabbard would work for a sword, but being basically plastic it could marry durability, weight and (if done to size) noise quite well.
I have always liked the military metal scabbard. It could be a impact weapon on its own.
Although most of my blades/weapons are in storage elsewhere, I still have a not inconsiderable collection of knives and walking sticks where I currently live. And one bodice dagger (a birthday gift for the Missus).
I'm in Panama, although I don't think it is too likely that 💩will hit the fan over here. It is still an strategic tropical location. So looking back at what happened in the many years of civil wars, brigandage and guerrillas in Central America and the Caribbean between the 19th and 20th century their sword of choice was the peinilla/cutacha (also known as Cuban machete) since it is an hybrid of sword and machete. Same as the spadroon it may not specialized in any one task, but it is good enough in both. I own one antique one fairly good that is not with me at the moment and another one is bent sideways. I got the closest modern comercial version available from Marbles (made in El Salvador) which is their "sword machete". It lacks the appropiate distal taper but it is a nice and affordable thing and I already got a local-made leather scabbard for it which are easily available even in the center of the city, these traditionally hung at the shoulder, not the waist which is more traditional further south.
I have to say that in a survival-of-the-apocalypse scenario, I wouldn't choose any sword at all, unless, obviously, I had no choice (no choice means no choice!) One has to consider load-out, and unless you're a bloody great specimen in top military spec-ops shape, there's a pretty strict limit on how much you can carry. Survival isn't just about fighting, in fact, avoiding fighting in a end-of-the-world situation is by far the best survival tactic. One has to carry clothing for cold weather (assuming you live in a temperate climate...and it's not like there aren't cold places in sub-tropical climates). A couple of blankets would be smart. An extensive medical kit, probably weighing in a around five pounds; water (and the damned stuff is heavy when you're carrying a half-gallon); high energy food; a rifle, preferably with scope and a LOT of ammo for it, rhe rifle is going to weigh in at around seven or eight pounds and a hundred rounds of ammo is pretty heavy; also a pistol (I'd want to go with a pistol calibur carbine in .45ACP personally, but YMMV.) If you get much over 30 pounds total, even with a really good backpack, and as mentioned, you're not in really good shape, hauling that load for twenty miles, possibly uphill and through rough county (actually preferable if you're trying to get away from crazy humans) is a lot of work. I've backpacked with 40 pounds over two mile gradients, on a well-groomed trail, mind you, and by the time I got to the top, on a pretty hot day, I was pretty well wiped out. Sure, if attacked epinephirne would have kicked in and given me a short boost, but the fact reamains that if you only have your feet and legs to travel with, load out is cricital and every damned thing you're lugging around had better be there for a reason. In this scenario, I'd get my hands on a horse, pony, mule, donkey, llama (a great choice!) even a large dog to give me more load capacity. Wheeled vehicles? Other than an electic dirt bike (the gas ones are waaay too noisy) I'd be avoiding vehicles and roads, since that's where all you fat, lazy zombie-food types are going first.
Small (28") compound bow in bag and sling, large and small survival knife, small axe with an integrated saw are my choices. A telescopic spear/pole might prove useful (eg BMF black). Ideally, I'd go for a sidearm rather than carrying a rifle (probably an 8 shot revolver) but this is the UK. Try getting a shotgun certificate at the moment.
Body armour is a must, stab proof shirt and level 3 kevlar.
Copies of Cosmopolitan, Elle and other thick Women's magazines along with gaffer tape make an effective improvised body armour against edged/pointed hand weapons.
Already got a kailash khukuri! But also a cutlass/machete.... and keen to get a custom short sword with some falchion aspects.
I love that kukori.. so much
I make a rawhide liner with a thin leather outside for my scabbards.
Interesting. In these situations fuel is one of the first things to disappear so horses might not be entirely ridiculous, if you can ride a horse perhaps "borrowing" one before it is eaten or starves in its enclosure would be a good thing. The 1% of the population that can ride a horse and use a cavalry sword will be sorted!! At least a honking great big knife or a tomahawk would be useful in that the intimidation factor might stop a disagreement before it happened. I have one or two knives which would be awful to get out of the sheath in a hurry, definitely not made for conflict, this is something I would be taking into account sheath/scabbard wise.