![Image](http://yeoldegaffers.com/projects/scabbard/belt1.jpg)
![Image](http://yeoldegaffers.com/projects/scabbard/belt2.jpg)
![Image](http://yeoldegaffers.com/projects/scabbard/belt3.jpg)
DBK custom scabbards lists
http://www.dbkcustomswords.com/handmadescabbard.html
- Single-belt complex integral suspension harness - specify buckle or thong
- Single-belt "The Laird" double-spiral complex integral suspension harness
- Double-belt complex integral suspension harness
- Longsword (2-point) suspension harness
- Longsword (2.5-point) suspension harness
- Longsword (3-point) suspension harness
- Strap Bridge / Slider for early "Viking" type scabbards
Then of course there are baldrics and other methods.
So I was thinking, what folks think of these different types and which is their preferred? What do you feel are the benefits of one type of suspension over another?
Certainly some suspension methods just work better for specific types of swords and you really can't choose a different one due to that. I also remembered how in a video scholagladiatoria mentioned how many folks actually regularly carried their sword in their off hand rather than strapped on their hip. Making me think how carrying a sword on your hip likely got a bit annoying and how a lot of long sword's suspension does not give quick easy on off capabilities. In ranging I can say out in the woods there are definite times you want to be able to remove your sword to go through thick brush. Or it will hang up constantly.
My VA Malatesta has a 3 point suspension which looks nice. But rarely does it seem to need more than 2 points, one always seems slack. I am not really sure the 3 point system on it is really a functional system, though it might be just this version that is less than functional other 3 point systems might be better functional systems. Not to mention the belt on it is quite thin, making it a bit uncomfortable for long term wearing. I think a lot of thin belts have come out in production swords as a way to save a little on leather costs, and due to not many people actually wearing their swords. Though it is simple enough a system to take off on put on by just unbuckling the scabbard. But then you get the jingle of the buckles quite regularly.
While I don't own other swords with other suspension, I have owned others in the past and I have tested out some friends so have some experience with other types. So far my favorite is just the single belt integral style, for simplicity and ease of use. Unbuckling it, the belt stays with the scabbard and can be wrapped around it fairly easy for storage. Only one buckle to silence, unless you have a thong style (which i have not experienced but look interesting but sort of complex) then none. Generally a reasonably thick belt which makes for a more comfortable carry on your hip. I have not had a chance to try a double belt but could see it possibly a bit more comfortable carry.
I will likely be customizing my Malatesta scabbard at some point to be a single belt integral, or if I get enough fun money ordering one from DBK.
So what about you? What is your favorite suspension? What are your thoughts on different suspension systems?