View source for Scabbard

A '''scabbard''' is a [[sheath]] for a [[sword]] protecting it from both the elements and preventing the sword from damaging any object or individual with which it might otherwise interact. 

Scabbards would be constructed primarily of thin lathes of [[wood]] that would be wrapped in a covering, typically [[leather]]. [[Linen]] could also be in addition to the leather or a more expensive fabric might be used as a covering. Apart from the covering, they might have decorations in the form of end mounts or [[metal]] fittings such as [[chape]]s. They might also be lined with a material such as [[linen]] or [[sheepskin]].

They were attached to a [[baldric]] or [[belt]] in order to place them in both a convenient position and angle. Some [[14th century]] swords have additional guards that appear to have been attached to the [[crossguard]] of a sword that would help keep the weather out of the scabbard's mouth.

Records from the [[medieval]] period and later seem to indicate that when one purchased a sword a scabbard would be included as part of the price unless something very elaborate was required.

Some [[Dark Age]] scabbards have [[strap distributor]]s as part of their fittings.

===Japanese Scabbards===
In [[Japan]], scabbards were called ''saya'' and would be covered with a lacquer and would be used on many [[weapons]] such as [[spear]]s and [[glaive]]s. Saya for the [[katana]] and smaller scabbards would be tucked in the belt, whilst larger swords had mounts attached to a belt or were carried in the hand.


[[category:weapons]]