Back scabbard are 0% historically accurate. We all know it, no reason trying to deny it.

They are also 0% practical effective. You can find many videos telling you so, and it's true.

But there is one little detail missing.

They are also 100% cool.

So let's try to make a back scabbard that can be *actually* be used, whether for LARP or for cosplay. Let's go!

Step 1: Basic Concept

The basic idea is pretty simple: round neodymium magnet kept in place by a square piece of thin leather.

I've used magnets with 2cm diameter and 1mm height (I've put two of them together, but you can also put more or less, depends on the thickness of the leather).

For the leather that keeps in place the magnets, you want to find a good compromise between thickness (it reduces the magnet's attraction) and the sturdiness. I've used suede leather approx 1.2mm thick.

Step 2: Sword Holder

I've made this holders for the swords. There are 4 magnets in total, in two pairs.

One fundamental detail is that the two pairs are placed with different polarity!

This will help immensely in improving their stability.

I've also made a custom piece for a two-hand sword. Loved that sword too much to leave it out.

I had a modular design in mind, so I made this with two buckles, so that I could use them on different swords / daggers. If you have concerned about safety, I would say that if in LARP combat you're hitting someone with the 4 cm of the blade above the guard... something is going horribly wrong. Nevertheless, you can substitute the buckles with shoelaces if you're really concerned or if your larp organizer won't allow them.

(I've marked the polarity as + and - to show the concept)

Step 3: Back Holder

With the same design in mind, I've made the back holder.

Remember that the polarity of the magnets has to different! This way, when the two are close, there will be no doubt about which magnet will be attracted. Being fixed in a line, it will also prevent the sword from swinging.

I've made one for single sword, and one for two swords. In this case, the polarity is inverted between the two swords - this way each sword will be attracted strongly to it's "designated" holder.

Again, I wanted this design to be pretty flexible, so I've put a lot of buckles around it (also, they definitely improve the cool factor). I've marked each extremity with alpha or beta: notice that alpha belt ends are fixed in place (3 rivets), while beta are left free to move (1 rivet).

Step 4: Lower Belt

The scabbard is made by two parts of a belt; this is the one on the "lower" part. I've put some leather bags along it; in the end they will be under the left armpit, and can be used for potions, orens, whatever.