Sword Scabbards

Details

Stop your training sword getting bent and damaged... buy a scabbard!

- Lacquered Wood
- Metal tip and throat for stability and durability
- Suitable for standard Training swords
- Will easily fit into any standard sword bag
- Dao Scabbard Inscribed with the Chinese characters “中华武术花刀” meaning Chinese Wushu Flower Dao
- Available in 3 sizes to accommodate most training sword lengths. 

When selecting the scabbard please use the following to help you make the right choice:

Straight Sword (Jian) Scabbard

Broadsword (Dao) Scabbard

More About Sword Scabbards

Scabbards have always been a vital piece of equipment when carrying a live blade. They provide fixings to carry the sword around your waist or on your back, at the same time preventing you from being injured or from damaging your weapon. Obviously, for the modern-day martial artist we won’t be carrying our swords around our waists, nor will they be honed. Nevertheless, they do get easily damaged or bent in a weapons bag.

Traditionally scabbards were made out of all sorts of materials including wood, leather, metal, bone and horn. However, for practical use, lightweight wood was a popular choice as it didn’t add to a foot traveller’s burden while providing gentle support for the blade so it wouldn’t get damaged being drawn in and out of the holder. The design of scabbards was critical as they had to cradle the blade without actually making contact with the sharpened edge lest the edge be damaged or the scabbard quickly destroyed. In addition, the throat of the scabbard had to be designed for a neat fit; not so tight as to prevent the user from extracting the sword quickly, nor so loose as to allow the sword to fall out. The throat was usually made of a stronger material due to it coming into contact with the tip and honed edges of the blade. It was also demountable, as it was expected that it would need to be replaced periodically. The wooden scabbards were usually lacquered or oiled to help protect them against the elements.

Obviously, for ceremonial purposes, or for the elite, scabbards became part of their costume. A symbol of their wealth, their status and success. At which point, the basic practicalities of travelling with the sword took second place to adornment. This is where the magnificent scabbard designs can be found. Made of exotic and beautiful materials, carved and engraved with images unique to the owner, embedded with semi-precious stones such as turquoise or detailed with intricate cloisonné work, nothing was off limits.

Whether you choose to honour your sword in a humble or regal way, remember that you should always respect it as an extension of your practice and dedication to the Chinese Martial Arts.