5avan10 Report post Posted February 2, 2013 Has anyone had any experience making a sword baldric? I'm interested in making one in the cavalier style, perhaps something along the lines of this general form (not necessarily the exact same finish and details): http://nyghtcraft.com/gallery/pirate-leatharrr/pirate-baldrics/baldric-burgundy-2/ I'm not terribly experienced in leatherworking, but I have started dabbling in it and I'm in need of a baldric, but I can't find information on how to make one anywhere; I'm especially in need of measurements, patterns, or anything like that. I want to make it so that it can attach to a waist belt to hold it in place, and a secondary chest strap would not be a bad thing either. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
David8386 Report post Posted February 2, 2013 Looking at the image you supplied it doesn't look like it would be that difficult to make. It is basically a belt with a sword frog attached to it. If your sheath has a hook on it you just need a slot for it to catch it and hold it. If it has a ring or dee on it use straps to hold it. I have never made one like that but I would just break it down into smaller sections and get your sword sheath out figure out where you want it to ride and how you want to attach it to the belt. Get it down on a paper or cloth pattern for your basic measurement and then fine tune it and make it as fancy or plain as you want. Hope this helps David Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
5avan10 Report post Posted February 4, 2013 Thanks, David! I have an extensive history in art, so I'm pretty confident when it comes to the embellishing and tooling, but I have no experience at all with garment making or anything of that sort. As such, I'm nervous about wasting a lot of nice leather trying to fudge it. I guess I should just try making something out of cloth beforehand to get the approximate fit. I am probably expecting too much if I hope for my first attempt to be perfect anyway! I would like the baldric to be useable with a variety of swords and scabbards, from an epee to a cutlass. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
St8LineGunsmith Report post Posted February 4, 2013 looks like a relatively simple project. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Logans Leather Report post Posted February 6, 2013 I have a question: Not to sound terribly uppity, but do you really want to make a "baldric" that looks like this, or would you prefer to make one that more closely resembles a baldric that was actually worn at some point in history? This piece screams: "Pirate festival participant!" to me. I have made numerous baldrics and sword belts, and would be happy to help you come up with a more accurate design and assist you in getting historically correct buckles and hardware if you like. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
5avan10 Report post Posted February 6, 2013 You are right on the money. I want to make one that is period, particularly in the early Cavalier period (early 1600s actually), but I don't know the first thing about baldric styling. The image linked is not at all the actual design I’m wanting to make, but was just meant to give the basic idea; i.e. a large leather shoulder strap with a frog attached, having straps that are adjustable for use with different swords. I would prefer it to also include an actual belt in the design as well (I couldn’t find a picture of this, but I'm sure you know what I mean). My goal is nothing as colorful or flamboyant as the image I linked to; a bit of tooling, but nothing terribly fancy, and probably stained all the same color (simple brown or black). Historical accuracy is definitely a goal, but it doesn't have to hold up to close scrutiny. I actually do happen to dress in pirate regalia from time to time, but its main purpose will be for both fencing and SCA use. I would very much appreciate any help I can get! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
St8LineGunsmith Report post Posted February 7, 2013 I have a question: Not to sound terribly uppity, but do you really want to make a "baldric" that looks like this, or would you prefer to make one that more closely resembles a baldric that was actually worn at some point in history? This piece screams: "Pirate festival participant!" to me. I have made numerous baldrics and sword belts, and would be happy to help you come up with a more accurate design and assist you in getting historically correct buckles and hardware if you like. I would like to see some period accurate designs and where to buy buckles and hardware also. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Logans Leather Report post Posted February 13, 2013 OK, I will try to get some pics and patterns of accurate designs posted in the next few days. I will post some links for good, period-correct buckles as well. PM me if I forget. Sleepy time now Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Destrier Report post Posted February 22, 2013 Also very interested in historically accurate designs and hardware! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Logans Leather Report post Posted February 22, 2013 One source for a fairy good pattern actually is the Jack Sparrow costume kit for kids. The straps are plastic of course, as are the buckles, but they are the proper width, so all you need to do is modify the length. I would assemble it by sewing/stitching, rather than rivets though. That one is a fixed frog design though. Only built for one size of sword scabbard. I will post pics of adjustable ones soon. Sooo many projects going at the moment. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
clc02f Report post Posted February 19, 2015 I am also making a baldric, and looking for a similar time period style for a rapier. I think I have a idea on the pattern I want to use but can not find a good source for buckles. Any help would be greatly appreciated, also never hurts to see some other designs! Thanks! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
