Scabbard (container for bladed weapons)
A scabbard is a container for a sharp tool or a bladed weapon . The purpose of a sheath is to prevent undesirable effects of the sharp parts of the tool or weapon (e.g. injuries to people or animals or damage to the environment during storage or transport). Another main benefit is the protection of the object from environmental influences that can lead to damage such as rust. There is also a decorative or representative aspect of the scabbard as part of clothing or a ceremonial weapon. A well-known historical example is the scabbard of the imperial sword .
A variety of usually tough materials such as wood, leather, plastic, various textiles and metals are used in the manufacture of sheaths. Often loops, ribbons, rings or eyelets are provided with which the container can be attached to clothing or another object. A popular way of carrying is to attach it to the waistband of the waistband. In the past, the scabbard of larger bladed weapons often included a carrying structure (carrying strap), some of which was firmly attached to the container. The usual ways of carrying were around the waist or shoulder.
With modern knife sheaths there is often a device (belt, clip, etc.) to prevent the knife from slipping out unintentionally, by means of which the knife can be fixed in the inserted state.
Historical sheaths
In the Middle Ages, people used wood that was wrapped in leather or fabric, or leather that was reinforced with metal parts. The inside of the scabbard was lined with fur, which had several functions: On the one hand, an oiled or greasy fur moistened the sword every time the sword was inserted, and over time a film of oil or grease formed, which protected the sword and repeatedly wetted. On the other hand, the sword was fixed in the sheath by the skin.
Metal parts at the entry point of the blade ( scabbard mouth plate ) served to prevent damage to the scabbard. A metal reinforcement around the tip of the vagina ( chape ) prevented abrasion or destruction of the end of the vagina through contact with the ground (e.g. when parking, walking upstairs).
A peculiarity of the Middle Ages is the girdle of the sword scabbard. The straps of the scabbard could not be closed with buckles, but with a simple loop knot, which could be opened immediately by a jerk at the end of the loop. The reason for this was that a fighter who was fully armed could drop the scabbard even in the middle of a fight without using both hands or losing much time. This was necessary because the wooden construction makes the scabbard rigid and it can be very cumbersome when fighting, especially when dismounted.
In the 19th century, scabbards made entirely of metal were popular, although this quickly dulled the blade of the contained weapon .
The sheath of the Japanese katana is called a saya . It is part of the Japanese sword outfit Koshirae .
