Scabbard

A scabbard is a sheath for holding a sword or other large blade. Scabbards have been made of many materials over the millennia, including leather, wood, and metals such as brass or steel. Most commonly, scabbards were worn suspended from a sword belt or shoulder belt (baldric). Some shoulder belts held the scabbard diagonally across the back (see also Koshirae).

Wooden scabbards were usually covered in fabric or leather, and leather versions also usually bore metal fittings for added protection and carrying ease. Japanese blades, however, typically have their sharp cutting edge protected by a bare wooden scabbard called a saya (鞘 pron. さや).

The metal fitting mounted where the blade enters the leather or metal scabbard is called the throat. The blade's point in leather scabbards is usually protected by a metal tip or chape, which on both leather and metal scabbards is often given further protection from wear by a drag.

Entirely metal scabbards became popular in Europe early in the 19th century and eventually superseded most other types.