Belt holder for drinking horns, daggers, axes, swords and more
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Whether it’s a drinking horn on your belt, a dagger at your hip or an axe within easy reach on a strap – belt holders form the functional backbone of any historical costume. In this category, you’ll find genuine leather holders for drinking horns, daggers, axes, swords and more – in both plain and ornate designs, for re-enactment, LARP and medieval markets. Prices range from around €10 to €50, and the range includes over 90 items from various manufacturers such as Lord of Battles, Mythrojan and Casström.
What is a belt holder? – Frogs, hangers and more explained
The terms belt holder, sword holder, frog, scabbard and belt hanger all refer to the same basic principle: a device used to attach weapons, drinking vessels or tools to a medieval belt. The terms vary depending on the era, region and intended use.
Frosch is the historical technical term for the sword or dagger holder on the belt, known since the High Middle Ages. The frosch classically consists of one or two leather loops that grip the scabbard and secure it to the belt. Gehänge refers to the entire system comprising the belt, holder and scabbard together – a term that appears primarily in historical sources from the Late Middle Ages.
An important distinction: the scabbard is the protective sheath for the blade itself – it encloses the sword or dagger and prevents accidental drawing or injury. The holder (frog) is the attachment that secures the scabbard to the belt. Both components complement each other and are necessary together for safe carrying. A sword attachment on the belt is therefore correctly called a sword frog or sword hanger, whilst the protective sheath of the sword is called a scabbard.
Material and craftsmanship: Why leather is the first choice
| Material | Suitability | Properties |
|---|---|---|
| Full-grain leather (cowhide, 3–3.3 mm) | Historical | Dimensionally stable, robust, durable – standard for dagger and axe handles |
| Vegetable-tanned leather | Reenactment | Historically accurate tanning method, skin-friendly, particularly durable |
| Black-dyed leather | LARP | Visually versatile, ideal for dark garments and fantasy looks |
| Brown natural leather | Historical | Authentic look, suits Viking and medieval costumes |
| Brass studs and rings | Historical | Period-appropriate fittings, enhances the look, corrosion-resistant |
| Steel rivets | LARP | Sturdy, affordable – ideal for intensive use in re-enactment combat |
Vegetable-tanned leather has a clear advantage over chrome-tanned varieties: it is more durable, moulds to the wearer over time and corresponds to the historical tanning techniques of the Middle Ages. For dagger scabbards, a wall thickness of 3–3.3 mm is recommended – thinner leather gives way under heavy blades and loses its dimensional stability. Embossed knots (Celtic knot patterns, Viking motifs) are not just decoration; they press the leather together at the embossed points, making the sheath stiffer. Leather care significantly extends the lifespan: dry leather is prone to tearing at rivets and loops – a regularly maintained sheath will last for many years.
Fit and sizes: How to find the right holder
The fit of a belt holder depends on several factors – the relevant dimensions vary considerably depending on the item.
Drinking horn holders: The volume of the horn is crucial, as it determines the circumference of the loop. Our range includes holders for 0.2–0.5 l, 0.5–0.7 l and 0.6–1.0 l. Adjustable models with buckles offer greater flexibility. The belt loop of the holder must also fit the width of your belt – the relevant specifications are listed in the product details.
Dagger and axe holders: Here, the sheath size and blade width are crucial. Choose between a straight carry (dagger hangs vertically) and an angled carry (dagger hangs at an angle) – the latter is historically more common and allows for quicker drawing. Holders for left- and right-handers differ in the orientation of the loop.
Sword holders: Adjustable models with straps and buckles allow for individual angle adjustment – important because the optimal carrying position varies depending on body size and clothing. The bandelier variant (shoulder strap) is particularly suitable for rapiers and swords with a narrow blade cross-section. Ring belt holders are versatile: they fit both axes and daggers with a suitable scabbard, making them a flexible solution for changing equipment.
Historical context: Belt mounts from the Early to the Late Middle Ages
Early Middle Ages & Vikings
Simple leather straps and rings were used to attach weapons to the belt. Drinking horns were worn on the belt or over the shoulder – often with a simple leather loop or a leather strap threaded through an eyelet on the horn. Functionality was the priority; ornamentation was rather rare.
High Middle Ages
The sword frog developed into a two-part hilt with a diagonal carrying style. The sword hung at an angle from the left hip, making it easier to draw. Dagger holders were worn on the left side, and the first iron and bronze fittings appeared. The frog design is well documented in illustrated manuscripts and archaeological finds from this period.
Late Middle Ages
Belt hangers become more elaborate and prestigious. Fittings made of brass and iron rivets, knotted embossing and figurative decorations become widespread. The Late Medieval belt hanger (1300–1500) is a well-documented type with characteristic proportions, designed for straps 20 mm wide or more. Wealthy burghers and the nobility used gilded or engraved versions.
Transition to the Modern Era
The bandelier, used as a shoulder strap for rapiers and swords, replaces the classic sword frog. Sword belts made of thick cowhide with a buckle system become the standard. The increasing prevalence of firearms displaces the sword as an everyday weapon – the belt hanger becomes a status symbol.
For which occasions – re-enactment, LARP or medieval market?
- Vegetable-tanned leather preferred
- Period-appropriate fastenings (rivets, no modern press studs)
- Late medieval belt hangers with correct proportions
- Colour scheme based on historical sources (natural brown, black)
- Knot embossing and brass fittings as period-appropriate details
- Function and durability are the main priorities
- Adjustable sword holders are practical when changing weapons
- Ring belt loops for flexibility with different equipment
- Decorative knot embossing available in brown, black and green
- Appearance and comfort are more important than historical accuracy
An overview of the types
Drinking horn holders
Leather loops or adjustable holders with buckles, often embossed with Celtic knot patterns or Viking motifs. Available in brown, black, green and reddish-brown. The right loop for every horn size – please note the volume specification in the product name.
Dagger & axe holders
3–3.3 mm thick cowhide leather, available for left- and right-handers. Angled models allow for quicker drawing, whilst straight designs (trapezoidal shape) are more versatile. Many models are suitable for both daggers and light axes.
Sword holders & bandeliers
Adjustable sword holders made of brown or black leather with a buckle system for individual angle adjustment. The bandelier (sword belt made of 4 mm cowhide leather) is suitable for rapiers and swords with a scabbard width of up to 7 cm. Back mount as a special solution for specific carrying styles.
Guidelines for safe use at markets and in camp
When carrying weapons on a belt, there are a few practical basic rules that are important at busy medieval markets and LARP events:
- Sharp axes: Axe holders on the belt are designed for unsharpened re-enactment axes. Always use a blade guard with sharp blades to prevent injuries.
- Sheath and holder together: The sheath protects the blade and prevents accidental drawing – the holder secures the sheath to the belt. Both are necessary for safe carrying and are not interchangeable.
- Weight distribution: Anyone combining multiple holders (e.g. dagger, drinking horn and axe at the same time) should ensure the belt is balanced. Wide belts made of thick leather distribute the weight more evenly and relieve pressure on the hips.
- Event rules: Many medieval market events and LARP conventions have their own rules regarding open blades or specific types of weapons. If in doubt, check with the organiser in advance.
From a simple leather loop for your first drinking horn to an adjustable sword holder with buckles – in this category you’ll find the right belt holders for every need and every budget. Take your time to browse and put together a belt system that suits your outfit and your era.
Frequently asked questions
Historically, the sword holder on a belt is correctly called a sword frog or sword hanger. The term ‘frog’ refers to the single or two-piece leather loop that wraps around the scabbard and secures it to the belt. ‘Hanger’ refers to the entire system comprising the belt, holder and scabbard together.
The protective cover of a sword is called a scabbard. It completely encloses the blade and prevents accidental drawing as well as injuries. The scabbard is attached to the belt via a belt holder (frog) – both are separate components that belong together.
The fit depends on the volume of your drinking horn, as the volume determines the circumference. For small horns (0.2–0.5 l), there are narrower loops; for larger horns (0.5–0.7 l or 0.6–1.0 l), correspondingly wider ones. Adjustable models with buckles are more flexible and cover a wider range. Also pay attention to the belt width, which must match the holder loop.
Many models in the range are specifically designed as dagger or axe holders and are therefore versatile. Ring belt holders with brass or steel rings work equally well for axes and daggers with a suitable scabbard. It is important that the blade and scabbard sit securely in the holder and cannot fall out.
For re-enactment, vegetable-tanned full-grain leather with period-appropriate fittings made of brass or steel is recommended. The late medieval belt hanger (1300–1500) is a well-documented type for this period. It is also important to avoid modern fastenings such as press studs and instead choose rivets and loops that correspond to historical models.