Use forum resources such as Modern Chivalry, myArmoury, and Armour Archive as secondary or tertiary sources. Explore posts that reference, and link, to primary sources. Much is said on public forums without citation. Look up those primary citations, read them for yourself, and make an informed decision.
Discussions regarding the “sword on the back” thing are easy to locate using the various forum search functions. Read the posts that provide solid, documented, information. I’m afraid that a “sword on the back” will not provide you with an acceptable draw, nor will it be easily documentable (beyond simply carrying the weapon from point A to point B).
Historical accuracy usually breaks down along the lines of (from highest to lowest):
Living History groups – Highly documented kits.
SCA – Accuracy is all over the place from low to mid to living history level.
Renaissance Festival – Accuracy is all over the place with most in the low to mid accuracy levels, a few will be highly accurate.
LARP – Accuracy is generally low with a few exceptions.
These are very basic, generalized statements (notice - no citations
). All this only matters if you want a historically accurate kit. If not, then knock yourself out, have fun, and be happy! That’s what truly matters.
In the end, of course, you will choose the one, true century – 14th!
