Deos anybody know how to carry a sword on a bike?
12-06-09, 04:01 PM
#1
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Deos anybody know how to carry a sword on a bike?
I'm studying Enbukan (it's a school of Japanese sword technique) and I'm trying to figure out a way to carry a long steel katana in a wooden sheath so I can ride my bike to practice. Has anyone ever done this?
I'm concerned about all the ways this could go terribly wrong and injure me or someone else, damage the bike, or (most likely) ruin the sword.
The obvious solution is to rig something up with bungee cords, but this is a long and delicate piece of equipment. It's curved, so I can't strap it to the frame or the tube. If I lay it across my rack, it sticks out about a couple of feet on both sides. If I strap it to the side of my pannier it either drags on the ground or pokes me in the back.
I've carried it on my back for short rides to the park, but if I ride the full 10 miles to class, it's going to be soggy with sweat (bad for the wood) and so am I.
This isn't the same kind of sword that samurai used to carry on horseback. It's more of a walk-around-the-village style that's meant to come in and out of the belt quickly, which means it tends to fall out if your legs are really active.
Any suggestions?
I'm concerned about all the ways this could go terribly wrong and injure me or someone else, damage the bike, or (most likely) ruin the sword.
The obvious solution is to rig something up with bungee cords, but this is a long and delicate piece of equipment. It's curved, so I can't strap it to the frame or the tube. If I lay it across my rack, it sticks out about a couple of feet on both sides. If I strap it to the side of my pannier it either drags on the ground or pokes me in the back.
I've carried it on my back for short rides to the park, but if I ride the full 10 miles to class, it's going to be soggy with sweat (bad for the wood) and so am I.
This isn't the same kind of sword that samurai used to carry on horseback. It's more of a walk-around-the-village style that's meant to come in and out of the belt quickly, which means it tends to fall out if your legs are really active.
Any suggestions?
12-06-09, 04:06 PM
#2
Cycle Year Round
Assuming you have a diamond frame bike, tie it to the top tube and side of the head tube using rope or para cord, with the tip pointed away from you. Put the tip in a small block of wood or leather. Do not hit anyone with your bike.
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12-06-09, 06:10 PM
#3
Senior Member
sling the scabbard across your back?
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12-06-09, 08:05 PM
#7
Bike ≠ Car ≠ Ped.
My first thought would be to get a case for pool cues, but those aren't terribly long -- they're made for two-piece cues. You'd have to empty the interior, too. If your katana is short enough, it'd be perfect.
What about a poster tube?
https://tranzporter.com/Poster-Tubes-6-42.asp
Or a kite bag? This is the first that popped up, but there are others:
https://www.prismkites.com/parts.html
What about a poster tube?
https://tranzporter.com/Poster-Tubes-6-42.asp
Or a kite bag? This is the first that popped up, but there are others:
https://www.prismkites.com/parts.html
12-06-09, 08:10 PM
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i'd say this is your best option since carrying it on your back is the easiest way. You could tie it to the top tube with the sharp end pointed to the front and go jousting.
12-07-09, 01:00 AM
#9
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What part of LA? There's parts that I think carrying a sword might get you attacked- then there's other parts that I think you'd be given a wide berth. Ask your instructor, too, about carrying bladed weapons on a vehicle.
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12-07-09, 06:13 AM
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I've seen a design using PVC pipe attached to the rear of the bike that is used to transport fishing rods. A similar design should work for you. google it and see what ideas come up. I don't have the link anymore.
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12-07-09, 07:26 AM
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Why do I have a feeling that we'll be seeing a post from Jacobino soon that starts out with "So I got pulled over by the police today..." 
12-07-09, 07:41 AM
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You could do what my bicycling window cleaner in England did. He had a little sidecar on his bicycle to which he lashed his ladder.
12-07-09, 09:18 AM
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You might cross-post this to the Utility subforum. Those folks have a lot of experience in carrying oddly shaped stuff via bicycle.
12-07-09, 11:05 AM
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A good friend of mine is a fencer and she routinely bikes to practice with a sword. I emailed her this thread and this was her reply:
"make a canvas/denim carrier case embedded into a backpack, and sling
over the back diagonally"
JasonE
"make a canvas/denim carrier case embedded into a backpack, and sling
over the back diagonally"
JasonE
12-07-09, 12:54 PM
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Maybe something vertical?
Like bike-bags that go on either side of your rear wheel, have it going up from something like that.
Like bike-bags that go on either side of your rear wheel, have it going up from something like that.
12-07-09, 01:26 PM
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I used various methods to carry my polo mallets before I figured out the easiest way was to just strap them to my toptube with velcro straps.
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12-07-09, 02:25 PM
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You want one of those big plastic tubes that are used to carry around blueprint and artwork. Much lighter than something homemade and the good ones will have a strap long enough to go over your shoulder or strap to the accessory loops of your backpack. If you know any architects, engineers, geologists or print artists, it may even be possible to get a used one in good condition for cheap or even free.
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12-07-09, 04:03 PM
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or just switch to somethin a little more practical like say eskrima and save yourself the trouble lol I kid I kid
12-07-09, 05:33 PM
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I study at a fencing school; most folk seem to favour using some kind of musical instrument bag that slings over the back. There are also specific bags meant to hold a mask and sword.
12-07-09, 05:43 PM
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I've ridden with a 5 foot zwiehander. A little ol' katana doesn't sound like too much. 
Back sheath style works best. Secure the sword to the scabbard with a peace-bond first. Then wrap it in cloth and use a cord tied around it at two points to make the sling.
Check the weapons laws where you live. You might have problems with blades over a certain length. If so, a bag such as for fencing or archery equipment might be best.
Back sheath style works best. Secure the sword to the scabbard with a peace-bond first. Then wrap it in cloth and use a cord tied around it at two points to make the sling.
Check the weapons laws where you live. You might have problems with blades over a certain length. If so, a bag such as for fencing or archery equipment might be best.
Last edited by cc_rider; 12-07-09 at 05:47 PM.
12-07-09, 07:29 PM
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A taser would be easier to transport.
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12-07-09, 07:46 PM
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"I'm trying to figure out a way to carry a long steel katana in a wooden sheath so I can ride my bike to practice."
Any way you want to, bro. I don't think anyone will say anything about it.
Any way you want to, bro. I don't think anyone will say anything about it.
12-07-09, 08:00 PM
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Bike ≠ Car ≠ Ped.
12-07-09, 08:53 PM
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