1. Are there any good books or websites for figuring out what the pros and cons of certain styles of sword and belts/baldrics/carrying mechanisms? Less historical accuracy than what's actually effective and convenient, unless it involves plastics or similar high-falutin' technowizardry. Big, huge plus for a book that would explain the basics on how to make the sword-carrying parts, although I could probably fake it off any leatherworking information I can find.
2. What problems have you ever experienced with sword-carrying? What happens if your gear is ill-fitting? (Father's gear on a grown lad, for example.) Does a sword on the hip bash you about the legs if you try to run? How about if you're just walking about? For weeks on end? Riding? Specify how big/heavy your sword is and how you were wearing it at the time, if you could!
3. In particular styles of sword-wearing, where is the sword actually putting weight? Where is it in relation to the hip bone? I found this for rapiers but not for anything else, and my characters are not the rapier-carrying type. I'm having a hard time just describing it properly for a young character who is facinated by the the older men's swords.
