Questions about the forging of a pugio and a balteus

[M. Demetrius]

Well, Matt, there's no reason. On the one I made, after attaching the apron, leaving space for the pugio, and what I thought was enough space for the gladius and its strap, the buckle ended around back where I couldn't see to fasten myself in without help. I didn't like that, so asked the bonehead question about where other people put theirs. AFAIK there's no clear rule or practice.

Between the apron and the pugio frog is a good spot for it, and it lets the shiny brass buckle show, too. So it's ok, bueno, good. Plus, a fellow can dress himself. You know how it is around the campfire late at night..."Yeah, he can't even put on his balteus by himself. You know what THAT means...." And everyone nods and stares at you. Not pretty.[/i]