What's the purpose of this odd sheath?

[SimplyMinded]

I found this on another forum and they're stumped too. I know it's a gaucho knife but what's with this odd sheath setup?

 

[MolokaiRider]

Wild guess.

Helps prevent rubbing on the horse rider's back.

 

[Centermass]

You mean with the traditionally slung JBL Bluetooth speaker?

 

[TC]

He can draw across his back without cutting himself. (?)

 

[eveled]

It almost looks like it could be worn with the leather square inside your shirt. It would help with being stabbed almost like an armor plate?

Or maybe its a document holder?

 

[shane45-1911]

Most likely for comfort. Fixed blades on a belt can be uncomfortable when in saddle, if it is a longish blade.

 

[pholder]

Bullet proof vest?

 

[Danke42]

Look at his beard. That's a portable charcuterie board.

 

[beeinak]

Wild guess.

Helps prevent rubbing on the horse rider's back.

This. If you notice the small flap at the front it is to tuck (or allow from sliding) at a belt, so you can wear it in multiple places along a belt or pants. Riding a horse other than a Paso Fino is pretty bumpy at times so it prevents rubbing/gouging while also keeping it clear of material to make access easy.

 

[Arathol]

That ain't no horse...............

 

[MolokaiRider]

This. If you notice the small flap at the front it is to tuck (or allow from sliding) at a belt, so you can wear it in multiple places along a belt or pants. Riding a horse other than a Paso Fino is pretty bumpy at times so it prevents rubbing/gouging while also keeping it clear of material to make access easy.

That's what I was thinking. Whenever I ride a horse or mule, it can get pretty uncomfortable if you have things hanging off your body or stuff in your pockets.

Having a handle of knife banging around or sliding across your back would hurt after a bit of riding.

I used to have Tennessee Walkers, and I can tell ya when they are trotting it can get pretty bumpy.

 

[Alberta Ed]

Looks like it could be a piece of saddlery, similar to a rifle scabbard that attaches to the saddle or harness. For whatever reason he's tucked it into his belt.

 

[tltt]

He can draw across his back without cutting himself. (?)

My thought too, the width and height of that protective plate on the sheath tends to get taller and wider as the knives get bigger. The knife looks like a cuchilla type or perhaps a chef style of lobster splitter length and width, say 9"+ blade, 2 1/2" - 3" wide. Also the knife gets stuck lots of places - behind the back, on the side of the horse, etc.....

Granted this is a odd example.

 

[The Aflac Duck]

That ain't no horse...............

What an ass

 

[Triton]

Obviously can also be used as a fly swatter...

 

[220-9er]

Goes with the rest of the outfit.

 

[DMG]

EDC cutting board

 

[David From NC]

Juan Valdez

 

[mobilerd]

Look at his beard. That's a portable charcuterie board.

Hilarious!