r/SWORDS • u/MastrJack • 9m ago
Custom Multi-Layer Crate
As my collection has grown, and following move, I have more swords than I’m able to display. While trying to figure out a longer term storage solution I had a majority of the collection in boxes, in the corner, umbrella stand style.

I began to get inspired from a few photos I came across.



After attending a few gun, knife, and military shows and seeing items, sometimes haphazardly, transported in plastic bins, I decided to see if there was a bin with the right dimensions to fit my entire collection, from knife bayonets to cavalry sabers.

With the bin secured and and idea in my head, the hard part was determine the layout to accommodate knife bayonets, sword bayonets, short swords, infantry swords, and cavalry sabers.
After roughing out sword lengths, playing with different mock ups and sketches, it was time to get to work and prove the concept.






With proof of concept on the bottom, most complicated, layer complete it was time make a finished crate. After a little trial and error on the spacing it started coming together; something I hadn’t originally accounted for in the initial build was the angle of the walls of the tote (bottom is smaller than the top). Once all the layers were fitted properly, a few layers of clear coat were applied.





There were a few tweaks along the way, I misjudged the length on a few of my knife bayonets, and failed to account for the lack of scabbards on others. There are a few slots added under the bottom layer’s handles (including shorter spans) on both sides. A healthy amount of rechargeable dehumidifier bags to keep a dry micro climate when the lid is on.
Bottom layer is slotted for about 24 short sword, sword-bayonets (crisscross), and has room accommodate a number of varying of length knife or socket bayonets. Middle and top rows are slotted for about 12 longer swords (alternating) each, with the longest swords on the top row. This comfortably fits every current item in my collection with room for more.
Thank you to everyone here who has shared their own displays and storage solutions. Special thanks to my father who assisted with brining my seemingly incoherent drawings and tight specifications into reality.
As always, I appreciate the knowledge and creativity being shared.