Tungo: Weapons

Unfortunately, Tolkien does not describe what weapons—if any—the Bounders were armed with in their duties. However, we do get an idea of what sorts of weapons might have been available, from this passage immediately preceding the Battle of Bywater:

“…more than a hundred sturdy hobbits were assembled with axes, and heavy hammers, and long knives, and stout staves: and a few had hunting-bows.” (RotK 312).

Additionally, Bilbo and the Four Travelers carry their swords on leather belts (sometimes under their jackets (FotR 166).

o I’m working on designing a long knife with elk antler grip that will utilize elements of knives from both the Northern European Bronze Age as well as the late 18th century American frontier.

The problem with knee breeches is there is no belt for hanging a knife! (However the hobbits do not exclusively wear breeches, and both Frodo and Bilbo are in fact often described wearing trousers and/or a belt!) (FotR 117, TTT 235).

In colder weather I do wear a wool long-sleeved jacket belted around me, which allows for a belt knife.

Remember that Sam kept a small knife handy for cleaning rabbits! (TTT 292)

Generally, when out beating the Bounds I carry a five-foot long “stout stave” of ash: