I think leather is the answer too. The only problem being Jeff's increasing list of work. But I have waited 61 yrs I can wait a little longer.

My idea is more like a strap for back carry but longer, with one end of the strap attached at the top end of the scabbard and the other maybe half way down. A longer strap could be tossed over the head with an arm through it, so the sword would ride under the arm. I would think that in this sort of loose sling the sword could be easily moved around to dodge brush and steadied with the near hand to be drawn or sheathed with the far arm. A pad of leather could be placed on the strap as a place for the weight of the sword to rest against.