[Ansteorra] Suitable breathing armor

[Stephanie Wilson]

I am a strong advocate of using linen for rapier armor. To elaborate on what
Sir Alexis said ...
 
Linen is stronger than trigger, therefore you need fewer layers to make
protective gear for rapier combat. In my experience, 3-4 layers of medium
weight (5.0 to 5.5 ounces per square yard; one brand name for this weight is
"Judy" linen) will pass a punch or drop test. Linen breathes better than any
synthetic fiber, including Trigger, allowing the wearer to remain cooler in
hot, humid weather. Linen also has natural antibacterial properties which
keeps it from getting that funky odor that armor tends to acquire over time.
Finally, linen was commonly used for both everyday clothing and armor prior
to the 16th century. Regardless of what the label on the bolt of fabric
advises, linen can be machine washed and dried (garments made from linen
will last longer if they are line-dried, though).
 
I can personally recommend using 3-4 layers of medium-weight linen from
www.fabrics-store.com (IL019 - 5.3 oz.) to make rapier armor. They have a
good product that is consistent in quality, their prices are reasonable,
their customer service is good, and their shipping is prompt. I have found
that linen is often available from Jo-Ann's in larger cities, but their
prices are higher and IMO the quality of the fabric in terms of tensile
strength is not as good or as consistent as that from fabrics-store.com.
 
I'll go out on a limb here and anticipate the next question, which is likely
to be, "How many layers do you need to use to make rapier armor?"
 
In my experience, the number of layers of linen required to pass a punch or
drop test varies depending on the size and strength of the threads in the
fabric as well as the evenness and tightness of the weave. A common
misconception about linen is that heavier weight linen is stronger. I have
seen two layers of 3.5 oz/yd handkerchief weight linen pass a punch test.
Conversely, I have seen four layers of 8 oz/yd canvas weight linen fail a
punch test. Often, heavier weight linen is woven from thicker threads with a
fairly loose weave, whereas medium and light weight linen tends to be woven
from thinner threads and a tighter weave.

How do you know what to use? Have your local rapier marshall punch test the
fabric you intend to use for rapier armor, or ask a reliable source for a
recommendation on vendors and fabrics. I personally have found that two
layers of 5.3 oz/yd linen from  <outbind://13/www.fabrics-store.com>
www.fabrics-store.com (IL019) will reliably pass a punch test, therefore I
use three layers of this weight of linen in my fencing hoods for an
additional margin of safety. Don't take my word for it, though -- have your
local marshall test your fabric before you make rapier armor.

Happy shopping and sewing!
 
-Anne
 
HL Anne Barrington
Barony of the Stargate
Kingdom of Ansteorra
 
 
 
Linen, as tough or tougher than trigger, breathable and period to boot.  You
aren't likely to find it at your local fabric store, but easily found
online.  Try http://fabric-store.com/
Look at the density of the weave as well as the weight, since it will affect
the puncture resistance.

Regards,
Alexis

p.s. as an extra bonus, it doesn't get as funky as cotton does with all the
repeated sweat/wash cycles that armor is subjected to.


Greetings one and all,
Since trigger is almost non available anymore, what can you recommend that
would pass armor inspection that is actually breathable and more conducive
to the heat???(note key word "breathable"? ;-)

Cheers,
Caitrin