[Ansteorra] Suitable breathing armor

[Miss M Brow]

How big a piece of linen is needed for this punch test?  I am wondering about the surface area, square inches?  Rua
 
> From: imstephw at swbell.net
> To: ansteorra at lists.ansteorra.org
> Date: Tue, 16 Jun 2009 10:58:11 -0500
> Subject: Re: [Ansteorra] Suitable breathing armor
> 
> 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
> 
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