[Ansteorra] Rapier Armor Question

[Annwn Shona]

I am currently making two sets of armour for my Lord, and I was concerned
that I Would have to make it 4 or 5 layers thick, as it is a very light
weight handkercheif linen. Interestingly enough, after VERY agressive punch
testing, it was technically ok at one layer! (though I would never do that!)
So I'll likely make it two or three layers, but I was surprised and rather
impressed that it was so tough for having been such a "light" linen.

Just thought I'd share to emphasize HL Anne's point that not all light
weight fabrics are poor choices, and not all heavy ones are good choices for
armour.

-Lady Annwn


Date: Sun, 29 Mar 2009 18:59:42 -0500
From: "Stephanie Wilson" <imstephw at swbell.net>
Subject: Re: [Ansteorra] Rapier Armor Question
To: <ansteorra at lists.ansteorra.org>
Message-ID: <4BF64428AA9441FEB650E44D90A1E895 at imstephw>
Content-Type: text/plain;       charset="us-ascii"

Lady Katrine la Esclopiera asked:
> how many layers must the hood be?

According to the Ansteorra Complete Participants Handbook, January 2008
Revision, Section 3 - Rapier Combat, pp. 24-26 Protective Gear, in addition
to a fencing mask or helm, the head and neck must be covered by at least
puncture resistant material.

http://marshal.ansteorra.org/armored/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&
id=12&Itemid=26

Therefore, fencing hoods must be made of enough layers to be puncture
resistant.

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 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.

Note: A significant part of my business is making rapier armor for people in
the SCA, particularly fencing hoods. No, this isn't a plug for my business.
I'm just trying to establish my credibility as someone who has had a LOT of
linen punch tested and made a LOT of fencing hoods.

Best regards,

HL Anne Barrington
Barony of the Stargate
Kingdom of Ansteorra