[Ansteorra] Rapier Armor Question

[Chelsea Durham]

In history, there are many cultures that used linen as an under armour to avoid thrusting penetrations. The 300 Spartans for example used it under their armour. 

Curiously, tests have been run on mummies to determine if some of their damage was done while the body was still "fresh" or after it was mummified and left to sit in a tomb for 500+ years. Generally, the test run on the freshly linen wrapped body had the weapon of choice bounce off, or only penetrate a layer or two. 

The virtual cornucopia of useless information,
-Lady [Nerd] Grainne Kathleen NicPadraig MacDaniel 

Son, I never knew there was part of me missing until you were born.  
 



> Date: Mon, 30 Mar 2009 13:58:23 -0500
> From: lady.annwn at gmail.com
> To: ansteorra at lists.ansteorra.org
> Subject: Re: [Ansteorra] Rapier Armor Question
> 
> 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
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