[Bryn-gwlad] Quick & (mostly) Cheap Armor...

[Bethany]

If we're talking gauge, thicker than 14 means we'd be going down to 12 & 10,
right?

I got the thing on gloves straight from the "Complete Participant's
Handbook",
http://marshal.ansteorra.org/handbook/Complete%20Participant%27s%20Handbook%20-%20May%202007%20Version.pdf-
are there other changes that I should be aware of or is there a more
recent edition out?

As for padding...I have a quilt that ticked me off. I can just remove the
backing, fold it in on itself, and use it. :-)

Thanks,
Alasa

On 8/2/07, Marlin and Amanda Stout <ldcharles at sbcglobal.net> wrote:
>
> Bethany wrote:
>
> > I think what I'm required to have is:
> > 1. Helm - I looked on e-bay, but I don't know enough about them to
> > know what I should be getting and what they're worth - all I really
> > know is I need a legal one and want one that's as open as legal.
>
> Helms must be 14 gauge steel or thicker. Period. Personally, I dislike
> buying a helm online, but I know others have had good results with it.
> Be careful with E-bay though, make sure what your seller's return policy
> is if the helm won't pass muster. A good rule, IMO, would be "If they
> don't take returns they don't get my money."
>
> Also, do a Google search for "SCA armor", and you'll likely get a bunch
> of merchants who sell combat legal helms. Just be sure they are
> described as 14-gauge steel.
>
> > 2. Gorget
> > 3. Kidney belt
>
> A standard weight belt can work for this, so long as it covers from the
> top of the hipbones to over the short ribs.
>
> > 4. Groin protection - already purchased.
> > 5. Gauntlets - for siege - ice hockey gloves with the fingers cut off
> > or equivalent, I figure I can buy those at Academy.
>
> DO NOT buy hockey gloves, they are NOT legal in this Kingdom, or many
> others. There are numerous places where you can buy a set of inexpensive
> metal or leather half-gauntlets, then wear gloves under them. This is
> the required hand protection for missile combatants (archery or siege).
> If you make weapons and shield for self-defense, make sure they have
> basket hilts and that you can get them on in a hurry.
>
> > 6. Arms
>
> From elbow to wrist must be covered, but this can all be leather ,
> metal, or even heavy plastic.
>
> > 7. Legs - should be working on these next Thursday, hopefully.
>
> All that's required is knee protection, but it's up to you how many
> bruises you'll accept on the thighs. One option, if you have access to a
> heavy sewing machine, would be to make padded thigh protection and fix
> the knees to it. If you can get a cheap moving blanket it'll be a decent
> source of padding.
>
> > 8. Chest protection (optional, but I will eventually want some)
>
> Again, a moving blanket can provide an interim solution, with your
> kidney belt either over or under it. It will be hot to wear, as moving
> blankets don't breathe, but one blanket might suffice for body and
> thighs. You could even use some of it to pad your arm protection if you
> wish. You could even attach metal rings or plates to it, I've seen some
> fighters use 2- or 3-inch diameter steel washers to stiffen their coats.
> Just sew them on, and there you are.
>
> For cheap materials, you may be able to get old road signs from the city
> street department. They're aluminum, so you can't make a helm out of
> them, but they would be legal for almost anything else. If you do the
> moving blankets as suggested above you can cover a lot for a few $$.
>
> Don't forget to allow for strap leather and buckles to attach it all
> with. The Tandy (or whatever it's called this month) near Capital Plaza
> usually has a good selection, as well as rivets to attach them with and
> tools for cutting and punching holes in leather.
>
> Hope this is helpful.
>
> Charles
>
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