There was also a fairly nice article on the Mongols a few months back. I can't remember the exact issue, but it Siberian Tigers on the cover.

I really think the cost of the technology would be prohibitive here. It also seems like the whole thing would be a little "buggy", and prone to problems. From the honor standpoint though, I'm for this. I don't want to take honor out of fighting, but I do want to get rid of cheaters. An honor system ...

Could anyone in the Baltimore/Washington area point me towards a good place to buy steel from? I'm going to be making CoPs and Lorica Segmentata, but I need a source for the steel. If they can cut the stuff too, even better, but not neccesary. Thanks!

Many people make a large distinction between historical evidence and archaelogical evidence. Just because someone said it existed, or painted a picture of it doesn't mean it existed. This may be a case of there being written descriptions of maille from an earlier time period without any artefacts to...

Maybe this helm is of authentic design. But I bet you that all the other knights laughed at its owner back then too!

So if my persona was from 900 C.E. Norway, and a typical viking raider, I should be wearing maille, or hiding my armor. Any suggestions for "stealth" armor that can easily be worn under typical norse garb?

What evidence is there for vikings wearing any sort of leather armor?

I saw something about these on the discovery channel one. Some university was testing their effectiveness to see if they could have been used by primitive man to take down large game (mammoths, hippos etc). They set up a big plate that was designed to stop the spear, and measure how much force there...

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">We can't make them lighter without making them too flimsy for combat unless they are welded or riveted, which is prohibitively expensive.</font> A riveted maille hauberk can be gotten for under $800 these days. I've seen stuff available for under $500 even. Whil...

I should have mentioned that I'm look for the sources too.

Does anyone know what gauge lorica segmentata was made of?

I've seen a lot written about what gauge metal to use for making armor for SCA, but are there some good sources out there for what the ACTUAL thickness of different armors were? I'm particularrly interested in scale, lamellar, and lorica segmentata. I know that there's probably a thread on this some...

Ok, I realize that you're aiming at more of a collector market, so I'll take that into account. As far as someone wanting a display piece, the stuff looks fine. I liked the padded archer jackets, though they did look a little puffy (brand new I assume). The pricing is OK. Cheaper than some of the be...

Here in Maryland they are going to make it illegal to own body armor unless you get a permit. You'd have to be a cop, or a guard or something to legally own it. If other states follow, this whole discussion is moot.

The Tower of London is a good starting point. I can't remember seeing much about the period you're interested in, but there's a good bit of stuff from the War of the Roses on.

My site is OK, but its just a personal site.

I'm not expert, but I had a couple of thoughts. Correct me if any of my assumptions are wrong. While I realize that SCA covers a large time period, I think it best to look at this issue while only considering a particular time period, such as the high middle ages in this case. Weapons used in tourna...

I'd be interested, depending on the price. I'd like to stay under $.35 a plate. 50,000 is a lot. You could make over 50 suits out of that if my calculations are right.

Russ, I'd love to see some of the evidence you are talking about for the light weight of medieval swords. It may seem really trivial to some, but I feel that constructing a weapon that accurately represents true weights and balance is key to recreating combat techniques and styles.

What sort of problem would their be getting this stuff through customs? I have a good friend that goes to germany twice a year as well as a friend stationed there in the Army. Would their be any duty taxes etc?

My trip to the museum was in vain. They are renovating and have most of theit exibits in storage. The did have a most excellent exhibition of Manet's still lifes however. I'll have to wait until October to see that scale mail.

When I was in boyscouts in the mid 80's, my troop was called "The Tower Builders". Everywhere we camped we brought along this big supply of Ironwood pole, some up to 35' long, but no more than 6" in diameter. Using nothing more than regular sisal type rope and some rebar(planted in the ground to anc...

I work for a trucking company that uses the metal strapping you are talking about. However it isn't very wide, maybe .75". I'll get an exact measurement later. As a side note, I'm going to look at a suit of scale armor at the Walters museum in Baltimore this weekend. I saw it years ago, before I was...

A couple of great things about Dagorhir: We fight a lot. Its easy to get involved. We fight a lot. We are easy going and open minded. We fight a lot. Events occur often and nearby (If you live in an area with Dagorhir). We fight a lot. If you like to fight, Dagorhir is great. Medieval/fantasy combat...

One problem with allowing gunpowder weapons in SCA events would seem to be accounting for misfires. We know that early hand guns and cannon were unreliable. They could barely hit the broadside of a barn, were slow to load, and often misfired, sometimes injuring or killing the user. How do you plan t...

I really like the idea, but I have a couple of concearns. First of all, is their a set of combat rules to go along with this? Where are they post? I get the general idea in that the combat would be more "full contact". But what exactly is meant by "counted blows". Do you keep score, first one to lan...

Ok. Should have thought of that. What about holes. Drill bit or a punch? If you say punch, how much money are we talking about?

Just a thought about the capitalism involved here...I used to sell guitars. They are used as instruments(tools) and are also prized for their artistry and collectability. Some people buy because they NEED to. They want it as cheap as possible. Others WANT to buy. They buy want they want, because the...

What should I use "smooth" the rough edges. Some of this will be used in Dagorhir, so all corners must be "penny round" and there can be no sharp edges. Thanks for the other info.

I've been making leather armor for a while, but would like to start working with metal. I'm interested in scale, lamellar and brigandine. Could some one suggest some basic tools for working with 18 gauge steel that would be needed to produce these types of armor?

Couple of points here. First, for those cash-challenged individuals, there are options. Namely plastic armor, or get involved with a foam fighting group like Dagorhir. For those of us that want "real" armor, or close to it, we have to be willing to pay the price, wait, or make it ourselves. Personal...

I am interested in one of the mild short-sleeved shirts. Since the original deadline date is passed, what is the current status on the order?