The Armour Archive

Thomas MacFinn

I wish I had seen this thread earlier. Since I started making these for Eirik and selling them independently I have been using the terms 'waster' and 'baton' to differentiate between the two types of rattan sword in use, and some other people have started using the same terms. If you want to search ...

Thomas MacFinn

Tape is the standard; however plain round 1 1/4" rattan rods with a rigid hand-cage are also the norm. Learn the norm but don't be afraid to make improvements once you understand the 'whys' behind the norm. I do.

Thomas MacFinn

11. Rattan shall not be treated in any way that will substantially reduce its flexibility (e.g., treated with wax, resin, fiberglass, etc.).

Thomas MacFinn

Is there a requirement in the SCA to cover the rattan with tape? Coming from games that use latex, Plastidip, or even cloth, the tape looks.... unfortunate. Tape is most common. Here is what the rules actually say: 5. All weapons shall have all cutting edges and thrusting tips marked in a contrasti...

Thomas MacFinn

Glaukos the Athenian wrote:... precious...

That's a really hard price to get anyone to pay.

Thomas MacFinn

single piece of rattan with stained rattan handle
1 lb 0.8 oz
24" overall
16" blade (including thrusting tip)
2 1/8" at widest point of blade, 2" at base of blade, 2 1/4" pommel
balances at the narrowest part of the blade

Thomas MacFinn

Scott wrote:Nice shaving bench!

Can you post the plans for it?

Thanks,
- Scott

http://countryworkshops.org/shavingmule.html

Thomas MacFinn

Another waster prototype. I haven't decided on a price for this yet. Make me an offer. http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6173/6173750570_db3e92ef94_d.jpg http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6170/6173224177_85311f15cb_d.jpg http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6176/6173224677_b62a8b907c_d.jpg http://farm7.static.f...

Thomas MacFinn

If you have placed an order at foxknife.com and I haven't sent you an email in reply, I didn't get it. Please email me directly at dan.mackison@pobox.com

All it takes is one guy to say 'I put in an order today' and nothing come across for me to get VERY nervous.

Thomas MacFinn

Max weight seems to be the biggest factor on price

30 lbs, $57.54
http://www.walmart.com/ip/United-States ... e/13247226

6.6 lb, $17.97
http://www.walmart.com/ip/The-Biggest-L ... y/11090896

Thomas MacFinn

If this is for SCA use:

http://foxknife.com

Thomas MacFinn

Since this is still sitting around my shop, I'm knocking the price down to $65 (an additional $10 off).

Edit: While I'm at it, I'm going to knock $10 off the price of all greatswords at http://foxknife.com from now until Oct 31st.

Thomas MacFinn

By the way, if you have inquired about pricing on a specific order, I have not started on it if I have not been paid. In every case where I have started early, the other party either changed their mind or altered their order. It is very hard to make a piece of rattan a couple inches longer after you...

Thomas MacFinn

Once upon a time, I complained about how long it took me to get something from Sir Vitus. I didn't get my stuff any faster and all I accomplished was to piss us both off.

I try to be more stoic now.

Thomas MacFinn

http://foxknife.com/ has been updated to include the new tsuba designs and my new katana shape (under "design your own waster").

Thomas MacFinn

herrhauptmann wrote:Well, I'm single currently, and the type of girls I tend to date would not be interested in going to a tourney to watch me fight and get beat. So I don't have someone to 'inspire' me in the traditional sense.

Salute the water-bearer.

Thomas MacFinn

Does this little guide help?

http://www.myarmoury.com/feature_oakeshott2.html

Thomas MacFinn

Jamie was speaking very recently about internet access at Pennsic. Try and put an order in: what could it hurt? I know Eric is mailing me a couple sticks to me on Monday from the Pennsic grounds.

Thomas MacFinn

Both?

Thomas MacFinn

If my opponent was so intimidated that he could break his concentration long enough to salute me, I think I would be flattered instead of insulted. A slap to the shield isn't a rude salute. It is an "I'm ready", nothing more or less. On the first few rounds of a tourney, I always make eye ...

Thomas MacFinn

I'd suggest going one step farther and add points to the sweat shirt. With it pointed down, it may shift around less. Also, if you can find a sweatshirt in a nice, natural linen; other fighters have reported some excellent properties from linen with regards to sweat.

Thomas MacFinn

Another option was developed by our local mad scientist. Cut a wedge out of the center of the rattan with the wide part at the tip and the point near the hilt. Tape tightly and the sides come together with the skin still on both edges. No glue. If I was in the mood to go looking, could find a threa...

Thomas MacFinn

Rook, check your private messages. I sent you one a while ago which is still unread.

Thomas MacFinn

Some people may find this thread interesting:

viewtopic.php?t=127780

Thomas MacFinn

I'm going to retract my previous statement. I overlooked a few things, and since then the poster has gone down avenues I no longer agree with. Let me be the first (or at least the most recent) to say that anybody who agrees with everything I say is wrong. I am not an expert and often don't know wha...

Thomas MacFinn

On a third look, I don't see leg armor at all. Is there more to this picture? a page 2 or wider view?

Thomas MacFinn

Galfrid atte grene wrote:I believe the red and gold item is either covered breastplate with faulds or a corrazine-type armour - a top layer.

On second glance, I see you are probably right. Sorry.

However, I believe that mistake does not invalidate anything I said in the prior post.

Thomas MacFinn

Here's my favorite arming coat image (1380-1385, Italy): http://manuscriptminiatures.com/static/miniatures/cache/miniatures/original/2-22_gallery.jpg Thank you. The pourpoint is even a nice bright red even though the shirt under the armor is white. The storyteller in me is imagining "That's no...

Thomas MacFinn

This story is not fiction; I was there. I once attended an event with a newcomer who was wearing a paisley shirt to his very first event. A stranger walked up to us. Stranger: "You know, that shirt is not period." Me: "Paisley is certainly period." Stranger: "But only as emb...

Thomas MacFinn

I just have to in put that from a history perspective there is no evidence, at least that I have seen, for the vest style arming garment. I am starting to think you are right James. Since it is impossible for newcomers to satisfy everybody when making an attempt at period gear, why bother? If that ...

Thomas MacFinn

Everybody bring an extra pair of clean dark socks to Pennsic. Give them away to those that need them.

Thomas MacFinn

I'd suggest contacting your kingdom earl marshal to get his okay. They have the power to okay specific weapons without rewriting the rulebook, even if the local marshals want to say that split rattan weapon rules only apply to polearms, all pole arms must be four feet long, yada yada ... The trick i...

Thomas MacFinn

I have some chicago screws for field repair, but they are never quite the right post length. I second (third? fourth?) the rivet suggestion.

Thomas MacFinn

His device, not mine. Other than suggesting his red rose be white and other technical stuff, I try to stay as hands off as possible. Sable three shakeforks Or. Stylish, Simple, striking, and Plausibly medieval. It should fly through registration too. I thought this was inspired, and strongly suggest...

Thomas MacFinn

Sigismund von Helfenstein wrote:Huzzah for information!

One final query, will I look like a boob using an arming coat with splinted limb defenses? my only plate is on elbows/knees.

You mean like this?

Re: Making an effective and cool-looking BASTARD sword threa

Re: Sting / Rattan Greek Hoplite Long Knife

Re: Sting / Rattan Greek Hoplite Long Knife

Re: Sting / Rattan Greek Hoplite Long Knife

Re: Sting / Rattan Greek Hoplite Long Knife

Re: Sting / Rattan Greek Hoplite Long Knife

Re: Sting / Rattan Greek Hoplite Long Knife

Sting / Mainz Gladius SOLD

Foxknife.com

Re: Shipping Preferences: USPS Tracking

Re: japanese gear.

Re: Rattan Waster

Re: Rattan Katana

Re: Newest Atzinger Progress Thread

Rattan Katana

Re: "Rude" Salutes

Re: Oakeshott Sword types for the mid 14th century

Re: WTB By My Hand 1 Piece Sword Hilt

Re: Arming Coat Construction - Troubleshooting Help?

Re: Rude Salutes

Re: Wearing maille without a gambeson...

Re: Non-laminated sword blades for SCA combat.

Re: SCA gladius

Re: Newbie armor: Arming coats

Re: Newbie armor: Arming coats

Re: Newbie armor: Arming coats

Re: Newbie armor: Arming coats

Re: Newbie armor: Arming coats

Re: Newbie armor: Arming coats

Re: Newbie armor: Arming coats

Re: Pennsic: A photographer's plea

Re: SCA gladius

Re: Chigaco screws in splinted limbs

Re: SCA device - head position

Re: Newbie armor: Arming coats