The Armour Archive

Tom Knighton

What do you mean by formal? As religious orders, the Templars, Hospitalers and such don't official exist within the framework of the SCA. However, they are a viable subject of study and I have known of Templar households and such. Just don't refer to yourself at a Knight unless you have receive the ...

Tom Knighton

Chef, Do you know of any other weapons used in this test? The result sound quite interesting and seem to dispute much of what I thought I knew, which is cool . I was wondering about weapons like a spear or dagger. Where they part of the test, or do you know. Maybe Erik can be persuaded to come on an...

Tom Knighton

Plate armour was to heavy to move in effectively. There is a period illustration of a man in plate doing an handstand, so it could be done even then

Bran

Tom Knighton

In Arms and Armour of the Medieval Knight, there is a period piece of artwork depicting two different warriors wearing coats of plates with the plates on the outside. This is on page 74, if you have a copy or can get your hands on one. While this is far from proof that this was common, it does sugge...

Tom Knighton

There are people who have been in the SCA 13+ years and still don't know anything about the middle ages. There are quite a few of them. What little they may know is the equivilant to a highschool world history class. I hate to break it to some of you folks, but the SCA isn't educating as many people...

Tom Knighton

I stand corrected on the issue of the SEMs ruling about HWMA. I still think that grappling could be a viable part of our combat, in limited use such as special tournaments, but I don't get a say on that matter.

Bran

Tom Knighton

To paraphrase Winston Churchil (and to make it fit this situation): Crown list is the worst way to pick kings, except all the others. The period method, as Duke Logan has pointed out, is heredity. So for a period method, all participant should present thier families geneologies and the one with the ...

Tom Knighton

I have never heard of anyone having a problem with a white surcoat, although if there is an order in your kingdom, or one nearby, that uses that as regalia or some similar situation then you need to be careful. IIRC, the Templars had white surcoats with red crosses on them, not just white surcoats, ...

Tom Knighton

Come on Kass...we know you want to be first!! It's ok

Seriously though, I'm working on mine now, but I'm going to have a few problems from time to time. I wonder if links to pictures are ok instead of actual pictures being posted. Some of these will get quite long as it is

Bran

Tom Knighton

When presenting to the public, then material culture is really what most of the folks need to key on. However, you need some folks who know more about the history, politics, religion, economics and so on. It's really great if everyone knows this, but lets fact it....it ain't gonna happen. The SCA mi...

Tom Knighton

I'd like to do a PIAB for 11th Century Norman, but Lord knows I will need some help. I think it's a great thing so lets make some use of it

Bran

Tom Knighton

I don't recall where I read that information, so it could be in error. It was my understanding that Sir Robert had also banned teaching of period techniques in even class setting, such as A&S. However, I will concede that my information could be wrong on it. Still, I haven't heard anything out of th...

Tom Knighton

The Society Earl Marshal has banned the teaching of Historical Swordsmanship techniques. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. It has something to do with the fact that grappling is allowed in works like Fiore and he doesn't think people will NOT grapple if they learn that. God only knows WHY though. I kn...

Tom Knighton

I'm going to chime in here and put in MY two cents worth. I am NOT one of the SCA elite. I probably never will be. I don't really give a damn either. I have NEVER seen nor heard of ANY pressure put on ANYONE to donate anything. I have seen requests made, but I've also seen people say that they could...

Tom Knighton

Bran - Sometimes I think it would also be good for the pro-authenticity folks to back off a bit too. What is needed is a more balanced approach that explains the pros and cons of using various patterns/materials for garb, and then let new folks make their own decision as to what works best for thei...

Tom Knighton

Matthew Amt's site for 11th Century Norman and Saxon soft kit. Probably one of the best I have ever seen. Also, the Vikings in the UK. I don't have thier website handy, but I'm sure someone else does. They have a great kit guide that even goes into stitches should someone want that much info. And Bo...

Tom Knighton

For me I got bit by the bug a few years back. I was on the Archive at the time and there was one of many "lack of authenticity in the SCA" threads. I jumped into the fight, but after a short time, my heart wasn't really into it. I just decided that maybe I should try and be more authentic. The only ...

Tom Knighton

I'm cautiously interested. While I think it's very interesting, many of the instances don't have sources listed. Many of the Viking ones all come from a single book. While this doesn't mean that they aren't accurate, to me anyways, I just can't accept it on face value from just that little bit. Plea...

Tom Knighton

An updated beginners guide would be a great start. However, it would also help if the non-authenticity folks would back off and let people do it thier way. I have had so many people try and force me back in inappropriate clothing while using that damn line of "reasonable attempt". Then they do that ...

Tom Knighton

And, yes, screw authenticity if a simple modification determines the difference between a DIY project and a laurel level masterpiece. Better, yet, make sure that both patterns are available and explain the difference. The first part of this statement is part of the problem with the SCA. People inst...

Tom Knighton

I just wanted to add to what brewer said for a bit. In particular about web searchs. I have taught a begining research class here locally, mainly because it was what I knew. Everyone knew much of what I was saying, but one thing they didn't think about was web searchs. Any butthole with a little bit...

Tom Knighton

This, I don't think kosher. If someone comes up to me in (exaggeration mode=ON) a polyester double-knit pair of tights (mode=OFF), and says "What do you think? I made these myself!", I think it unfair to both he and me to be dishonest. If the workmanship merits a compliment, he'll get the complimen...

Tom Knighton

David I understand what you are trying to say, but here's my take. The SCA states that it is a non-profit educational group dedicated to recreating the middle ages. Ok, no big deal. I just can't understand people who join a group that says that as their purpose and then try to be blatantly modern wi...

Tom Knighton

I don't know that the Society Seneschal could really make the changes that would be needed. But for the sake of arguement, lets say that she did. Then you would be putting enforcement into the hands of kingdom and local seneschals. Many of whom don't really know squat about authenticity. A good frie...

Tom Knighton

kass wrote:Don't tempt me, woman! I have far too many family members in the garment industry to not see the potential in that suggestion.

Kass

You say that like it's a bad thing

Bran
Who would LOVE for something like that to open up

Tom Knighton

Ivo wrote:I know thhat india- bashing is cheap, but say for yourself:

http://www.mwart.com/product.asp?pid=13&cat=32

This is plain ugly.

Regards

Ivo

At least they said the origins were unkown. My guess is that the origins were a crap pile somewhere, but that's just me

Bran

Tom Knighton

Clontarf is in Ireland. so your group is portraying the group of Norse occupying Irish soil. I'll do some looking and see what I can find for you.

Bran

Tom Knighton

Personally, the entire drive for knowledge about an era is driven by three little letters that form a wonderful question. That question is "why?" Why did this happen, why did that happen. Why did they wear this, why not that? I have gotten this in LH and SCA, but there are always people who don't ca...

Tom Knighton

Flonzy, Glad you had a good time! I'm jealous !! I really wish I could have been there, and I sure wish I had known of something like this when I lived in VA (though that was 1996 so it might not have been going on??). Your groups looks pretty good from my standpoint, though I know squat about 15th ...

Tom Knighton

So I take it that it was a good weekend???

Bran

Tom Knighton

We need to know what region and maybe a narrower timeframe to really be of help. Some names are fine for one area buy not another. The more you let us know what you're wanting, the better help you can get. Also NADARA has a yahoogroup that you may wish to join. You can find it here: m Good luck. Bran

Tom Knighton

The Mac Bible has some really disturbing images. I don't have the full name of the Bible handy and I can't spell it out from memory. Some names are just do damn difficult

Bran

Tom Knighton

Personally, I've never heard of a translation of the Gladiatora, but that doesn't mean anything. Many people may be looking and haven't come accross anything yet. Patience is a virtue after all (although admittedly one that I don't possess). Have you done a search in google? If not, it's worth a sho...

Tom Knighton

One of the bits of experimental archaeology we hope to pursue in the coming years (some of the East Coast and Central 15th century groups) is to undertake an event that consists of a days march with baggage carts, horses, and the like - all of the equipment being used being brought as it would have...

Tom Knighton

Jehan, I assume that you are the craftsmanship you are refering to is the peice which Anders made. I will be the first to admit, it's beautiful. However, I don't really think that it means that "we are weak". There are many armourers who do not post thier work on the archive on that regular of a bas...