The Armour Archive

Kenwrec Wulfe

I whole heartedly agree with you, your Grace. As a matter of fact, to that end, our group just recently went through all of our loaner gear and weeded out the crap. no just the barely serviceable stuff. The stuff that was just not quite right. There are a few pieces that can be serviced and fixed up...

Kenwrec Wulfe

Oh, absolutely - If you have the money or the skill to make the light weight carbon steel historically accurate kit, you will suffer minimal performance issues. As you mention though, The visor vs the bargrill is a matter of performance vs accuracy. In a Pas, you make the sacrifice (as would I) and ...

Kenwrec Wulfe

If you had to give up a little of one for the other, which would it be? If you had to make the choice.. You have a set of SCA legal minimums that pass regs, but dont look like much. but there is no hinderance to you movement and performace. You have a period suit of armour in your choice of styles -...

Kenwrec Wulfe

Just to clarify, in case I was misundertood: I am, by no means, stating that looking good makes up for skill. Even those that dont have a lot of time to dedicate to it (like myself, more recently) cannot trade looking good for being as good as they can be. One needs both. One without the other just ...

Kenwrec Wulfe

I believe Strongbow was meaning to state that it is a recognition in heavy fighting for exemplifying knightly qualities. I have never know anyone to be knighted who did not fight. Of course other aspects must reflect the recognition of a knight (or I would certainly hope!)

Kenwrec Wulfe

Nissan - I certainly understand!! I was more trying to state that it is human nature to look to those whom you think know what they are doing. It is often that those with better kits are those with more experience, thus more likely to know what to do or where to go. As to why the Middle loses.... I ...

Kenwrec Wulfe

A few months ago, I asked a question about velvets on the fabric gurus here.

It was mentioned that, if you are unable to afford silk velvet, which is quite expensive, cotton velveteen is a reasonable alternative.

Kenwrec Wulfe

Animal - Admittedly, skill does to a dedication of time, and skill will carry you further on the field, in many cases. For many of us, though, does it not take a personal investment of time to make the money to buy the armour? I, for one, am not wealthy and cannot just drop money on whatever I want...

Kenwrec Wulfe

The only real trend I have seen is when I am able to train during the week, I fight better on the weekend.

If I armour during the week...I dont fight better, but I can fight more/longer.

Kenwrec Wulfe

Beautiful work, my friend. Beautiful.

Kenwrec Wulfe

When Gruber and I dunked my helm (water) we chose to utilize both of us to manipulate it into the dunk. We used a wire hanger for suspension and lifting from the oven and the other of us (I forget who did which) waited with tongs to grab the front (great helm) bottom and rolled it into the water, ki...

Kenwrec Wulfe

This is my process for making a sword: 1) Smooth the joints (where the husk overlaps the next layer) 2) Shape the handle and wrap with leather (I use standard elmer's carpenters glue as the adhesive) 3) Attach your hardware (crossguard/pommel, basket hilt, etc...). 4) Do a single layer of 3/4in stra...

Kenwrec Wulfe

What amazes me the most, is not that they'd find a few people willing to take their clothes off (though I'm not sure I'd expose all of my *ahem* soft bits around all that weaponry), but that the organizers allowed them to do it, and there's children in the audience. That'd never happen in the State...

Kenwrec Wulfe

Wow - Asked Gruber and Brian a question individually and ignored by both.... Hmmm (smells under arms) No, that is fine - I took my shower this year..... (checks teeth in mirror) Nope, not that - I still have all 4. (checks for lingering odoriferousness of a gaseous nature) No... Am I missing somethi...

Kenwrec Wulfe

Doug & Brian, I will be there Friday, if I am invited I neeeeeed to get into the shop again....I missed it sumethin fierce! Ugo, I would love to swing by when you ae at Gruber's as well. I am not too far off (30 miles or so). Gruber, To be proper, Can I come play when Ugo is gonna show?

Kenwrec Wulfe

Just gotta say hats off to you, my friend.... that is BEAUTIFUL work.... I hope you bring it to the MAG meeting end of the month, I would love to see that first hand and up close....

Kenwrec Wulfe

As I suspected and have found to be the case. Is there any reasonable looking/costing substitute that I can use in place of the accurate silk brocade?

Kenwrec Wulfe

If you cannot tell, I am in the market (finally) for buying materials for garb.

I need a good source for brocades. The only things I can seem to find that are of reasonable price are synthetic blends.

Would really appreciate assistance with some brocade sources.

Thank you

Kenwrec Wulfe

Based on the fact that we are dealing with natural fibers, french seams, etc... what would be the recommendations on a financially reasonable machine? Wer were told that the $200 - 300 would be a good range. It was also noted that we should be sure to include a sewing foot. We have a 25 year old Ric...

Kenwrec Wulfe

Obviously I refer to silk. I am wondering what silk would be most period for 14th (late) century. Now...what is the most period silk with a reasonable price ($14 and under)? What sources for silk do you use? ***Next morning edit*** Having looked at the pictures of the silks at m it seems that Charme...

Kenwrec Wulfe

My concern was finding use out of a very thoughtful Christmas gift, because returning it or exchanging it is not an option. I will check my local library to see what I can find there as to my garbing solution. I will just keep notes, photocopies, etc or pertinent information that I need. Thank you a...

Kenwrec Wulfe

Thanks for the information on other sources. It is all greatly appreciated. Unfortunately, they are either not in print and I was unable to find a copy for sale, or they were a bit hefty on the price tag. Given my focus on armour, if I am going to spend $200+ on a book, it will be a book of armour f...

Kenwrec Wulfe

Ok... so it can be useful if one can weed though the filler....

Could anyone suggest good source(s) for the last quarter of the 14th century? Even better... the last 15 years.

Something similar to Fashion in the Age of the Black Prince : A Study of the Years 1340-1365...

Kenwrec Wulfe

So, aside from being a starting point for further research and and good reference of a bad source.... There is nothing useful? I recognize several of the plates and pictures from other resources. I am a bit past the starting point for further research point and not to the point of having enough good...

Kenwrec Wulfe

Is there anything is in that is worthwhile? It was a gift for Christmas......

Kenwrec Wulfe

Greetings brother squire! You pose a most interesting and complex question. I shall endeavor to answer as best I am able. Prowess is strength of arms, skill in the combative arts, the knowledge to lead and the willingness to follow. It is a presense on the field that both commands respect and inspir...

Kenwrec Wulfe

Just need an opinion on the accuracy of the information in a book.

Book name:

Medieval Costume and Fashion

Author:

Herbert Norris

It is an Unabridged reprint of a 1927 book by J.M. Dent & Sons titled:
Costume & Fashion, Volume 2: Senlac to Bosworth: 1066 - 1485

Thanks!

Kenwrec Wulfe

Half-swording is in testing phase now in the Middle. So far things seem to be going very well. There is a lot of support from the Chiv population here, so far as I have seen. I had the pleasure of resently halfswording with Count Bardolph at a local event. I was thoroughly spank, of course, but it w...

Kenwrec Wulfe

Yes, sorry. For SCA fighting.

I should have clarified. my apologies....

Kenwrec Wulfe

Just like the Poll Axe head..... anyone have a Bec they are making?

If so, I would certainly be interested in one.....

Kenwrec Wulfe

Excellent work, as always, my friend.

(Hoping his requests turn out as nice...)

Kenwrec Wulfe

That is what my research shows as well.

Primary source being the Anglian Helmet from Coppergate (D. Tweddle)
the breakdown of that helm in that book is meticulous.
It used all round rivetted constrution.

Thanks again!

Kenwrec Wulfe

England and Scandanavia - What type of maille would have been used in those centuries by your more powerful/wealthy individuals?

Butted? Rivetted round? Rivetted flat?

Many thanks.

Kenwrec Wulfe

Your Grace,

When you and Gruber go to put in that order, let me know. I had need of a few sheets myself.

Thanks!

Kenwrec Wulfe

Without a doubt! look forward to seeing you again. It has been too long!

A Balancing of skill and looks....Where do you fall?

Late 14th cent Brocades

Sewing machines....

Dupioni and Shantung and Charmeuse - OH MY!

Garb gurus...lend me you...opinions. :)

Anyone making a Bec de Corbin head for sale?

7th-8th century maille ... a question