The Armour Archive

Oswyn_de_Wulferton

Had my gambeson for about 3 years now, after living in Georgia. Washed about 10-15 times total in that time, never had any mold problems. Was cotton and linen only. Just hang it up to dry every so often, or leave it in your trunk. That's what I did.

Oswyn_de_Wulferton

Have you tried listing it on your local Craigslist? We sold a car on there, fast. Like within two hours of listing it fast.

Oswyn_de_Wulferton

You will need something more than tape to hold it on, even if it is routered. Glued on canvas, some magical epoxy glue (aka. Sir Vitus's) or something else, in case it starts to splinter. This is to hold the edge together, and prevent it from protruding (such was the explanation I was given).

Oswyn_de_Wulferton

If using a pattern similar to that, I would make the leather "hinge" smaller, bringing the two pieces of the gauntlet together. Mine is built similar to the picture (except mine are sewn onto a glove), but I know getting tagged right there hurts.

Oswyn_de_Wulferton

Why the belt pouch? Not sure I recall anything about them wearing pouches...then again they didn't need inhalers, cell phones, change, etc on them for the walk down Merchant's row.

Oswyn_de_Wulferton

12th century Crusader. I am fairly sure I can document a 2 handed axe (maybe not to nobility, but Mac Bible has a few in various hands), but without full gauntlets, that may be tricky.

Oswyn_de_Wulferton

Please tell me you are going to keep the items per thread to a minimum. I hate trying to track down which one Part G is that someone bid on.

Oswyn_de_Wulferton

Hey D, what of those of us without full gauntlets? Not sure I can document axe and shield...

Oswyn_de_Wulferton

Seeing as how you carry a "Big Mucking Shield" like I do, simply ditch the scale, and switch over to a kidney belt, aketon, and virtue. I wear crash-pads on my legs for a bit of added protection. I actually find I rarely get hit above the kidney belt.

Oswyn_de_Wulferton

Torvaldr, that was me. I just got done moving myself, and am on and off the Archive. PMing you better contact info.

Oswyn_de_Wulferton

Yeah, I just got done with a move, into a 70yo house that needs a lot of TLC. I think the kit may have been a bit ambitious for me, being in an apartment at the time. It is definately on my to-do list, as soon as my tools get unpacked. Sorry about the delay, Hal.

Oswyn_de_Wulferton

Any one else thinking the cans of Herculiner Blackoak mentioned dipping his Kongs in, and combined with a paint sprayer? Wonder how well that would work...

Oswyn_de_Wulferton

Either. This comes from someone who lives in Georgia, with 100+ deg. days with 95% humidity. The scientific-y reason? Once you bake the leather, you are changing the structure at a molecular level. Not simply impregnating it with something, but changing the way the molecules attach, into something m...

Oswyn_de_Wulferton

You may also want to put in some idea of how long your shields may be expected to last. We all fight differently, but ballpark may help your sales pitch.

Oswyn_de_Wulferton

Torvaldr, PM replied.

Oswyn_de_Wulferton

I and many, many, MANY others have fought with a hockey glove behind the shield (leather handle) for years with no ill effects (unless you sniff the hockey glove). Except for all those great shots, where everything looks "right" until you see the giant black hockey glove behind the shield...

Oswyn_de_Wulferton

Talk to college kids. Did several events before I had a car I could use. They are used to doing things small, tight, and on a budget.

Oswyn_de_Wulferton

Torvaldr, if you need some raw materials, to work on making some in-stock stuff, let me know.

Oswyn_de_Wulferton

Is there any way to verify the security of the knot, or the "melted-ness" of the rope, after taping? I ask because several people keep an eye towards "preventative maintenance" as part of this.

Oswyn_de_Wulferton

Without maille, I currently just wear a wide weight belt under my gambeson. Position it so the top of it covers the top of your floating ribs, and you should be fine.

Oswyn_de_Wulferton

Sounds like University ILL may be in order...

Oswyn_de_Wulferton

I would check with Hjalmr, here on the Archive. Seems to make good lids, with very little costs. Maybe he can make a "budget" one for her?

Oswyn_de_Wulferton

Is there a reason she opted for the maille covering the back of the head, but not under the chin? I only ask because protection-wise, I love my maille drape for deflecting spear shots from my throat area. Then again, I do have a giraffe neck...

Oswyn_de_Wulferton

Yeah, got a circular saw (Craftsman "Commercial" version) at a yard sale for $7. Only problem is the lower guard handle is broken, preventing me from doing plunge cuts safely. When I get done moving, I am going to take it in and see if a newer version will fit as well. Still, $7 for a Craf...

Oswyn_de_Wulferton

Not quite. All hand tools (which I am not sure a "bench" vise qualifies under) have a limited lifetime warranty. The power tools do not, and they don't always carry replacement parts (as I figured out today).

Oswyn_de_Wulferton

What we did was buy closet rods that were 1 5/8" in diameter, and bought electrical conduit that was 1.5". Then slowly sanded down the ends, and there is a natural "lock" as the wood is too big to fit in the conduit after a certain point. Never had a problem yet. And best of all,...

Oswyn_de_Wulferton

I have never understood the aversion people have to replacing weapons and armor in the SCA. They aren't overly expensive, but people just don't do it. g- I believe it is the same reason you see so many house upgrades, right before it is sold. People are unwilling to spend money on things that still...

Oswyn_de_Wulferton

You may also want to look at an electric shear, as they are sometimes cheaper. Some of the recent threads mention a Mikata shear.

Oswyn_de_Wulferton

Do you have any evidence of that? I can't seem to find anything regarding Normans carrying saexes, especially into the 12th century.

Oswyn_de_Wulferton

For which (SCA combat usefulness or Historical Accuracy)? IIRC, period bazubands didn't cover the elbow to the extent needed for SCA. I believe Cat made a pair that added decorative bits to the edges for the needed protection. That being said, all of the above are friggin sweet, and I am going to s...

Oswyn_de_Wulferton

Cut it out of paper, and hold to your arm. If too small, assume the squares are .5" bigger. Narrow down the size that way.

Oswyn_de_Wulferton

Here is the email from Meridies DEM CA Please repost as needed. I've just received clarification that the ban applies only to the use of the one piece mold Baldar Blunts?on fiberglass shafts/bolts.? You can continue to use them on siloflex shafts/bolts as blunts as these do not depend on the integri...

Oswyn_de_Wulferton

Here is the email from Meridies DEM CA Please repost as needed. I've just received clarification that the ban applies only to the use of the one piece mold Baldar Blunts?on fiberglass shafts/bolts.? You can continue to use them on siloflex shafts/bolts as blunts as these do not depend on the integri...

Oswyn_de_Wulferton

The first dagger you linked to looks a lot like the Arms and Armour dagger they made based off of a drawing circa 1130s (?). I know it was 12th century. So we have visual reference for that one.

Oswyn_de_Wulferton

Meridies sent out the OK for that design. I will try and find the email, unless someone else beats me to it.