The Armour Archive

I'm about to order elbow cops, but I don't have a gambeson yet so I'm unsure on my p-p measurement. On average, how much would a gambeson (like this: http://www.forgeofsvan.com/en/Gambesons ... flyer.html) add to my measurement? Also, will I need anymore padding under the gambeson for my elbows? One more question: Will a gambeson like that be thick enough padding to wear under splinted arms (12 oz leather) and a coat of plates (16ga hardened spring steel)? Thanks in advance!

To get an accurate measurement, I would measure around your elbow while wearing something similar. Seeing as your from Wichita you probably have a jacket of about similar thickness. It's more like the thickness of a jacket you would wear in October rather than like a coat you would wear in December. You will probably need either an elbow pad under your gambeson or some padding attached to the inside of the elbow. However, some gambesons have extra padding sewn into the elbows specifically for this. Either way the rules state in needs to be a minimum of 1/4" closed-cell foam or equivalent. As far as wearing it under your CoP and splinted arms, I would say that's largely a matter of personal preference. IMHO I think it's plenty. It will give you some all around protection and stop armour bites, but it won't take all the sting out of a shot.

Another thing to consider is how hot a gambeson can be. Often times off the rack ones are made using polyester batting as padding, which doesn't breath very well at all. An ideal one for staying cool in the summer would be made using natural materials like linen and bamboo batting. Also, my black one absorbs much more sunshine than a lighter colored one would.

Thanks for the information! Where would I be able to get one with linen and bamboo batting? It gets hot in Wichita (we had over 50 days substantially over 100 degrees last summer) so that sounds like a good option. Also, if the gambeson I get doesn't have a bit of extra padding I might use some neoprene pads (I'm hesitant to over-pad, pain is part of the fun!).

Making your own gambeson is the best way to go imho. You have control of how it fits and how its padded, as well as material choice.

Cotton/bamboo batting is in the quilters' section of the fabric store. Good call on not overpadding; if the shot stings but does not bruise much, you've hit it spot on. Good sensitivity with good protection.

You don't have to get too nuts with an elbow cop, for the metal will already spread the impact over its entire extent. Whatever is padding in there mostly just keeps you comfortable wearing it, and with points lacing the floating elbow on, holds it up where it belongs. It will probably need a strap and buckle to snug it into place; points hold things up, buckles hold things in.

Lorias, you're welcome to check out some of my gear before you go and order something for yourself. My "gambeson" doesn't have any padding on the arms but the padding is just enough to take out the "serious bite" from a hit on the body.

coreythompsonhm wrote:Making your own gambeson is the best way to go imho. You have control of how it fits and how its padded, as well as material choice.

This!!

It is easier than you think, especially if you have a sewing machine handy. However, it cost me about $60.00 in materials and a good weekend worth of time.

Good luck,

Oddvarr

Benedek wrote:Lorias, you're welcome to check out some of my gear before you go and order something for yourself. My "gambeson" doesn't have any padding on the arms but the padding is just enough to take out the "serious bite" from a hit on the body.

Thanks! That would be great. Could you pm me and maybe I can meet at one of the next few practices?

I think that I might make my own since I can get ahold of a sewing machine pretty easily. I see that there is an essay on making a gambeson on the archive, but it has no sleeves. I also read this: http://whitemountainarmoury.com/pdfs/armingCoat.pdf It looks like I might be able to save quite a bit of money.

Buy a charles de blois purpoint pattern from reconstructing history. I believe they have it titled as 14th century mens jupon or purpoint rh 021. It has complete instructions with it, and they are very helpful if you have any other questions not answered by the instructions. Once you get the adjusted pattern completed, its a piece of cake.

lorias wrote:I think that I might make my own since I can get ahold of a sewing machine pretty easily. I see that there is an essay on making a gambeson on the archive, but it has no sleeves. I also read this: http://whitemountainarmoury.com/pdfs/armingCoat.pdf It looks like I might be able to save quite a bit of money.

That is great! I used a generic costume tunic pattern from Joann fabrics for mine, since I was going to do an early period long sleeve-less gambeson. Very easy. I used some artistic license with the patterns of the quilting. The White Mountain Armoury pdf is invaluable...great read there.

Cheers!

~O