The Armour Archive

Greetings,

I have a few questions. The first touching on metal guage to use in a brigadine or COP. I am not sure on a pattern as of yet. But I would like to order the metal and thought I should check. I want to stay as light as possible but I don't want to get crushed like a tin can

The other is about helms. I have a number of questions. This is more of an info gathering of a general nature.
#1 Where can you buy the best quality helm(authenticity doesn't matter)?

#2 Where can you buy the cheapest helms(again authenticity doesn't matter)?

#3 Where can you buy the most authentic helms?

#4 Where can you buy the best all around helm?(average cost, nice workmanship, not blatenly unperiod)

#5 Where can you get the fastest service on a helm(or armour in general) (yes I know this depends on time of year and many other variables)?

Thanks very much,

Llywelyn

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Stay open minded, but not so open minded that your brains fall out.

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I am neater with a 5lbs. cross pein than with a ball point pen!

I'd probably have to say either 18 or 16 ga for the CoP.

The other stuff that you asked about where to buy ______; i have no idea. I believe most of us here make our own armour (I do). I think the best question would be 'can someone help me out with a few questions i have about making this ____' That way, you know it's made to your standards, and you know the rivets won't fly out when you get hit.

Once again, i'm sorry I can't help you with it; it's just that i've never bought armour. Never found a need to actually.

Greetings,

I understand what you are saying. I don't buy armour either(well I bought my first helm I guess) I jsut make whatever I need. But as we have an influx of fighters in my area I am trying to get together a data base of armourer for different people with different wants/ finances etc. Something I can have copies of and say, here read this, it will get you started.

Llywelyn

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Stay open minded, but not so open minded that your brains fall out.

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I am neater with a 5lbs. cross pein than with a ball point pen!

If you're looking for something fairly cheap and sturdy but dont care about authenticity, Ashcraft/Baker puts out a fair helm.

www.ashcraftbaker.com

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Christopher de Lorraine,
Barony of Tir Ysgithr, Atenveldt,
MKA Chris Chauvet

As to the ashcraft baker helms- i've only heard that while not period they are of good quality for a good price. the only real question I have is about their spangenhelms. aren't they supposed to have spangens?

to the CoP question- mild 16g for the parts that are most likely to be hit and 18g for the rest. that way you're not straightening out the steel as much as if it was all 18g. on the other hand, 18g stainless should work well and of course require less maintenance. then there is plastic. please, i don't want to go into that one, but it is light.

also for the CoP you could consider two or three layer canvas for the backing which takes a bit more work (sewing), is cheaper (important for loaner stuff) than leather and will hold up nicely if assembled correctly.

ps- all info on CoP making i learned here and from TOMAR. I expect I will learn a lot more too.

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Angus of the White Mountain Shire