New Armor Site--Critique Needed Please

VikingLeather · Post by **VikingLeather** » Thu Aug 28, 2003 11:56 am

Greetings All,

I have finally finished what I have started several months ago and completed most of a website for my armor and accessories. Some of the things are SCA, period, some are not. I have tried to hit a little of everything that is selling and that of course led to some things that were not actually SCA i.e. Spiked bracers. I would like some feedback from you folks good or bad for me to consider and if any changes might be in order. There are a few minor glitches to be worked out, but for the most part the site is operational. It can be viewed at www.vikingleathercrafts.com/homepage.html If you have the time and inclination, please give it a look see and tell me what you think. Thanks.

Lord Hagen
Viking Leathercrafts

the last don · Post by **the last don** » Thu Aug 28, 2003 12:49 pm

I think it looks great! One of the nicest armoury sites I've seen. I'm still trying to figure out a good n00b starter kit for myself though. Lots of really cool gear though.

Skillet · Post by **Skillet** » Thu Aug 28, 2003 1:08 pm

That is a gorgeous site. I love the backgrounds and the photographs are very clear. It's rare to see an armoring site that has shopping carts, very nice indeed.

My one wish would be that you could click on the individual photos and see a larger close up shot so as to really see the detail.

I'm thinking about those legs....

Mad Matt · Post by **Mad Matt** » Thu Aug 28, 2003 1:14 pm

Ok first off that's an amazing looking site.

Second did you get permission to use that pic from LOTR? Copyright infringement ya know if you didn't. Don't mess with big corporations.

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The budding mid 14th century German Transitional guy.
Mad Matt's Armory

VikingLeather · Post by **VikingLeather** » Thu Aug 28, 2003 1:37 pm

Matt,

That was one thing that I was "iffy" about as well. I didn't use anything that wasn't out on the web already. I used the phrases "styled" after and inspired by, which they were, but all the pieces that I made are not exactly like their original counterparts. I have put my twist on each one. I have looked on the web and have seen other sites that have used this same sort of wording, and they are still up and running. There is one out though, they have to ask you to quit, and when and if they do, I will definitely pull the pics and products.

VikingLeather · Post by **VikingLeather** » Thu Aug 28, 2003 1:39 pm

My one wish would be that you could click on the individual photos and see a larger close up shot so as to really see the detail.

I'm thinking about those legs....[/B][/QUOTE]

I have been working on this guy for several months now, and I had to shortcut a little to get it up and running. I do have plans to go back and do just as you said, to enlarge the photos when you click on them. Thanks for the input.

VikingLeather · Post by **VikingLeather** » Thu Aug 28, 2003 1:45 pm

By the way, I am going to offer a 10% discount to all archive members (you must tell me upon ordering) or free shipping whichever is more. Thanks

Hagen

Sixtus_Goetz · Post by **Sixtus_Goetz** » Thu Aug 28, 2003 3:15 pm

Heyya,

Dig the site, realy well done. I like the 1/2 gauntlets, good price for them too, one of the cheaper I've seen.

On the legs and arms, single cop type. Your price beats out By-the-Sword and looks like it give MUCH more protection to the limbs. Thumbs up man. Looks good.

Saranac Goetz

iaenmor · Post by **iaenmor** » Thu Aug 28, 2003 5:48 pm

And they work great. I have a pair of them use them for both CA and fighting. I have already had a couple of friends ask were I got them.

Noe · Post by **Noe** » Thu Aug 28, 2003 9:31 pm

Um, just being a wise-ass here, but, with a name like "Viking Leathercrafts", shouldn't you have at least one piece of viking gear?

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The defining characteristic of fanaticism is the inability to understand why everyone else is not a fanatic.

JPT · Post by **JPT** » Thu Aug 28, 2003 9:38 pm

First, well done site Hagan looks extra spiff.

Second, anybody who might be considering buying some of Hagan's goods. You could not possibly go wrong buying from him. His work is excellent, both functional and beautiful.

Major kudos all the way around.

Brodir · Post by **Brodir** » Fri Aug 29, 2003 1:26 am

Hey Frank

Not sure what the problem is here... I checked it at my parent's house this morning at it looked great, now I open it up and the text is overlapping all over the place.

I'm using IE, my IE text size is set at 'larger', and my screen resolution is 1152X864

Just thought I'd let you know,

~Wil

Christophe de Frisselle · Fri Aug 29, 2003 3:15 am

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Originally posted by Brodir:
Hey Frank

Not sure what the problem is here... I checked it at my parent's house this morning at it looked great, now I open it up and the text is overlapping all over the place.
~Wil<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I've got the same problem with Opera.

VikingLeather · Post by **VikingLeather** » Fri Aug 29, 2003 5:19 am

I will check into it. Thanks

It is layered, some browsers just may not like it.

Thanks

Raibeart Lok De la Haye · Fri Aug 29, 2003 10:02 am

Praise for the site. Great graphics, nice layout, plenty of options, all the necessary payment plans, and prices are good.
Lower than By the Sword, but they do free shipping quite often for everyone. They have that deal going on now.

Has anyone battle tested those full gauntlets, because just from the look of them, I'd say they can't provide as much protection as a hockeyglove, without putting something ridged inside the leather. Just my opinion on that one.

Also, I'm not trying to tell you how to run you're outfit, but just as a friend I'm telling you to not use Hollywood pic's, and discriptions without express, legal, written permission. Those boy's are deathly jealous of their stuff, and they will smoke you like a cheap cigar. The fines are enormous, and they will come after you with both feet. You can make you're own pic's and change the wording to "Fantacy", and hint towards LoTR. but really if Hollyshit or Tolkien's folks get wind of it, you're toast. Just being friendly here.

PS. I'm ordering some shoulders soon.

Fredegar · Post by **Fredegar** » Fri Aug 29, 2003 11:23 am

Great site, i really like the images like the drakkar, but most important, your leather work are outstanding. very nice!

VikingLeather · Post by **VikingLeather** » Fri Aug 29, 2003 1:17 pm

Raibert,

I have thought about that as well, and have heard from you and a couple other folks as well. You are probably right, I could do the same thing without using the hollywood graphics, of which I will try to make the necessary changes before going live with the site. That very reason is why I came to the Archive to get some feedback.
The Gauntlets. The full gauntlets have 2 layers of leather that overlap. The top layer is a 13-15 ounce with another 7-8 ounce under it to connect the 2 lames together. With all other armors, there should be a bit of padding to go under the leather, it won't protect as well as the steel. I have fought with them, and really like them and have let some guys pound my hands with some padding between my hand and the leather of course and I felt the blow, but didn't get broken or bruised. The pattern was taken from Sir Hadi with his permission years ago and I have done a little modifications to them. I may go another step and put a stainless band on each lame across the fingers for a little more rigidity. I have sold several pairs on ebay and have had some really good feedback from them from the guys. On the half gauntlets, again, I use the same 13-15 ounce skirting leather, and form fit it using a thick piece of the belly leather on the wrist to allow some give there so as not to bind up your wrist when moving or doing wrap shots and such, and make the bell large enough as well. I had a fellow want a thumb piece added one time, and felt that was a good option to offer, but still need to use the baskethilt as well with them. Thanks again for the input and questions, they are well taken.

Hagen

VikingLeather · Post by **VikingLeather** » Fri Aug 29, 2003 1:19 pm

Brodir and Christophe,

The data needs to be tabled, simple enough to do, and I will try to get that fixed this weekend. Thanks for telling me.

Hagen