Newbie - Looking for a Helm

JimtheArcher · Post by **JimtheArcher** » Thu May 28, 2009 11:26 am

Hi all,

I spent way too much time reading all that I could of this site yesterday (ssshh, don't tell my boss) and was referred here by the head of my household.

I'm just starting getting interested in SCA fighting, I need a helm. Nothing terribly expensive, just enough to stop my degree from leaking out my ear.

Preferably I'd like to get it before Pennsic, so I can get used to wearing it. I'll be just doing Combat Archery, so I don't think that I need anything that's too elaborate, but if I had my druthers, I'd like something more like a kettle helm, or a sallet.

Now, I've read a ton of conflicting things about measuring ones own head, but a very unscientific measurement shows 24 1/2 inches around my forehead.

Um... what else... I like walks in the rain and kittens... oh wait, you probably didn't want to know that

In conclusion, any help you can give me to protect my noggin would be great, and thanks all.. what a wonderful site!

Duke Icefalcon · Post by **Duke Icefalcon** » Thu May 28, 2009 11:29 am

We have helms in stock in lifetime guaranteed stainless steel.

www.icefalcon.com

Heath B fraychef · Post by **Heath B fraychef** » Thu May 28, 2009 11:58 am

whats your price range?
everything depends on how much your head is worth to you.

JimtheArcher · Post by **JimtheArcher** » Thu May 28, 2009 12:00 pm

I'd really like to keep it under $150 to $200... I know that's relatively cheap, and boy am I drooling looking at His Grace's armor, but alas, I havn't won the lottery yet

Tristan vom Schwarzwald · Thu May 28, 2009 12:05 pm

JimtheArcher wrote:I'd really like to keep it under $150 to $200... I know that's relatively cheap, and boy am I drooling looking at His Grace's armor, but alas, I havn't won the lottery yet

Well His Grace DOES have that Stainless Burgeonet, item H-007, listed for a steal. :lol:

Dafydd · Post by **Dafydd** » Thu May 28, 2009 12:08 pm

I'd suggest looking into what Hjalmer might have available. Nothing fancy, but they're solidly made and have attractive lines. I have one of his kettelhelms, purchased for a 14th C. harness idea that I've abandoned, but it's a terrific value-for-money (cost $120 plus shipping, and that's one of his more expensive models!).

Something like that will get you started, and then you can save for one of Ice's masterpieces!

Tristan vom Schwarzwald · Thu May 28, 2009 12:12 pm

Joking aside...save up another 50.00 to 100.00 and consider James River, Stonekeep, or Windrose. Also, think about picking persona/time period/what you want to look like first, as in the long run you will save money.

Aaron · Post by **Aaron** » Thu May 28, 2009 12:20 pm

Where are you located?

-Aaron

JimtheArcher · Post by **JimtheArcher** » Thu May 28, 2009 12:26 pm

I'm in NY... just north of the city.

As far as persona goes, my RL last name is Archer (hence the very original SCA name of James the Archer *grin*) and so I gravitated to something that I'm pretty sure one of my ancestors did, and picked late 15th century English Archer. Tho, I'm still in the beginning stages of research on the topic, what I've seen so far, indicates that helmets were more than likely Bascinets, Sallets and Kettle Helm. (although I could be wrong on this, I've really just started looking this week).

Johannes Wulff · Post by **Johannes Wulff** » Thu May 28, 2009 1:01 pm

i would hit up Otto right now. he has a 20% off sale through the end of the month (only a few more days left). barrel helm for $68 and closed faced barrel for around $80 (plus shipping of course). great guy, very professional.

http://www.ottosarmoury.com/

also, try Hjalmr. doesn't have a website, but below is his Flicker account where he has pics and prices of his work.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/21215018@N07/

either way you go, you cant go wrong. both are great guys, quality stuff, good turnaround.

jw

Cisco · Post by **Cisco** » Thu May 28, 2009 1:18 pm

I would disagree with some earlier sentiment. I think it's important for you to get out in armor. Yes, it's important to look good. But it's more important to get out on the field (in my opinion) and make sure you are having a good time before you spends tons of money.

If you have to purchase stuff to get out there, do it inexpensively. I would suggest you stay away from Ashcraft-Baker as my personal experience is that his helms are like large bells. The previous post has two of the best, inexpensive, sturdy, and well-regarded helm makers that I know of for the price point you are looking for.

edited b/c my grammar sucks

JimtheArcher · Post by **JimtheArcher** » Thu May 28, 2009 1:46 pm

I've started with the inexpensive purchases for the rest of the armor.
I'll be camouflaging plastic, like it's nobody's business

I have a feeling I'll like it, which is why I want to take the plunge, and get out of the field... but I have a bunch of hobbies in my past that I've had great enthusiasm for, that have not panned out, so I want to take my time and see how it goes.

I appreciate all of the suggestions so far... many options to look through.

Thank you all for the ideas and suggestions thus far!

Cian of Storvik · Post by **Cian of Storvik** » Thu May 28, 2009 1:57 pm

Sounds like you've got a pretty big coconut there. Double and triple check your head size. It's very important to get the right sized helm.

It sounds like it might be a tight fit, but this helmet came up for sale recently, and never saw a post that it was taken.

http://forums.armourarchive.org/phpBB2/ ... hp?t=98665

But it's an late 14th, early 15th cent. style bascinent, for the shape and the fact it includes shipping, is an increadible deal. (wish I had some $$$)
-Cian

Jaymes · Post by **Jaymes** » Thu May 28, 2009 2:38 pm

how i got started with fighting, was a dear friend of mine gave me a loner helm, ask around your kingdom somebody is bound to have an extra

but if not I to recommend ottosarmoury.com

JimtheArcher · Post by **JimtheArcher** » Thu May 28, 2009 2:43 pm

I run into a snag there with practicing much where I am...

I live in NY, and the main contingent of my House is in MD...5 hours away, and while I could defiantly borrow armor, they already have quite a few people who are doing that, and heavy fighting. I'm going to be tagging along, but I don't want to deprive those who are actually fighting more than me, a piece that they're used to.

Alas, the nearest heavy practice to me, is at least an hour in one of three different directions

, so for now, I'm practicing archery on my own, and will be practicing getting hit when I go down to visit the rest of my house