Separating the sheep and the wolves

[Caius705]

So, I offered some gauntlets to a deserving new fighter a few days back. And I was thinking about doing the same with a starter helm. My question is, how would you separate the ones who talk a big game versus ones who will put it to good use? This is all online, mind you. I just want to see what ideas y'all have.

[Caius705]

To clarify, what I did last time was I told people to speak for a new guy about why he deserved a good set of gauntlets. I had a pretty decent and detailed response and I was happy they went to a good fighter.

[Keegan Ingrassia]

Well, personally, I'd look for that new fighter who comes to practice often. Maybe not every practice, but as much as they can. The one who listens instead of talks, the one who practices instead of standing around watching. The kid who is willing to put on loaner gear just to be involved, and the one who is sweating and steaming at the end of a practice. Not the showboat fighter, not the epee expert who is there to brag and beat down the less experienced, but the one with heart and determination and a willingness to learn, and the humility to listen.

[Johann ColdIron]

Well, personally, I'd look for that new fighter who comes to practice often. Maybe not every practice, but as much as they can. The one who listens instead of talks, the one who practices instead of standing around watching. The kid who is willing to put on loaner gear just to be involved, and the one who is sweating and steaming at the end of a practice. Not the showboat fighter, not the epee expert who is there to brag and beat down the less experienced, but the one with heart and determination and a willingness to learn, and the humility to listen.

I'd echo this as well. The one willing to put someone else's already sweaty armour on for the chance to fight is one that is there for the long run.

[MJBlazek]

I would add to it though, one who also wants to move onto their own armor, and not use the loaner gear forever.

[Biau-douz de la Mere]

all that

[Biau-douz de la Mere]

you are doing some good stuff Austin...Keep it up

[Patrick]

I made all my own armor because when I started the loaner gear was unsafe. If I wanted to give a helm to someone (and I've done it before), my criterion would be some evidence that he/she had already invested time and effort in making armor. Show me a picture of your handmade gambeson/hidden barrel plastic body gear/legs/etc.

People who talk a lot seldom seem to make anything. I've seen a lot of folks who are "serious" about fighting and unwilling to make any of their gear. I get not making helms and gauntlets. Those are pretty complicated for a new armorer. But a simple char-aina out of road sign or barrels is a 2 hour project with minimal tools. A gambeson is fairly necessary, no matter what else you are willing to make. People who show me they are willing to make an effort to get themselves outfitted are people who are likely to get my assistance. People who talk about it and try to take home the loaner gear when they only show up for practice every third week don't get anything from me.

Now that I have kids (including a toddler), I don't have time to help people who are not going to help themselves. I'm also more of a grouch with people who have the cash for iPads and iPhones but "can't afford" $20 for fabric.

-Patrick

[shojuro]

I agree with Patrick. Personally, I spent two months working on my kit before ever setting foot into a fight.

I saw several people come, show an interest in fighting, get kits made for them, and never show up again. There has to be some sort of initiative shown. A willingness to work on your own to make an improvement. Some people will show up, get hit a time or two, maybe get a bruise, and suddenly decide it isn't for them. Becoming a heavy fighter, in my opinion, takes a great deal of time and patience. A lot of people are looking for some kind of instant gratification, and will give up if they are not the best from the get go.

I would have loved it if I had gotten a set of gauntlets, as gauntlets and knee / shin protection are the only things I am missing from my kit now, but I also know that I will eventually get them, or make them. I put dedication into my kit for several reasons. I want to look good. I plan to do a lot of demo's. I want people to see my stuff, and think "wow, that looks great, I want to know more about it". I am also doing it to gain control back in my life. This is my exercise plan.

So, yeah. Dedication to the lifestyle, a willingness to do the work yourself.

[bjornthetower]

As a new fighter myself i spent about 2 months getting my kit together and i am constantly improving it and adding to it. I would say obviously with caution that giving people a chance isnt a bad thing people are in different situations financiall and maybe they cant throw a kit together quickly but they should still be able to fight and train and learn. now if they come out and talk mad shit and have no kit then they probably arent deserving of your help. its really situational, I have a great bunch of guys that helped me get started and let me borrow armor to get into the fight, even our current king would loan me his arms so i could go get some bruises.

also ive spent hours picking peoples minds probably to the point of annoyance and doing my own research on armor.

[Corcran mac Diarmata]

I'd say it kinda depends on the helm in question.

If you're doing a basic "get out on the field and fight" bascinet with no bells and whistles, I'd go with some of the first replies where people were saying give it to a newb who shows up all the time, and wears the loaner gear, and is still working on a kit.

If you're doing a pretty helm (hounskull, klapvisor, spangen, ocular, great helm, etc), then I'd look for somebody who has true dedication to the game, and is buying/building an awesome kit, but can't afford an awesome hat to go with it.

[Caius705]

It's a basic hjalmr helm. I'm tempted to offer it to a fighter or a barony in return for a video of them destroying a spun top helm...... but I know other people could use that crap helm, so I won't do that.

I might ask them for a picture of a project they've done or just do like I did last time and ask for other's recommendation.

[InsaneIrish]

Only take recommendations from people who contact you for OTHER people. Ie, "I know a kid in my group that needs a helm and he is really blah blah blah". Not "I want that helm because blah blah blah".

OR put it out that you are willing to give the helm to a regional/local group that needs one for their loaner gear.

[Konstantin the Red]

Welcome, Bjornthetower!

[blackbow]

Patrick: re "Char-aina" - I've never been able to find any documentation on how to spell it or what it is. I would love whatever you can provide.
Blackbow

I made all my own armor because when I started the loaner gear was unsafe. If I wanted to give a helm to someone (and I've done it before), my criterion would be some evidence that he/she had already invested time and effort in making armor. Show me a picture of your handmade gambeson/hidden barrel plastic body gear/legs/etc.

People who talk a lot seldom seem to make anything. I've seen a lot of folks who are "serious" about fighting and unwilling to make any of their gear. I get not making helms and gauntlets. Those are pretty complicated for a new armorer. But a simple char-aina out of road sign or barrels is a 2 hour project with minimal tools. A gambeson is fairly necessary, no matter what else you are willing to make. People who show me they are willing to make an effort to get themselves outfitted are people who are likely to get my assistance. People who talk about it and try to take home the loaner gear when they only show up for practice every third week don't get anything from me.

Now that I have kids (including a toddler), I don't have time to help people who are not going to help themselves. I'm also more of a grouch with people who have the cash for iPads and iPhones but "can't afford" $20 for fabric.

-Patrick

[Adelaisa]

I've been the "newbie" on the list field for over a year now. I still don't have my armor together - but it's a process I keep saying. Last year was my first year teaching. Which was exciting - and incredibly busy and utterly stressful. I put on the loaner gear a few times - but frankly it's borderline unsafe for me. So that has slowed me down. But I'm getting there. I've got practice tonight and will only need the helm (mine needs strapped and padded), gorget, and weapons from loaner. Almost there!

I also didn't fight several times when the loaner was available - because we had new folks trying it out for the first or second time and I didn't want to take the armor away from them. It wasn't their fault I didn't have my act together. Its a process and everyone is different. One day, hopefully soon, I'll be able to re-auth.

But in response to the OP I think you'll just have to trust the recommendations that come in from other people about that person. If someone you know and trusts gives a rec - rate them higher. It might not be fair -but neither is life.