The Armour Archive

Happy (insert closest holiday),
So I just got a set of chausses. I was hoping to get advice on what works and what does not when hanging them. They are not the tube (or closed in the back). Rather they are open and must be laced up. I was considering edging them in leather (deer hide not cow). I was also toying with the idea of small buckles attached to the leather. But I think laces will work better. If any one who has worked on a project like and like to share please do. I am also going to attach some knees as well. I do have some time over the Holidays and love to start fighting in the new year looking spiff.
Thank you
Sir Gui

I find that lacing works better. buckles on them tend to create bunching in the spaces in between. unless you are going to put buckles every few inches. but that's what works for me, I would suggest lacing them first and see how it fits and moves and how much rolling around in the dirt that the lacings can take, and if it is uncomfortable or not functional I would test the buckle method

Hail, Templar.

Mine are fully enclosed, but the concept is similar if you have "full" chausses from the upper leg to the ankle and/or feet. I removed the "loop" that came with mine, and attached a leather tab across the top. This makes them attach just like plate legs would:

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t8/j ... to0442.jpg

Here is a close-up of the leather tab before I cut the corners of the tabs and punched holes, but after it has been laced to the mail:

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t8/j ... 010003.jpg

With the leather tab at the top, it is easy to attach them to a pourpoint, to a "pit bull" c-belt (as in my picture), or to a gambeson with points attached to it.

I've found laces more comfortable than leather straps buckles, since there is no "hard" pieces to pinch or bind. Strap and buckle would be easier to adjust if you don't have a squire to hold the mail in place or tie it while you hold it in place. In my experience, it's a question of personal preference, since both have their pros and cons. The only difference between closed and open chausses is once they are suspended from the belt/arming garment, open chausses get laced tightly, and closed chausses either hang freely or have a cord at the knee/ankle tightened (if used).

James, I have got to get out to your house...need to get these legs tabbed and then pointed.

Paladin74 wrote:James, I have got to get out to your house...need to get these legs tabbed and then pointed.

Send me a PM, we can figure out some time after New Years and we'll get 'em done. Won't take too long.