The Armour Archive

Well since I'm working security at construction sites I decided to make an aventail for the nifty slatted back spangenhelm I bought from Otto a year and a half ago. At any rate what I'm using I bought from Home Depot, it's 16 gauge, kinda like baling wire. To tell the truth it's the ONLY wire I've found here in this pissant city of 1.5 million people that'll work. Because it's soft (but I notice it hardens pretty fast when I'm working with it) I'm using 1/4" diameter links. I'm making sure to make it a bit big so that there's slack when I hang it from the helm. Oh yeah I also picked up some puny little brass sheet (12"x2" and 12"x1") at a hobby store so I can make some medieval style belts with the plate over the buckles. By the way, I've only got it about 8 links across right now working on it for 2 nights... any hints on making the process go faster? I'm hoping that because I'm using a steel wire and a small diameter it looks more period even though it IS only butted maille.

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Michael AKA Nomad
Barony of Starkhafn, Caid

This is harder and takes longer but... If you do 5/16 ths inch rings in a 6 in 1 (if you are willing to do 8 in 1 you are da man!)pattern people will surely over look the butted maille and see a alot of work and a beautiful pattern. Take your time and enjoy your work. when it is all over you will have a beautiful work of art.