The Armour Archive

Hi all.

I have started getting supplies for making a couple of suits of lamellar. The question I have is "What have people found to be a good lacing?"

I have a couple to a few weeks before I will recieve shipment of the plates but thought I would start working on getting the source of the lacing. I have seen references to Maxicord in 6mm braided. The problem is i have looked on the web and cant seem to find much. I have also done a search and tried some of the links in posts here on the Archive.

Anyway, this is for SCA use and am planning on edging in leather but was just wanting some input on what you all thought, pro's and con's of different lacing materials and where I can get them.

Thanks in advance,

Khabul

I'm in the same boat as yourself. I will soon be ordering some lamellar and i was directed to http://macramesuperstore.com/ to look for 4MM Bonnie Braid cord.

Seems to be what WMA recomends from the searches I've done.

the local japaneses use laces for less.

you have to call and order a spool around 144yards and it runs near 35 bucks. for the wide laces

I use mountaineering accessory cord at about 3 mm. Expensive, but worth it. What kind of lamellar are you using?

Mord.

Over the last couple of years I've tried a number of solutions that minimize necessary repairs. Macrame cord was the worst. One day at Pennsic and it was shredding. Paracord worked better. Leather thong actually seemed to work better than the paracord and has the virtues of being very easy to repair in the field and just looking better. The only thing that I have seen work better is mountaineering cord which as Mord has said is more expensive.

Kenric

I am going to get some of the aliminum scales that Felix was selling. I will send him a money order next Friday and was just wanting to get my lacing before I recieve shipment.

I plan on making 2 sets so will need to get enough lacing supply for both although only 1 set is a priority. I plan on makeing Vest, sholders, arms and skirt. I am not sure how much lacing that will take and if anyone that has put togeather same as above can give me a rough estimate that would be great.

Anyway I guess i will look at the mountaineering cord or try to find a supply of leather lacing.

Thanks for the replies as I still have a couple weeks to get this togeather.

Khabul

For Maxicord, aka. parachute cord, check around your local army/navy surplus. They usually have some in stock (olive green and black was what I have seen the most)

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/ROPE120-19779-1468.html

I used this stuff for my Lamellar. I first used the the Nylon Braid but it stretches and was tearing to badly. This stuff rocks and I bought 1000 feet for 20 bucks and it just doesn't tear or break. I use the black cord.