The Armour Archive

Hello everyone, I'm looking for pieces of armor that will hold up to SCA quality armor. SCA encourages its members to make their own armor, however, I simply don't have the time to make it. The loaner armor I'm using is rather big and I'd like some one to post a few links where I might be able to find sparring armor. Thanks

Of all the sca realted forums and armor forums out there you have come to the right place my friend. I have just about 2K worth of armor bought from these guys on this archive over the past two years. Just hang in there and you will get some replies. The armourers on this forum tend to police themselves and this site very well.

It would help if you knew specifically what you wanted for armour as there are many here who specialise in one or another era or style of gear. Failing that tell us about your particular interests within the SCA and we can point you towards appropriate choices for the time period and country/cultural group you are interested in.

Ok, here's a good link:

http://www.armourarchive.org

Then click on 'links', then choose 'armoury links'. You'll get a list of armouries whose product will stand up to SCA combat.

The armourer I have been working with is Gundobad from Wise Ogre armoury. I'm not sure if he is taking any more commissions, but I'll vouch for his workmanship.
His web page is at: http://www.wiseogre.com

He has also created a list of some other armouries that provide good quality armor:
http://www.alltel.net/~gundobad/others.htm

Good luck.

Thaddeus is right- give an idea of what you are looking for, budget, how long you`ve been fighting, how much protection you need or are willing to give up for mobility, how long you want to wait...

Hmm, unfortunately i hadn't taken some of these questions into account. I guess I really needed to take a look at armor pics to get a feel what all I have to choose from. The majority of the loaner I am using is plate. However I am thinking about going with a chainmail tunic. I was wonding how much protection chain provides for I've never worn one. When i used a coat of plates, I couldn't feel much impact, however I don't know how chain compates to a coat of plates. Any ideas?

Chain is pretty, and very appropriate to many time periods... but it doesn't provide much if any actual armour value in SCA style combat (other than the mass)

------------------
Otto's Armoury
(home of one HIGHLY overworked armourer!) http://www.members.tripod.com/SBvast

and I hear that chain leaves some really neat bruising patterns on the skin hehehe, actually I am planing on going with chain along with a gambeson with "pockets" sewn in to slide plastic parts in for the SCA requirements (small ribs etc.) on the outside it will look like a chain shirt but underneath will be my required protection


oh one other thing that may or may not help is location, you will save some cash not having to pay shipping and such if you work with someone close by
------------------
Il hel!!! to the halls of valhalla we go where we fight all day drink all evening and.....well let's just say it gets better from there =)

[This message has been edited by berok (edited 09-12-2002).]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR><font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by berok:
and I hear that chain leaves some really neat bruising patterns on the skin </font><HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

If you check my posts elsewhere, I disagree. A properly fitted/padded gambeson and hauberk in my year of fighting to date hasn't (knock on wood) yielded a bruise yet. I fight SCA heavy 1 -3 times a week.

Cheers!
Giles

Here in Drachewald there are quite a few people that fight in mail. I don't ask them how badly they are bruised, but seeing them walk off the field just fine after small melee's tells me that it does work. As for me, I'll stick with my stiffer stuff.

Saranac Goetz
Shire of Flintheath
Isles