The Armour Archive

A mate of mine wants to make gauntlets for himself (he has rather large hands) and wanted to ask what sort of steel you all reccomend? And how much work needs to be done on a forge? (Heating metal to shape it, etc) I think he's considering hourglass style, though he seemed somewhat serrious about making Ring Wraith style from LOTR, just for kicks.

heck i would tell you if i knew but i dont and tell your friend "good idea!!!!"

Personally I prefer spring steel. it's light weight super strong.

I would also make the hourglass gauntlets rather that the wraith gauntlets. the wraith gauntlets require much fluting and complex forming if I'm not mistaken, so they may not be the best begginer project. the hourglass gauntlets are period, they can be made easily by changing several factors to simplify them such as the shape of the metacarpal plate (nuckle plate on the back of the hand) and riveting the 2 peices togwethr rather than welding. and besides the hourglass gauntlets belong to the 14th century so that's an added bonus.

good luck to you,

Aaron

pm sent

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