Full greaves

Charles Alexander · Post by **Charles Alexander** » Wed Aug 20, 2008 6:54 pm

Per this post http://forums.armourarchive.org/phpBB2/ ... dda9183696

I realize how hard it can be to make a pair of full greaves. At least one that is well shaped and articulates well for the wearer.

Out of curiosity, can a cheaper less than perfect set of full greaves be made? I know frontal greaves are common. What about the back of the leg? Can that be easily done? Just something basic with decent protection?

Not unlike these(with or without lames) - http://www.merctailor.com/catalog/produ ... ucts_id=74

Otto von Teich · Post by **Otto von Teich** » Wed Aug 20, 2008 7:51 pm

Shop around, I'd save my money and get the full ones, Drew or some of the Czech, or Ukraine guys, can do better work without breaking the bank account. They wont be cheap, but the results will be worth it. In the long run you will be alot happier. Just my two cents. These guys are pretty good and reasonable. I havnt dealt with them but I've heard of a few that had with good results.http://www.bestarmour.com/

Murdock · Post by **Murdock** » Thu Aug 21, 2008 12:16 am

problem with making them long distace is that if they fit wrong they hurt and rub you ankels bloody.

My first set of backs i made didn't fit me right and i was standing there with me

They need to be made at least on a cast of your leg.

Halberds · Post by **Halberds** » Thu Aug 21, 2008 12:56 am

Perhaps you should ask these guys you referenced.
http://www.merctailor.com/catalog/produ ... ucts_id=74
I only made a lamp base that looked like a greave.
http://home.armourarchive.org/members/h ... reave1.jpg
All hot formed and way out of my league.

Best of luck on your quest little Pilgrim.

Hal

Otto von Teich · Post by **Otto von Teich** » Thu Aug 21, 2008 7:39 am

Robert Valentine is another who makes decent ones, they look pretty good, not sure of the price but at least the ones he made me functioned properly. There are alot of armouries to shop around. I'd really Recomend Jiri Klepac, but hes not taking commisions right now. Jiri Lucius would be a good one to check out to. You might want to quiz William Hurt, and James Gilliespie. Patrick Thaden, Heck I could keep you busy for a month or two just getting price quotes! :wink:

Charles Alexander · Post by **Charles Alexander** » Fri Aug 22, 2008 12:22 am

Thank you gents.

Andrew Young · Post by **Andrew Young** » Sat Aug 23, 2008 10:20 pm

Thanks for the plug Otto.

We do several variations on fully shaped SCA frontals for around 125.

In fact Ive been thinking about doing a short run of greaves as a sort of ""end of summer sale"". Probably around 95 a pair--various stock sizes which should fit most guys. If anyone is interested, shoot me an email.

Full greaves take longer than just doing the equivalent of a back pair. The added time comes in when fitting up both the front and back...to get anything that looks "historically flush" (no more than a 1/16" gap) can take hours for a single pair. Its a lot of tedious tinkering. But it does look great, thats for sure. However thats why full greaves cost more.

And a pair of single piece of metal greaves, while technically offering more control in terms of line placement, they do take hours a piece, whereas I can shape an sca greave in 30 minutes prior to grinding. Pros and cons of both types of greaves. And obviously the price reflects it.

But yeah if your going to spend the money, get a nice fully shaped pair....it looks sooooo much better than "flat" greaves which were used for all of about 25 years in the 13th century...after that greaves are almost invariably shaped up and down the lower leg and Im not talking about a one inch flare at the instep. You really need that fully formed instep shaped and integrated into the muscles of the thigh for it to fit and look good.