Finished kit. 15th century something or other. W/pics

[Koops]

Welp, long nine months of armoring, hell of a learning curve. Learned lots from books, lots from the folks on AA, and lots more from trial and error. I think my 'failed project' pile is five times as big as my finished project pile, but what can ya do.

Was going for a rough 15th century look and I approximated as well as my skills would allow. All of the patterns I made myself, and what a pain that is. Draw a piece, fit it, throw it away, start over, fun.

What I like about it:

The fit is excellent, should be as I made it for myself and not real hard to measure when you are right there.

Not super-over-the-top in the medievalesque department. I think I stuck to traditional pieces/pictures as much as possible. I cannot site specific pieces I copied, was more or less just a feel.

Did not really just bend anything. Every piece is shaped and articulates very well. I put creases/flutes on damn near every piece to give it a bit of strength and a bit of, I don't know, flair maybe.

I feel really cool wearing it.

What I don't like:

I made the whole thing, sans the helmet, out of 16g hot rolled. Massive maintenance or watch it rust to bits.

Heavy. Could have used 18 for quite a few pieces.

Satin finish. Would have liked to do high polish but the maintenance on just the satin is bad enough and I am fighting in this.

I am a terrible fighter. I could perform much better in sports armor but it just doesn't ring my bell like this does.


That is about it. I am still iffy on my gauntlets. I love the look and the feel of the, er, don't even know what the style of gauntlet is called. Saw some pictures and took a shot at it. Gloves are taped onto the leathers because I do not know how to sew. If I cannot figure it out just going to rivet em in place. And, that should do it. The boys at fighter practice say that it should pass for the SCA, hope so. Get clobbered out there sword and board, feel ok with polearm.

Will add a couple more pics in another post.

Comments welcome, you are not going to hurt my feelings after the mess I made creating this stuff.

Edit...I didnt make the helmet, bought it for $200. I feel ok protecting my body with the fluff I am making, protecting the squash is a bit different. It came with a bevor but it was gapping a bit and we found out that you can get a rattan sword through said gap. So tossed it and made an SCA friendly one. Rides up the chin and almost touches the tip of my nose, but it is buku safe and no chance of the odd face hit getting anywhere near my skin.

Best

[Tomburr]

The only criticisms I could offer would be to work on getting a much stronger "tulip" shape to the cased greaves. They should closely follow the silhouette of your leg. But that comes with lots and lots of practice.
And the gambeson is too long for that kit. It should end just below the waistline.

Other than that, I think it looks like a marvelous first kit. Very well done.

And good job going the historical route. Waaaay cooler than the sport armour route.

P.S. Welcome to the mighty 15th C., brother.

[Amalric von Regensburg]

Very nice!
Very inspirational as well as a friend & I are both working on finishing our 15th German rigs.

Good luck on fighting in your armor.
Let us know what works for you.
Thanks
Amalric

[Tableau]

As far as self built first kits go, that is amazing. It really encourages me to get mine done. I'm going for 15th century italian.