Performance/Maintenance-oriented SCA Armour

[Gerhard von Liebau]

Hello folks,

I had taken a lot of time to assemble a 14th century harness to my liking, and began selling it off before it was quite complete. I fought it in once, and realized it wasn't what I wanted. I guess these trial period happen for most fighters. Anyway, there were too many elements to my armour. Too many layers, too many points of articulation to worry about moving correction, and too many pieces that had to fit "just right" or I'd be screwed.

I'm a very swift person by nature, and would like to take advantage of this by not burdening myself with so much weight or articulated pieces. I'm thinking a Dark Age harness would do me good, but I like exposed armour! So, what to do, what to do... Any suggestions would be appreciated.

I also like being unique...

Thanks!

-Gregory-

[Pietro da San Tebaldo]

Suggestion:

A 15th C. entry-level man-at-arms harness might be for you.

The helm of choice would be a sallet or a t-faced barbute. The t-face has pretty good visibility and breathability, and you don't see that many of them out there.

On your body, you'd wear an arming coat to which is pointed your elbows and your shoulder spaulders, with a brigandine coat (sleeveless vest, actually) over that.

Leg harness is hung from the arming coat or from a pourpoint worn underneath.

Brigandine body armor is distinctive, handsome, flexible, and a lot easier to don than the standard "buckle in the back" Wisby coat of plates. They either buckled on the sides or straight up the front. It's a level more difficult to build than a Wisby, but that's not saying that much. If you're really concerned about the weight, you can make the brig plates from a light-guage T6 aluminum or a sturdy plastic. The plates aren't visible from outside, just the rivet-heads holding them to the cloth outer shell.

[Gerhard von Liebau]

Funny you mention that, Pietro. All evening I've been tryin' to figure out how I could make a 15th century harness work affordably and properly for my fighting. Thank you for the tips. Seems like a good way to go. I'll look into it further!

-Gregory-

[Konstantin the Red]

Probably something with German arms would be right for you, then: no major component articulates upon any other; they are all laced onto an underlying sleeve with points. Spaudlers, rerebrace, German elbow of intersecting cones, and vambrace, plus 15th-c. gothy gaunts.

[Gerhard von Liebau]

Bingo, Konstantine!

Now I just need to find the right undergarment to buy! Any suggestions? I'm going to try to buy all of this stuff soon, so would like to get most of it as inexpensively as possible...

Any suggestions? Thanks!

-Gregory-

[Oswyn_de_Wulferton]

Remember, sometimes portraying an Accurate man of lesser means looks more impressive than a so/so job of portraying a high noble. That being said, most people that are doing Dark Ages and such opt for a bit of armour worn outside (cause it is hard to get the right shape underneath). There is still quite a bit of room to get some spiffy armour, but it is more your helm, hauberk, and gauntlets. And a fancy tunic. Just get a really blingy hat, and you are all good (Stares at Sir Fynn ).

[Johann Lederer]

Gothic Armour is awesome, but IMHO not very cheap! I really wanted to go that route andthen fell in love with 14C Milanese, oh well, your experience may vary.
Oswyn does bring up a good point though, a good impression is not necessarily a flashy high noble one. A well thought out lesser man of means harness looks great if it is done well.
Johann

[Syrfinn]

Lol, was that stare for me Oswyn.

If it was, just wait till you see my new "Stealth" finger gauntlets from Darkheart.

[Sean Powell]

Now I just need to find the right undergarment to buy! Any suggestions? I'm going to try to buy all of this stuff soon, so would like to get most of it as inexpensively as possible...

Any suggestions? Thanks!

-Gregory-

I'm looking at your post and I happen to glance up to the the small banner add for a Linen Gambeson by Revival Clothing. I have one of theirs I bought 4 years ago. I am just now wearing through in some spots where the fabric gets pinched by plates (not counting the bleach stain on the left elbow where it was splashed while doing other laundry).

They are a bit pricey but WELL WORTH IT. Especially if you can try it on in person to be 100% sure of the size.

Your 2nd best option is anyone who thinks that they can make a cheeper version but has never tried it. You should get a functional but not quite perfect gambeson and your seamstress will swear up and down that they will never make another even at twice that price...

Option 3, if you have an odd body type (as I remember you were bean-pole skinny?) you may have to custom order one from someone who has custom built them before (like Tasha). The benefit to custom is you can figure out your arming points BEFORE the sewing and they should come out right rather then trying to add on arming points or adapt armor to match fabric.

Good luck,
Sean

[Blaine de Navarre]

Maille. Mid-12th C. 'Nuff said.

[Gerhard von Liebau]

I was doing some research last night, and decided portraying any man-at-arms from the later centuries won't do, for now. I just got myself out of a 14th century kit with layers of armour, and if I jump into a 15th century one with even a more simple structure, the same idea will hold true.

The Dark Ages have won out. Sports suit beneath foam joint padding with steel cops, simple leather vambraces and cuisses, a simple leather kidney belt with viking clothing above and a nice mail shirt topped off by a cool helmet.

I've decided. Thanks for the input guys!

-Gregory-

[Oswyn_de_Wulferton]

Go for Crash Pads. They are well worth the money.