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Post by Deleted on May 31, 2009 13:00:36 GMT
I wanted to have some kind of arm armor for a long time, since I'm no good with shields at all. What I have at the moment is a small rawhide + wood shield that I can strap to my lower arm. Yes, it works, but it still wobbles around and constrains some moving directions. What I'd like to have would be something along the lines of a "gladiator" arm guard. So metal plates covering my blocking arm (+ hand) yet still nothing to divert my movement and gripping possibilities. Yet, the only thing I can find is this: www.kultofathena.com/product~item~AH3851A~name~Roman+Segmented+Arm+Armor.htmI have two problems with it, first of, it's Deepeeka, so it will be most likely low quality and way too heavy. And the second problem is, it's one size, there is no chance that it will fit me <- 1,60 m/5'3'' tall. Has anybody some suggestions for me? Other vendors, ideas or maybe Do-It-Yourself-Instructions. The help would be very appreciated.
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Post by Deleted on May 31, 2009 16:27:20 GMT
Hello Cara!
The type of armor you are referring to is the Lorica Manica, or just Manica armor. I did a quick Google search for 'manica armor' and there are numerous articles and forum posts regarding making said armor yourself.
I hope this helps!
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Post by Deleted on May 31, 2009 16:45:31 GMT
Cara, There are several vendors in the US who make armor specifically for the SCA market. In my bookmarks, I have a few that are located in Europe, www.bestarmour.com/ruce1.htm is one of them. Their armor looks good on their website, the link I provided is tor the first page of the arm armor section. I'm not sure if this is what you are looking for but, here is a link www.armourarchive.org/patterns/arms_15thC_sinric/ for a 15th Century Italian arm harness pattern. I'll go over my links and post any others that I fell may be of interest. I hope this helps. Vernon Edited to add: In your original post, I missed that you were going for the the Gladiator look/feel. When I go over my links, I look for armor of that period.
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Post by genocideseth on May 31, 2009 21:32:48 GMT
I feel the same way Cara... Except my reason for not having some is money issues.
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Post by Deleted on May 31, 2009 21:42:58 GMT
Thanks both of you. Hm, so the correct word is Lorica Manica, already good to know, let's see how far I get from there. vedearduffThanks for the links. I am a bit unsure if this type of arm armor can be worn without a plate armor it is attached to. Am I wrong there?
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Post by Deleted on Jun 1, 2009 0:38:04 GMT
I just went with a bigger shield. Well, and for my sword arm, you can check my thread to see what I have and I got it from red falcon armouries in PA. Now's not such a good time to get stuff from him, though. He's backed up with orders for Pennsic. Try middle-late august if you want stuff from him.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 1, 2009 1:14:05 GMT
vedearduffThanks for the links. I am a bit unsure if this type of arm armor can be worn without a plate armor it is attached to. Am I wrong there? While intended to be worn with the full harness, attachment points could be rigged on a medium weight leather vest. Another option would be to construct a leather harness similar to what you would use to suspend a shotgun or collapsed assault rifle under an overcoat. For what I think you are after, the Roman armor already mentioned should do just fine. I'm still looking and will post anything I find in a day or two. Vernon
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Post by Deleted on Jun 1, 2009 11:31:52 GMT
I feel the same way Cara... Except my reason for not having some is money issues. Oh, believe me, I'm not directly swimming in money. There is a reason I try to sell leather stuff and some of Skall's and mine weapons... TaranHm, I checked what they have for arms, but actually that is too light for me. I intend to use the arm as my primary defense, so I need something very robust that can handle direct impact from even a heavy blade. vedearduffHm, that idea with the holding harness sounds intriguing. On the other hand, having some kind of breast(s)protection would of course be a nice bonus I'd figure that it would be best to also go with a shoulder piece, that would make it easier to attach. Now I only have to find a possibility to build the stuff, without any tools or working space
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Post by Deleted on Jun 1, 2009 16:18:53 GMT
You might want to consider something more robust than the Roman armour, then.
A buckler or Bracer would be easier to construct and cost much less. You're basically talking about a miniature shield attached to your forearm that leaves your hand free. The buckler would be more effective at absorbing incoming blows, but, being larger and heavier, restricts movement just a tad. A bracer might be just a handspan width of plate attached to your forearm rather than the more complete shield of a buckler.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 1, 2009 16:56:51 GMT
As mentioned in my first post, I already own a small shield that has a bracer on the inside, so I can strap it to my arm. My experience with this is that it tends to wobble quite a bit and restricts movement. Not to speak about the times I actually hit myself with it while parading.
I am interested in the Lorica Manica because it gives me all the possibilities of a shield (at least such a small one as I need) plus leaves me free to use a fencing dagger, which is my preferred style.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 1, 2009 17:25:43 GMT
Cara, I had a pair of gauntlets/bracers and greaves made to order for not too much money by a vendor by the name of Oristian Subculture (you will find him on eBay); he works with leather almost exclusively, with steel or brass accents- you tell him what you want, he'll tell you if he can do it, and what it'll cost as well as how long the wait'll be. Clint's the guy's name, very easy to get ahold of and talk via email; he's a one-man show currently so keep that in mind if time's a factor. I'm betting he could do a whole arm for a decent price, give him a shot. He did me up some ringmail gauntlets and greaves that were not only visually arresting, but tough protection as well.
The Mercenary's Tailor is a good place if you're looking for affordable plate options; I actually just ordered a set of splints (bracers) and greaves in 16ga steel for about $150 shipped if I remember correctly. Allan is the proprietor of that outfit and he also is very easy to get ahold of and talk to- via phone or email as I used both. Good luck!
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Post by Deleted on Jun 2, 2009 12:14:48 GMT
Thanks for the tip with the Mercenary's Tailor. Some of the stuff looks quite interesting, maybe I'll take it as blueprint for some stuff I'm going to get myself (some time in the future)... since I'm small I typically always have to get custom productions
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Post by Deleted on Jun 2, 2009 14:13:05 GMT
If you can afford it, custom is the way to go- I prefer it that way as it is made to fit you, and not the masses per se. Here's a pic of me in my gear; you can see the bracers and greaves from Oristian Subculture- these were custom pieces made for me. The bracers you might be particularly interested in as they're double layered thick leather reinforced with steel rings and they encase the entire forearm from wrist to elbow; mine also have mitten attachments as well.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 2, 2009 16:39:40 GMT
Dam, those bracers and greaves are way cool...very nice.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 2, 2009 17:03:10 GMT
Hardened leather llamelar would work extremely well, especially if made from steel lames but even overlapping leather works extremely well. I know people who fight in llamelar armour and it is amazing how strong and versatile it is whilst being utterly flexible..
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Post by Deleted on Jun 2, 2009 19:26:55 GMT
@ Ebon Paladin I couldn't afford custom made stuff from any renowned smithy, but I could probably get something quite inexpensive from Czechia, which has lots of good smithies at a decent pricerange. But I'd definitely prefer custom pieces over standard production. It is just not possible to get anything that will be as perfect for oneself as a piece especially made for you, and since I want my stuff to serve me as long as possible I definitely want the best I can get (without having to get the money through prostitution ) You look stunning in your gear, the bracers and greaves are especially nice. Even though I'm not a big fan of the templar("paladin") look, but it suits you. And you seem to like the "role", if your name is any implication... Hardened leather llamelar would work extremely well, especially if made from steel lames but even overlapping leather works extremely well. I know people who fight in llamelar armour and it is amazing how strong and versatile it is whilst being utterly flexible.. Skall and I did a series on leather armor some years ago (no idea if the videos are still up) and while llamelar armor held up best, it still got sliced to pieces (scale by scale, mind you). Of course I'm not going to train with sharp weapons, but I only want gear that I could use in a "real" situation/fight. So leather is pretty much out, at least for my main defense. I would still consider llamelar armor for my torso. Still, thanks for the idea
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Post by Deleted on Jun 2, 2009 20:18:22 GMT
Cara: most welcome, but what about steel lames? If you stitched them in such a way that the leather was covered by a series of overlapping steel scales, like a fish then the leather would absorb the impact and the steel would protect the leather. I would take it into battle
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Post by Deleted on Jun 2, 2009 20:21:01 GMT
Cara, there you go- the guy I was talking about (Clint @ Oristian) is a one-man show, but his attention to detail and the quality of his pieces are even more stunning when you consider the pricing of the items. For me, it is worth it, but it doesn't really fit my Crusader persona...it is more of a fantasy/barbarian style; which is why I placed that order with Merc Tailor for the all steel counterparts.
Either way, best of luck- who knows, if you run across a smith with enough imagination, the two of you might collaborate on a design and make something truly unique, just for you.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 2, 2009 23:08:36 GMT
bloodwraithThat may well be a possibility. Since I use the arm as active defense I'd definitely have to cushion the impact. I guess were back at the good old question scale mail or plate armor. Hm, both have pros and cons, maybe in the end the availability will speak the final word. @ebon I think I like the greaves and bracers exactly because they don't fit the crusader image Oh, and concerning, the creative smith, it's enough if he/she can make anything from a blueprint. There is more creativity inside my head than is good for me. So design would not be the problem, more the finally deciding on one specific one ;D
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Post by Deleted on Jun 26, 2009 22:29:50 GMT
Cara: most welcome, but what about steel lames? If you stitched them in such a way that the leather was covered by a series of overlapping steel scales, like a fish then the leather would absorb the impact and the steel would protect the leather. I would take it into battle cara i used to have something similar but instead of scales i put steel bars, riveted to the leather. i put sheep skin on the back to absord more of the impact. worked very well.
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