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Post by Deleted on Nov 1, 2009 1:55:32 GMT
I have a question on the sode (arm/shoulder protection) and kusazuri (thigh protection) on Japanese armor. I am wondering if anyone can tell me why they are oriented with the upper edges out. It would seem to me that most sword strikes would be coming from above and if they were in parallel with the segments or lames of this protection that it could cut the lacing at least and at worst pass through the gap and into flesh. It makes more sense to me that they should be oriented with the lower edge out so that only an ascending cut could get through.
Does anyone know a reason for them being made this way?
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Post by Deleted on Nov 1, 2009 18:21:41 GMT
This orientation of the lames is common on european armour too. Spears can slip between downward orientated lames, so can swordstabs. Stabbing from above is far more difficult, then you will have to get close, and the angle doesn't give much damage.
The lacing is done very intricately so the armour won't fall apart if some of the lacing is cut, but there definetly is some weak points on the back.
I just read an article about japanese armour making pre Edo, and it seems most armor were laminated. This strengthens the armour singificantly, especially the edges. A full strength sword blow will barely nick the armour and kabuto. Even tsubas were sometimes made laminated to protect the hand better. During Edo armour are made far weaker, often using only single layer steel.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 2, 2009 16:04:30 GMT
Thanks for the info Ichiban. As you may recall, I'm undertaking the crafting of a full set of leather armor. The orientation doesn't really matter to me but I was curious as to 'why'. I was also thinking of a man fighting on foot and I now that I think about it, it would make a difference if he was mounted, then the blows would be coming from below more often.
Thanks again.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 2, 2009 21:34:31 GMT
I haven't been able to figure it out, shoboshi. And I've spent considerable time researching Lamellar and scale armours from many regions. Scale armours are almost Always built bottom to top (the scale above being on top). Lamellar armours are usually reversed (the lame above being underneath). The construction style Allows you to go in either direction and the protection provided in either direction is not really superior to the other. It appears to be mostly a preference/cultural thing.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 3, 2009 2:16:40 GMT
I appreciate the input Taran.
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