Yeah, I used to always be happy with the lower quality stuff till I saw tons of the high quality stuff IRL at Days of Knights. I handled Joe Metz's, Ed's, and Ian's Albion swords and now I am currently in the process of getting my own but the wait times a lot. I also decided I wanted a high quality Great helm thats custom fitted as the eye slits locations are important. My brother tried on my helm and the slits didn't meet up with his eyes but they do mine. I don't prefer helms with the brass oculars either because it doesn't look nearly as "intimidating" and looks like a "good guys helm" I kinda like the idea of looking "intimidating and ominous" which is partially why I like the Teutonic Order.
I am going to tie the laces on the inside so they don't catch on anything, just a bit worried they'll catch on the coif I am wearing but meh it probably will look better with them on the inside. I LIKE the ribbons better than leather lace though cause the red and patina finish looks cool together, makes it look rather noble looking, most of my belts are red colored too which my heraldry colors are red black white and gold. It matches that which I prefer.
I do have a question for Ed about crests, I kinda want to put one up but not permanently, not sure where to get a carving, I was thinking maybe some animal crest to put on the top or maybe even a sun similar to the one in my coat of arms. I know Ed got a dragon to put on his helm which looks quite good there honestly. I could go for an animal though, probably a wolf, bird, or horse even though there is none in my coat of arms.
