Hail Fellows

[Sir Rauri MacNeill]

I am interested in putting together a kit and begin reenacting as a Medieval knight. I am wanting to focus on late 13th and early 14th century Ireland, probably during the Bruce invasion. I am not new to reenacting as I am currently the First Sergeant for a Union Civil War unit.

I am currently going back to college to get my bachelors in history and my focus will be Medieval history. History has always been a major interest of mine, and I am hoping to change careers upon the completion of my degree. I have always been interested by the knights and castles of the Medieval Age and look forward to this journey.

[jason77]

Welcome to the community. I look forward to your thoughts and contributions.

[Matthew of the Isles]

Hey there. Some of us newbies aren't experienced in reenactment at all, so don't be shy about sharing tips and advice!

[Jon Blair]

Welcome to our noble assembly.

[Thorsteinn]

Welcome!

[Sir Rauri MacNeill]

Hey there. Some of us newbies aren't experienced in reenactment at all, so don't be shy about sharing tips and advice!

Matthew, the biggest thing that I can say is do your research into whatever period you're looking at. Authenticity is key, but at the same time don't break the bank. I watched a YouTube video that Sir Ian did on his channel (Knyght Errant) where he goes over his soft kit. I liked what he had to say about not overlooking the basics first. A lot of people will go straight for the weapons and armor, but your everyday gear is going to be the key stuff to get first in my opinion.

[Sir William]

Welcome to the forums!

[Sir Nate]

Welcome! There are a lot of posts here regarding late 13th century and 14th century, maybe give them a look and feel free to join in or relight a discussion
If your kit is going to be late 13th- early 14th, The armor you should be looking for is this.
That is; covered in mail armor from head to toe, then a coat of plates, knee and elbow caps, cuisses, and the shoulder decoration known as ailettes. As well as a Dargen, Madeln, or Sugarloaf style bucket helm.
I would also recomend starting with a soft kit first, basic clothing, then padded armor, then steel armor.

[Sir Rauri MacNeill]

Naythan, thank you. That helps me a lot. I have started to look into soft kits and will be making my first purchase here in the next month or so.

[Sir Patrick]

Welcome!

[Matthew of the Isles]

Matthew, the biggest thing that I can say is do your research into whatever period you're looking at. Authenticity is key, but at the same time don't break the bank. I watched a YouTube video that Sir Ian did on his channel (Knyght Errant) where he goes over his soft kit. I liked what he had to say about not overlooking the basics first. A lot of people will go straight for the weapons and armor, but your everyday gear is going to be the key stuff to get first in my opinion.
[/quote]

Thank you for the solid advice. No one has ever been steered wrong by being directed to Sir Ian's channel! The man is a veritable library in his own right.

[Sir Brian]

Welcome  and  well  met !

[Lord Dane]

Welcome to the forum.