Well I started work on the final piece to my kit...mail gloves.
The ones I purchased off ebay were not what I had hoped for.
They didn't fit that well and it had maille over the entire thing,
including the palms! - Certainly not acceptable.
So I ordered some maille fabric from the ring lord.
http://www.theringlord.com/I know it isn't authentic but the rings are small enough to work with
though they certainly are tough! Used some wire cutters at first but took
forever so I switched to some sheetmetal cutters which worked out much
better. Real pain doing all that stiching through leather but worth it
in the end. I screwed up the first few cuts so bad though I ran out of
maille and had to order another piece. I asked a friend to help cut the
maille I did have left while I was wearing the glove..If you ask someone to
help you cut the maille make sure THEY UNDERSTAND where to cut! The
guy almost ruined my last workable piece, I made do with what I had but
the thumb is a little awkward looking.
So what do you all think?
http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd251/Tah908/WIP/BeforeAfter.jpghttp://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd251/Tah908/WIP/Palm.jpghttp://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd251/Tah908/WIP/SizeComparison.jpgEDIT {3/27/08}
Oh did I mention it is hot? – I believe you told me Sir Edward that when the gambeson becomes
saturated with sweat, it actually helps keep you cool. I wonder if I pre-soaked my under shirt if
I’d get the same benefit?
Yeah, the period linen garments would do that. I don't know if it works with other materials! I still have to wonder though-- it might be reasonably cool, but squishing around in soaked linen doesn't sound completely comfortable either.
I bought a linen shirt that I'm going to start using with my kit instead of t-shirts and other cotton shirts. I'm curious to see what difference it'll make. Of course, that's one advantage of using aluminum mail too; it dissipates heat better than steel. That's why it's used in a lot of heat sinks.
I actually had an opportunity to try this yesterday and a t-shirt soaked in cold water and wrung
out works surprisingly well! I was actually cold. I was only wearing my gambeson and surcoat
but it was definately a difference! I plan on wearing a wet t-shirt under my gambeson for sure
during the warmer days!