ModernChivalry.org
Main => The Armoury => Topic started by: Sir Robert on 2011-03-22, 19:07:57
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The off season is a time I often turn to making new things, this year I re-strapped my whole kit due to some issues last season. Once done I have now started building at least three new kits, one more complicated (more articulation points), a new leather/stainless kit, and one for my squire….mmm that’s a lot really. So far I have the Breastplate of one done, the backplate nearly complete, but there are still lots to do. Its still fun though. Working with leather will be new to me at this scale, so any insights would be appreciated once that project gets going, I am thinking of using copper or brass rivets, but that’s far off.
I have seen the gauntlet questions, I have been toying with that as well, but mine are plate, Sir Brian did an excellent job on his. I thought I would start this thread and start posting pictures of my project as it come along and welcome comments or suggestions. So here we go, I’ll try and get pictures up tomorrow.
I was also thinking, that if any of our newer members would like information or pointers about building their own kit, this would be a great thread. I build transitional kits, so a combination of plate, chain, and sometimes leather, mostly 14th-15th century. So by all means anyone who likes chime in.
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I look forward to this myself.
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Great! I love DIY stuff and can't wait to see your projects. :)
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Attached are some pictures of my new kit, so far the breastplate Front and back,
The front follows my normal pattern but doubles the lams and adds a wider skirt.
I am not sure yet if the wider skirt base is a good idea as it can limit your bending but it can be trimmed if needed.
The back is nearly completed with the exception of beading, adding the shoulder closures, and polishing.
Both will still need strapping byt I typically do that during assembly so we are a ways off from that yet.
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Excellent!
Man we are such a blessed forum to have some many talented members! :)
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That's some intricate work! Do you have pics of some of your old work posted somewhere for those of us who haven't seen it?
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Here are a couple of pictures of older work
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And Here
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Here as well (detail)
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and one more...
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All these- even the scary black and silver set I made about two years ago, I kind of took some time off from it last year, but now wanted something new. I also made the axe you see after talking with Sir Brian, as we were talking about how few truly period and functional axes there were (he bought one almost two years ago so I made this last year).
I am making a set of poleams this year that can be carried at the PA Faire I think....(rubber blades inside of metal plates, should really look great but no edges)
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Here as well (detail)
I love the crosses....very well done, Stormdelver. Do you do commissions?
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Nice work, Stormdelver!
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Thanks for all the kind comments, as for commissions maybe....I like artistic but period based pieces, but I think you flatter me too much. When I set out to create my armor originally (not knowing much about it) I set my goal to do something that hasn't really been done before but yet in a traditional way.
This lead me to etching, an art practiced on commissioned armor to be sure, along with gilding, plating, and many jewlery techniques. Then they used things like nettle sap and wax, that really takes a long time...and would not wotk on Stainless at all.
I happen to have aweird set of skills such as blacksmithing and as a ferrier...(I was raised on a working farm by a traditional German Grandfather who was also a railroad man). That with a lot of knowledge of chemistry.....anyway here you go.
Last night at my Cub Scout Meeting I taught etching this way to make coins, I mase a Modern Chivalry coin, not much to look at yet artsy wise as I made it in a couple of minutes but I like the coin idea
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wow very cool!
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Can we see it?
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Ok its been a week, and I have just been busy but first the coin- this was a very quick-like 1 minute work so don't be too disappointed.
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What's the first image of? I see the sword and axe in the second image.
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And here is some progress....
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And here
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And here
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and here
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Well its simply MC, but it would be best with our actual logo on one side and maybe a slogan or oath in Evish or runes on the other- like I said it was done on the spur of the moment.
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BTW, you can put up to 4 attachments in one message, you just have to click the "more attachments" link to the right of the "browse" button.
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Yeah but I have been having issues with more than two uploading and I have kept each below 15kb...I think its just the latency. No worries and thanks!
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OK cool, just making sure you knew :)
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I really dig the overlapping plates on the spine, looks like what I've seen on modern body armor, quite effective too.
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Ah a week gone again, just where does the time go? I was looking forward to a weekend at the forge and ended up in the hospital, my lady was ill for some time, she is better so thank you in advance for your well wishes. I will be gone for most of next week on a family trip, so it will be s bit untill I will have any new developments so here we go, I have now completed half of the pauldrons
Plate armor that covers the shoulders., well more than half really as the forming is done as is the etching but one side still will need polishing and assembly but here you go:
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And some more detail
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Are those pauldrons?
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LOL, yes sorry my bad, they are :D
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SWEET. Was pretty sure but you never know...I'd hate to have found out they were cod pieces or something. lol
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OK news! I finished the majority of my new kit. I must say it looks awesome...ok I am bragging a bit, but its by far the most complex thing I have built thus far.
I will be posting pictures soon. I decided to wear it to a California Faire next weekend. (Can you just imagine taking this on a flight?) I will ship it out on Monday to Cal.
I am excited because this also represented completly new forging methods as well, a new finish style, new strappings and again lots of plates.....
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As promised here are my pics:
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OMG! :o
That looks fantastic Robert! Well done indeed! You most definitely have every right to brag about that most excellent harness which you forged with your own hands! ;D
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Are you kidding me? I'd be bragging on a mountaintop! What a superb example of fine craftsmanship...I imagine it wears as well as it looks right?
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Its nice- but then again its made for me, its almost double in weight from my current harmess though, I was a bit suprised by that. Sorry about the pics, I really compressed them to save bandwidth, I get some pictures that better show it off.
I am soon starting on another kit- this next one will be leather, a new material for me as armor. Thanks to everyone for your encouragement.
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I'm on the left, but with the speed of digital cameras I cannot tell you if I'm fighting or teaching.
What I have left to add soonest are winnegas, pants to hide the legs, and an aventail. After that are the hidden arms, fighting tunic, a center-grip round, and better gauntlets.
Edit: I am wearing some Jorvik 2 toggle boots from Bohemond Boots & I love them. My helm is Windrose is a MTO Norman, My knee cops are Rough From the Hammer, Basket hilt in 2nd shot is a Windrose, my bazubands are from Skaldic.com, and the gauntlets in the first pic are early West Coast Armoury ones. I made the shield, sword/axe, lamellar, soon-to-be-hidden cuisses, and gambeseon.
-Ivan
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Stormdelver, about that leather armor...are you going for the boiled in wax method or shaping and forming pieces via rivets and such?
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Sir Stormdelver, you amaze me with your harness!
It is a great example of the beauty of gothic style!
This year (in relation to this post) I have decided as to where to get my harness.
Originally I planned on getting me Gothic Harness from Illusion Armoring, but there was one problem.
(money to get the plane ticket to washington state!) (also I don't have my exact measurements made yet, but it's in the work)
Then I looked at Mercenary Tailors on there munition armor, I felt more confident because it's close and the picing would fit in my budget! (also i can design it to have the gothic look without the flutting)
So, Mercenary Tailors it is, any suggestions are welcome!
(I will post pictures of the harness after ordering)
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I have thought of boiling some parts as it makes them more rigid. The down side of that is that you need to make the moulds first, but I think the overall look is worth it, it will just take longer.
I did buy copper rivets for this project as well but have not settled on a final design yet. I do really like this srt though (below) so I think it will be based on this.
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Then I looked at Mercenary Tailors on there munition armor, I felt more confident because it's close and the picing would fit in my budget! (also i can design it to have the gothic look without the flutting)
So, Mercenary Tailors it is, any suggestions are welcome!
(I will post pictures of the harness after ordering)
Merc's Tailor is an excellent choice because Allan won't string you along indefinitely like a lot of other armorers would. When you order from him, you'll get what you paid for, and it will be solid. I think you'll enjoy your armor greatly!
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I most emphatically agree with Sir Edward! Allan is the epitome of a master craftsman which is only surpassed by his integrity and I'm not just saying that because nearly all of my plate pieces are from him! ;)
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As do I...in fact, all of my plate armor is MT-made...purchased over the last couple of years. Currently I have the gorget w/detachable spaulders, splinted vambraces and greaves...I had the plate vambraces and greaves before that and am sorry I sold them as they would've been perfect for this next kit I'm putting together. Ah well...anyway, like Sirs Edward and Brian have said, he's a master craftsman who understands the importance of quality work AND customer service. These days, it seems difficult to find both in one craftsman.
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I have a set of cased greaves, a breast and back, and cased vambraces on order at MercTailor. Once those are in to complete my 14th cent kit, I'll take pictures of it. He has been great to work with so far, and I plan to get many more pieces from him in the next few years.
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Its nice- but then again its made for me, its almost double in weight from my current harmess though, I was a bit suprised by that. Sorry about the pics, I really compressed them to save bandwidth, I get some pictures that better show it off.
I am soon starting on another kit- this next one will be leather, a new material for me as armor. Thanks to everyone for your encouragement.
Little late but outstanding craftsmanship, Sir Robert. :) :) Love the style you created for your kit. Nothing wrong with admonishment as your skill is apparent. Well-done & well-crafted Sir!! Hope we meet in near future.
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Well its another year...
This year I am currently building a new kit for my squire, and not as far along as I would like, but still....
So his kit will be limited to Gorget, Cuirass, fauld, buff arming coat, pauldron, rerebrace,vembrace, tassets, and maybe cuisse, so all in all 3/4 armor.
My target will be flexibility, weight, and ease of wearing, he is only 12, but nearly my height already, surly not his last set of armor.
As it progresses I will share pictures. I only have the Gorget, and Curass formed out right now and have to go looking for some brass....
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Sir Robert, looking forward to seeing it
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With this new year, I also am resolved to get my Kit finally underway this year.
Type: 14th Century, Crecy-Poitiers Era.
Helmet: Houndskull Bascinet (yes I am joining Sirs Ian and Nathan and maybe making the Three Houndskulls ;)) with aventail.
Spaulders
Churburg Breastplate without stop rib. Type #14.
14th Century Arms and Legs.
Hourglass Gauntlets
Frontal Greaves (or Crecy Schybalds as seen on Anshelm Arms)
Sabatons.
Bonus: Pembridge Great Helm.
That is it and I am getting 60% of the items from Mad Matt's, three from Therion which not only fits into my personal budget and could be completed by the end of this year.
Soft Kit: Gambeson, Pourpoint, Hose Pants, Shirt, Medieval Shoes (either buckled or tied) Revival Clothing or maybe Fuhlen Designs.
So that's it. Enough of me and my wild schemes, I finally found it! Ah the relief to know thsi will happen. ;D
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i'll be updating missing pieces from my WW1 german kit. that maybe it, not sure. i have a roman group that wants me to hang w/ them so i need to degalvinize my hamata, make a new shield and shrink my belts down so they fit.
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i'll be updating missing pieces from my WW1 german kit. that maybe it, not sure. i have a roman group that wants me to hang w/ them so i need to degalvinize my hamata, make a new shield and shrink my belts down so they fit.
Speaking of Roman era, I've made an addition to my 14th century transitional kit to signify my Italian, English, Irish lineage. A custom Roman gladiator leather war skirt with a kidney belt to be worn over my black maille. Works perfectly with the harness and gives me a 3rd century A.D. Centurion or Gladiator look when Romans occupied Britannia (England). Fits right in place (or at least looks good) with my splinted armor too. :) My English knight armor kit has gold Celtic trim w/ brass fittings & rivots on black leather & armor plate. It's more individual to my heritage now and doesn't really feel out of place.
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that is not period. :( sorry but that is 100% fantasy
http://s596.beta.photobucket.com/user/reenactthis/library/roman. (http://s596.beta.photobucket.com/user/reenactthis/library/roman.) everything labeled 3rd century AD shows you based on actual finds is what you would look like.
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that is not period. :( sorry but that is 100% fantasy
http://s596.beta.photobucket.com/user/reenactthis/library/roman. (http://s596.beta.photobucket.com/user/reenactthis/library/roman.) everything labeled 3rd century AD shows you based on actual finds is what you would look like.
It existed centuries b4 my kit so who is to say some knight didn't rekindle some armor trend of past day and add it to their 13th-14th century transitional armor..... I'm not talking about looking 14th century in 3rd century attire just the opposite.
I'll save it for SCA fighting as opposed to anything historical but it looks good on my 14th century transitional kit with the splinted leather/plate armor and maille.
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?? that is cool if it goes with your sca kit. and i am sure it will help with the thigh protection. but that skirt is not a 3rd c ad skirt. thats what i meant. it is a fantasy skirt lol that is what i meant.
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?? that is cool if it goes with your sca kit. and i am sure it will help with the thigh protection. but that skirt is not a 3rd c ad skirt. thats what i meant. it is a fantasy skirt lol that is what i meant.
Yes not quite Romanesque I suppose but it will do the job in protecting the lower regions.
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IIRC, there was a 'renaissance' if you will, of Roman armor, at least in style in the late 14th C maybe? Sir Wolf will of course correct me if I am mistaken.
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only in paintings. i dont know of any actual finds of it other than victorian stuff and stuff people have made based on writings or paintings.
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Only thing I can think of is that mail dates back to the romans, albeit not head to toe like in the 14th century. Or that the early transitional plate, a solid breastplate, with schnbalds, cops and vambrace, is similar in "theme" to the roman musculata cuirass and vambraces/greaves, but roman armor was bronze/brass (I always mix 'em up! I think Bronze?) and the shaping was different from normal 14th century armor. I'm stretching with that, I've never read it mentioned anywhere though.
Edit: Vaguely kinda sorta like this guy if you squint a lot: http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/293/48644oplitismi9.jpg/sr=1 (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/293/48644oplitismi9.jpg/sr=1)
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lol that guy is ancient Greece lol. he ranges like 400 BC time frame. lol
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Guys, I would keep the antiquity separate from the medieval when it comes to kits. You have to remember, many of our images of period armour come from bibles, and accounts of histories. Those are the medieval depictions of the Romans and the Greeks. There was very little consideration beyond the knowledge of scholars that the peoples then would wear different armour, and clothing beyond for what was then the modern day. The little idea of emulating different styles of antiquity first really shows up in the 15th century. About then you do see the occasional armour made in a "roman" fashion, but even then it's almost always little decorative and stylistic elements.
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Well seeing it is my heritage, I will let it slide. :)
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lol that guy is ancient Greece lol. he ranges like 400 BC time frame. lol
Eh, either or, way before my period of interest :D
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Guys, I would keep the antiquity separate from the medieval when it comes to kits. You have to remember, many of our images of period armour come from bibles, and accounts of histories. Those are the medieval depictions of the Romans and the Greeks. There was very little consideration beyond the knowledge of scholars that the peoples then would wear different armour, and clothing beyond for what was then the modern day. The little idea of emulating different styles of antiquity first really shows up in the 15th century. About then you do see the occasional armour made in a "roman" fashion, but even then it's almost always little decorative and stylistic elements.
That was pretty much what I was getting at; stylistically. However, Lord Dane may wear whatever he pleases- that's the beauty of what we do, everyone has their own level of participation and level of attention to detail.
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Guys, I would keep the antiquity separate from the medieval when it comes to kits. You have to remember, many of our images of period armour come from bibles, and accounts of histories. Those are the medieval depictions of the Romans and the Greeks. There was very little consideration beyond the knowledge of scholars that the peoples then would wear different armour, and clothing beyond for what was then the modern day. The little idea of emulating different styles of antiquity first really shows up in the 15th century. About then you do see the occasional armour made in a "roman" fashion, but even then it's almost always little decorative and stylistic elements.
That was pretty much what I was getting at; stylistically. However, Lord Dane may wear whatever he pleases- that's the beauty of what we do, everyone has their own level of participation and level of attention to detail.
Thank you for the fashion tips guys. :) I try to make a reasonable blend between the two in matching my persona/heritage and historical depiction without bringing too much notice to subtle details. I figure if it existed then, it could be re-created later to fit a time period where the armor could be integrated to a medieval kit. I'll make my kit appropriate to the 'occasion' more than the 'period' for which it is being worn. But I will make every accomodation to be authentic when the event calls for it & the wallet allows it to become reality.