Material Specs and Availability
I use a variety of materials when building armor. Some of the more common ones are discussed below.
Please note that I do not normally provide external strapping, though it is included on some items,
such as vambraces and gorgets. It is an avaliable option on some other items.
Mild Steel
I use 1020 cold-rolled mild steel. All mild steel items are riveted with steel rivets unless other
arrangements are made. Some sample gauges for mild steel are:
Helmets: Skull 12-14 ga, Skirt 14 ga, Minor parts (gorget, etc) 16 ga.
Half-gauntlets: 18 ga
Full gauntlets: 16 and 18 ga
Gorgets: 18 ga
Most other items: 16 ga
Helmet grills: 1/4" round rod spaced less than 1" apart
Basket hilts: 1/4" round rod spaced about 1-1/8" apart
Stainless Steel
I use 304 stainless steel. Stainless combat helmets are made with stainless rivets. Most
other stainless items are made with brass rivets. Some sample gauges for stainless steel are:
Helmets: Skull 12-14 ga, Skirt 14 ga, Minor parts (gorget, etc) 16 ga.
Half-gauntlets: 18 ga
Full gauntlets: 18 ga
Gorgets: 18 ga
Arms: 18 ga
Most other items: 16 ga
Helmet grills: 1/4" round rod spaced less than 1" apart
Basket hilts: 1/4" round rod spaced about 1-1/8" apart
Other Metals
I sometimes use brass, copper, etc in a decorative capacity. Gauge depends on the individual project.
Metal Finish
Standard finish is a brushed satin finish, approximately 150 grit.
Leather
I use a variety of leathers, depending on the application. Items utilising leather as an armor
material are made from 12-14 oz vegetable-tanned full grain leather. Internal strapping is generally
made from 5-8 oz oil-tanned leather, though I sometimes use vegetable-tanned as well. External
strapping, when provided, is usually 5-8 oz vegetable-tanned leather. Color is by request.
Other Options
Other materials, gauges, etc can be requested, and may require an additional charge.