Leather Football Helmet

[Bluesman]

I want to make an old time football helmet. My thought was to buy one of the faux vinyl models, tear it apart and use it for a pattern. Questions I have are with constrution. I assume that this really falls into the category of a Medevial helm. If this is so, do I cut the pattern gussettes and straps and then harden them prior to sewing. What hardening process works best? I've read about using hot water and then forming. After that soaking in beeswax and pitch to get the leather hard. Is this close? Would the steps be similar to making a tankard? Thanks in advance for any input.

Jon

[Bluesman]

Found all the things I needed...........................will post my finished helmet..........................Maybe. Just like the help I got here

Edited October 7, 2012 by Bluesman

[electrathon]

I don't think you would want to wax harden it, could be messy when it gets hot. Hot water and heated drying will firm it up well. I would sew it all togeather and then harden it.

Aaron

[Bluesman]

Thanks Aaron,

That makes sense. I found a link here that talks about hardening armor. I bought a faux helmet to use as a pattern so i will follow this method.

Thanks,

Jon

[SooperJake]

Thanks Aaron,

That makes sense. I found a link here that talks about hardening armor. I bought a faux helmet to use as a pattern so i will follow this method.

Thanks,

Jon

Post said link, please.

[Bluesman]

Post said link, please.

here you go.

http://www.daviddfriedman.com/Medieval/Articles/Perfect_Armor_Improved.htm