Armor Project, Sewing, And A Big Buy; Could Use Suggestions!

[WinterBear]

You also might state what the owner will be doing with this armor so the people who frequent the forum can give you the best advice.

For instance, I know that SCA has very specific requirements for the weights of leather used depending on the weapons that will be used (e.g., blunted blades vs. staves), and if it is not the correct weight, it will not be permitted. SCA armor may also be required to be hardened, and may require very robust hardware, attachments, and straps. Some LARP and reenactment groups also have specific requirements, while others have less stringent requirements. Then there is just pure costuming--some convention gear, most cosplay, and almost all masquerade costumes do not have restrictions.

[evaengineer]

Well, as far as requirements go, he can have any kind of leather. The chapter he's in is fairly lax in its rules (it's trying to recruit more casual people in), so as long as the leather is generally closer to 7 oz or more, he's in the clear. This is not requiring anything fancy really. I've seen people there dress in steampunk attire, and do many other non-traditional things.

[Lividya]

I made a couple of armors and pauldrons myself. The main question here is what use will it be put to?If it needs to be combat ready, to be used with real blades, then go for armor leather (14 oz +). If it is for re enactment, and mostly just for show, then you can easily go for 8-9 oz. (This is what I use, mostly) it is a lot lighther, eaisier to cut, and way less expensive. It is heavy enough to give a convincing look but easier to work with. You can go with either veg tan lether, or not, depending on what shape and design you want to give it. If you want to Harden it and make it very hard, or if you want to mold it, that you need veg tan leather. But if you want to just cut it to fit someone and still be a bit supple, and maybe just rivet other pices of leather to it to make the design, then you can go for chrome or oïl tan. hope this was usefull for you

[evaengineer]

Lividya, I'm thinking of probably going for 8-9 oz leather (Definitely saving me a ton of money). Geoff (guy I'm working for) said he's fine with any results really, as long as it's light enough to run around it. He'll be being whacked with foam swords, so I think he'll be okay.

[Lividya]

Definetly ok. I get wacked with foam sword all the time, and my armor is made with 8-9 oz leather. don't forget to show us the result!