Medieval Armor

History of medieval Europe would be bland and boring without knights in shining armor. Whether you are a LARP newbie or old campaigner, we are ready to share our passion for these damn beautiful steel suits! ArmStreet has been producing medieval armor for sale for over ten years - for individuals and teams, for stages and movies. And during this time we've faced a bunch of common myths and widespread misconceptions surrounding this subject. Therefore we feel obliged to dispel them to facilitate your search for cool medieval armor.

Was armor heavy and uncomfortable?

Not really, this myth has roots stretching back to the tournament armor, that have never been used on the battlefield. Real medieval armor kit usually weighs 44 to 55 lb, and a helmet - from 4 to 8 lb. Thus, total weight rarely exceeded 65 lb, which is less than full equipment of fireman or modern infantryman. Only in the 17th century the weight of combat armor was increased to make them bulletproof.

Middle ages armour with sliding rivets allowed comparatively free movement. Note, the above is absolutely true only for custom-size armor, that perfectly fit the measurements of the owner. If the armor has been received by inheritance or taken from a captive, the new owner gave up mobility for better protection.

The thicker - the better?

Mobility was an essential for well-trained medieval knights and soldiers, while thickening of the armor invariably increases its weight, and thus - reduces mobility. The armorers skillfully strengthen middle ages armor with forging, adding reinforcement ribs and overlapping elements, thus saving on the thickness of steel.

Now reenactment organizations do regulate the thickness of the armor in attempts to better protect the fighters during buhurts, compensating the lack of training with the rapidly growing thickness of the armor.

The vast majority of the survived combat armor is about 1 mm thick. They were not intended to protect against direct strokes, but to protect from the glancing, grazing and accidental blows. Nevertheless, in our medieval armor shop we have both authentic armor and thickened armor for cut-and-trust.

Yes, purchasing armor has always been an expensive enterprise. Armor of low and medium quality, outdated or used, were affordable for mercenaries and lower nobility. Ready-made medieval armour for sale could be found at the markets, fairs and local medieval armor stores. Armors were frequently ordered from famous masters from abroad, same now you can order them from ArmStreet being anywhere in the world, from UK to the USA, from Australia to Alaska.

But high-end custom medieval armor decorated by renowned masters cost more than a man had ever seen in his life: the price for only a helmet exceeded the cost of a cow, and full armor kit cost as much as a prosperous village. Besides the cost of all the materials, the price included precise custom fitting, a large set of spare parts and guarantee tests.

Advances in technology and the large selection of outdated armor in the market constantly reduced the cost of the armor. For example, in the 14-15 centuries, even seedy English infantryman could afford a brigandine which was a benefit of the richest knights less than 60 years ago.

Each model is the best for its purpose. Before you choose where to buy medieval armor, decide on how you're going to use it. So to participate in role-playing games choose lightweight and non-friable armor, armor for reenactment should be historically accurate, and for buhurt - strong, reliable, and maneuverable. Remember any armor has pros and cons:

1. Chain mail is cheap, but has poor resistance to piercing, slashing, and crushing impacts, and necessity of constant repairs eliminates this only advantage.

2. Lamellar armor absorbs blows much better, doesn't require a precise fit, but may require repairs because of fraying of the lacing and straps.

3. Brigandine armor is comfortable, resists blows well, doesn't hinder movement, but comes at a price.

4. Plate armor is incomparably beautiful, perfectly resists most types of attacks, but costs double, could hamper movements and requires straightening and polishing after a serious fight.