Addison,

Here's my review of my Gjermundbu based helm: http://www.myArmoury.com/review_mr_vhelm.html

This isn't a germanic or saxon helm as it is the only definitively indentified "viking" helm.

Unless you're willing to spend the extra money having a helm like this commisioned I'd avoid it. Nearly all of the mass-produced ones I've seen are quite frankly ridiculous in shape and proportion. I don't mean to sound harsh with that comment because, afterall, you get what you pay for. They are, however, completely off in tems of shape and proportion. Albion used to offer a fairly decent Indian made example. A check of their website will confirm if they still offer it. If you can't afford any more that $150.00 I'd avoid the spectacle helm at first. A fairly decent conical/nasal helm can be obtained for this kind of money. This design fits within your framework and you'll be much happier, and you'll look better with the end result. You can always upgrade later on.

There really isn't much concrete evidence to support the use of lamellar armour by the nordic peoples. "Viking" reenactors often use the excuse of the vikings having contact with the slavic peoples as a basis for the use of lamellar, but that's a bit of a strecch IMHO. Splinted vambraces and greaves were known to have been worn during the migration era (the so-called "dark age"). Paul Mortimer is an authority on this era and he's just had a very nice set of these made up. The only set I've ever liked as a matter of fact.

Steel toed boots, or any other form of modern footwear shouldn't be considered. The boots I'm wearing are made by Revival Clothing and are cataloged as their medieval low boot. A good interpretation can be ruined very quickly by the inclusion of modern footwear. That's really one area that shouldn't be skrimped on.

I'd also suggest that you buy some of the Osprey books on this era. Now before all of the hardline living historians go for my throat let me clarify: Many of the Osprey books have issues in terms of accuracy in their illustrations so don't look for gospel truth in the fine details. What they will do is give you a good general view of what a migration era/viking warrior should look like.

While you're at it look up the Benty Grange helmet. This one was made from an iron framework covered in bone plates. This is one helm that's rarely been reproduced, and if you could afford to have it recreated it would set you apart from the rest of the crowd! I'm very intrigued by it.

The vikings, at least in norway, did not burn their dead. They rich ones are buried in grave mounds. There are accounts of burning, but practices might have varied.

Now the question is; Do you want to look like a viking, or a viking reenactor?
Two quite different things.

If you want to be a "realistic" viking, drop the braces, drop the lammelar, and go with maile instead.
Lames are, as far as I rember, found in ONCE in entire scandinavia... this does not keep them from beeing popular with reenactors though...
Spaulders are right out. They don't show up for another 400 years.

Shoes/boots:
http://www.personal.utulsa.edu/~marc-carlson/shoe/SLIST2.HTM

Some very good advice given so far. My two cents would be to focus on your research, and start slowly working on your soft kit. As some have already mentioned with the boots, all of your soft kit can really be an eye sore if not right. Your boots, clothing, cloak, broach, etc are all the base that you build out from in creating the "look." Also if you do the soft kit first, then add a spear and shield you have a completed look. There would have been many more individuals who only had their everyday items, plus a shield and spear. As time and money allows, you can then add the less common items like a helm, sword, and mail.

Too many people, myself included, will often times run out and spend all their money on one or two of the big items and then skimp on the other things. You almost always end up having to go back and do them again better, so it is best to get it right the first time. Also with wool, it can really add up in price, but it is worth it to spend the extra to get 100% and the right colors.

Shane

A few months back, I got into a very long debate with Dan Howard about about Scandinavian lamellar, which I will not rehash here. The upshot was that lamellar was found in one Scandinavian Viking age site, I forget where, but "not in a Viking context", the implication being that it belonged to a non-Scandinavian mercenary of some description. Lamellar was used however after the Viking age.

Soft-kit sounds good to me. Any site recommendations? I mostly have armor and sword/weapon sites bookmarked at this point...
I may also be able to have my sister work on some parts for me, if I can get patterns. I guess basic pants and shirt would be fine, get some period shoes somewhere (I believe that Patrick gave a link), and get a spearhead and shield. Then the maille, then the greaves/vambraces, and then the helmet.
As for chainmaille, I'll go with that. Spaulders, however much I may like them, are now off the list. I'm still up in the air about the helmet, but I'll worry about that later. Thanks!

I also just found this site for some Viking reenactors (hopefully they're not "reenacting" on the local towns :lol: ) which lists their equiptment, which should be helpful.

Addison:
Are you fighting SCA? If you are, then some plate may be needed, regardless of your period.
If not, then stick with a mail hauberk and helmet. This is maximum gear for a Viking, most fought in less.

These reeanactors do the Viking period as well as, better than anyone else:
http://regia.org/
And here are some pictures of reeanctors in action:
http://community.webshots.com/user/kimsiddorn

Nope, not involved in SCA or anything, I just want the kit to "have" or for whatever personal, subconscious desire dictates that I need to buy these things... :D

Oh, and I did notice that the site had lamellar on it...bu I think I like maille better, after looking at their suit.

Thanks for the correction, Patrick!

The helmet looks really nice, but I'm not sure where I could get any horn like that. Albion does still stock the Spectacle helm, but I may hold off on that for now, and start the "soft" kit instead, since I can get most of that made myself.

Viking reenactment is one of the oldest forms of reenactment, which also means that a lot of "standards" where set before people knew better.
Viking is also more of a "lifestyle period" than medieval. A lot of people that are not your typical historians are attracted to the viking sterotype.
Thus, most viking reenactors prime reference is what other viking reenactors are wearing, not research. The combination results in stuff like the Lamelar, salv style baggy pants, and leather bracers become standard issue.

Lamelar is easier to make, and looks "cooler", than mail. Thus it becomes popular.
Easy as that.

"Viking" ends up beeing used as "freebooter"
The sagas term saracen corsairs as "Vikings"

hi ;) been out of town all weekend and jsut got to read this thread.

always when starting a new era kit .... start with the soft kit, then move to the fighting or armour kit.

so you want viking? got a date?place?peoples? alot of this will determine what your kit will look like and what you really want in the end.

the best online place to start is here: http://www.larp.com/midgard/mbcs.htm i know its set for around the battle of hastings period but you cant go wrong with a wool tunic, wool chausis or pants and linen under garments. you jsut cant ehhehe.

as for reading books. check out Osprey's MEn at Arms series, elite series and warrior series. there look for Vikings, Viking Hersis, Saxon Viking and Norman, Anglo saxon Thegn and The Normans

where are you from? in real life. maybe i can find some local groups for you to contact or visit.

I'm from Midcoast Maine, and as for "Viking", I believe that we redefined what I want as a "Dark Age" warrior kit, to leave more room for interpretation. I'm pretty sure there aren't any local groups, but there may be some that I don't know about. I'm open to suggestions of all sorts, so keep them coming!

Oh, and I think I'll probably get a spear before a sword for this kit. I like this one by CAS Iberia (I know they're not the greatest quality-wise for swords, but I think if Patrick bought one, I'm justified :)). It's labelled "throwing spear head" but I don't believe them. They claim "The Nordic warrior frequently carried several light throwing spears into combat.", which I find doubtful for several reasons. Where would you carry the spears, you'd have to put down all but one to throw them because you have a shield in your other hand, plus you're disarming yourself and potentially giving the enemy a weapon.

Any, back to the point, I think this would be appropriate, and it looks nice.

[ Linked Image ]

A shield (either teardrop or round) may also be in order. Painting is fun! :)