[Andrew Kelly]

Hello all:

First post. I've been all over the internet checking out commercial suppliers of mail armor. What I've learned is that there seems to be a tremendous variance in quality, type, function, etc.

Is anyone aware of any commercial supplier of mail armor that is: (1) functional (i.e., not for costume, or SCA combat), but that would actually be functional for full contact with real weapons? and (2) that is historically accurate?

I understand historical accuracy is never 100% here due to the limited surviving examples and explanations of making technique, but the closer the better.

Please forgive me if there's a better sub-forum for posing this question.

[Dan Howard]

Some of the Indian riveted mail is suitable for rebated steel combat but doesn't look much like museum examples. The same can be said for some of the welded mail on the market. Mail made from alternating rows of butted and solid links can look a lot like some of the museum examples (until you get close enough to tell that there aren't any rivets) but isn't much good against steel weapons. If you want a decent replica of a museum example then there are very few options. This might help outline the problems involved.
http://myArmoury.com/talk/viewtopic.php?t=19189

[Bram Verbeek]

I think every mail that is not for SCA/reeenactment is welded stainless steel, apart from a few museum replicas. The welded stainless is brilliant stuff, but it really does not look the part.

No one I know makes functional mail the rivetted way, combat is not done in mail.

[Mark Griffin]

Not sure what you mean there Bram, there are hundreds if not thousands of people wearing metal mail all over the world who take part in combat reenactment. Just depends on what type the mail, and the combat.

As with all mail questions regarding use, suitability, accuracy etc it invariably comes down to the padding underneath as mail is never worn without it and its a vital part of the set-up. I'm not sure of the scene in the US where i know the SCA style of fighting is very popular but in the UK and Europe there is a lot of mail of varying quality being hit pretty hard with steel weapons.

Dan is of course right, if you are going to create mail that is a 100% copy of whatever period mail you want to replicate then that's a heck of a lot of time and money but a lot of what is available will serve the similar purpose as the original, just not looking quite the same.

[Joe A]

[Mart Shearer]

[Mark Griffin]

When you say 'real' Andrew, do you mean sharp or 'live'?

There are plenty of discussions on here and other forums about the pros and cons of that but most people with any sense don't. I can see what Mart says might be true in the US although in the UK I doubt a judge would look at it the same unless intent is proven.

Most decent Indian mail (or stuff being made elsewhere of course) that is of the right construction and the right materials will do the job. After all its still made for industrial reasons and thats not going to happen unless its fit for purpose.

I have a butchers/abattoir mitt I demo with a kitchen knife when talking about armour, that seems to work fine. I'm certainly typing this ok. But for combat its useless s there is no padding worn with it.

[Bram Verbeek]