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Josh MacNeil
Location: Massachusetts, USA Joined: 23 Jul 2008
Posts: 197
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 Posted: Mon 30 Nov, 2009 11:08 am Post subject: Steel thickness for helms...? |
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I'm assuming that the thickness of historical helms varied depending on time, place, culture, and use. My question is how much did they vary and what is the appropriate thickness for a decent reproduction helm? I'm seeing that a lot of the the entry level helms are between 18g and 16g. Does this fall under historical parameters? What is the thinnest a helm can be while still being functional? Any info would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance.
-JM
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Scott Hrouda
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| Posted: Mon 30 Nov, 2009 11:23 am Post subject: |
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Historical helm thickness and quality of materials varied greatly. If you are going to use a helm for combat, I would recommend at least 16 gauge mild steel. 18 gauge mild steel is too thin for repeated hits. ideally, heated treated steel is the way to go, if you can afford it. Don't forget to pad the helm with at least 1/2 inch of padding.
...and that, my liege, is how we know the Earth to be banana shaped. - Sir Bedevere
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Chad Arnow
myArmoury Team
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Billy S
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| Posted: Mon 30 Nov, 2009 3:15 pm Post subject: |
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EDIT: Too slow to post
As Scott says, though if you're doing steel weapon combat with head blow, particularly with charged blow, you will definitely want 14 gauge(2mm) or 12 gauge. While 16 gauge is fine for some small club head blow, head blow quickly gets out of hand at inter-club events, especially in the biggest action zones, so 16 gauge just gets destroyed. I've even seen 14 gauge get seriously roughed up, though that was from some serious combat that was invitation only, and it was a paid gig.
Cheers
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JG Elmslie
Industry Professional
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| Posted: Mon 30 Nov, 2009 4:17 pm Post subject: |
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also for thickness, dont forget the metal being used matters a great deal.
I'd never touch 18ga mild steel for a helmet, but I'd consider 18ga spring carbon steel for a burgeonet's side-plates, for example.
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Brian L Brown
Location: Oregon Joined: 22 Oct 2009
Posts: 6
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| Posted: Mon 30 Nov, 2009 5:54 pm Post subject: |
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Whats appropriet depends on the purpose of the helm. Display, living history, SCA, WMA or some other purpose. I raised my bascinet from a welded cone of 18g and it finished out less than 4oz off the museum piece I based it off. So for an accurate reporduction its right in line, but its way to light to sustain much impact.
Brian Brown
www.brianbrownarmoury.com
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This is a standard topic
