I just read the post about the dearth of historically accurate chain mail and I got to thinking...

Does anyone make Mail that is functional and protective against edged weapons using modern techniques? I would think that with modern production you could make mail that, while not historical, would be superior in function to historic examples. Like certain modern sword makers, using modern steel and computer aided design.

I'm going a bit off-topic here:

Chad Arnow wrote:

I think this is done on shark protection suits.

Looking at "the original" Neptunic Sharksuits, I find it interesting that they are using a centuries-old solution to a modern problem. They are using bands (Velcro?) at the elbow, knee, wrist and ankle joints to support the weight of the mail.

I would imagine that the welded maille that can be found at http://www.weldedchainmail.com/ is pretty effective at warding off blows. I would think that the titanium he offers would be more effective than steel, but the halving of the weight leads me to believe that the loss of mass would allow blows to more acutely felt. Then again, one doesn't wear maille to safeguard against blunt trauma...

It is my understanding that the shark-proof welded mail is also used by butchers to protect their hands and arms from saws and by bouncers and security guards in hi-risk locations to protect them from stab wounds. I have no source for this info though. I have seen butcher supply shops selling mail gloves, but I've only heard rumours about security guards.

A relative of mine wears a mail vest I made about 10 years ago. It consists of alternate rows of solid and butted mail. The diameter of the rings are 4-5mm and can resist the hardest knife thrust he can deliver to it. He is a bouncer and wears it under his shirt. He reckons that it has saved him a couple of times from knife attacks.

www.atlanta-armory.com is another good source for welded mail. tr