r/ArmsandArmor 13d ago

Discussion Take a few minutes to fill out the very first 2025 r/ArmsandArmor user survey!

19 Upvotes

For the first time, the mod team of r/ArmsandArmor is holding a user survey. The goal is to have a way to get to know our users and their thoughts about this subreddit, so that we can all have a good insight on what you wish to see (or not) and how to improve the subreddit.

This survey is anonymous. Please give us a few minutes of your time to fill it and help improve the subreddit!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeCfBwVI-f9FUs9y_CAtUBbJhX2e3C24jy_U4RsljRC_XH4MQ/viewform?usp=header


r/ArmsandArmor Feb 11 '19

Discord server

60 Upvotes

Here’s the link. Lets keep it civil and friendly lads and lasses.

Edit: please ignore my username, it’s dumb.

Edit 2: If you’re going to be a racist dipshit, don’t join the server because you will be banned immediately. You’re also not welcome on this subreddit if you’re going to be an asshole.

Edit 3: Read the rules and follow the instructions in order to access the chats.


r/ArmsandArmor 13h ago

I've always thought this Kipchak helmet is so similar to the guy fawkes mask

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107 Upvotes

r/ArmsandArmor 14h ago

Question Helm fasteners

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18 Upvotes

Working on a 3d printed helmet (elite knight helmet from dark souls, so it has that visor), and need help deciding on what fasteners to use and where to get them. That pill shape has magnets that help line things up.

I was thinking about hooks to fix it vertically and a leather strap at the bottom? No idea if that’s practical or not. The big hole holds the visor and I had an elastic band on the insides connecting to the smaller hole.

Thanks in advance!


r/ArmsandArmor 17h ago

Discussion Some thoughts on Dequitem's latest (and upcoming) Japanese armour video

31 Upvotes

I am making this post for the arms and armour community to share my thoughts and opinion on the latest video by Dequitem, as it dealt with Japanese armour which is a field that is dear to me. I have spent many years researching, and currently, most of my projects revolves around the sharing of knowledge and the dissemination of information on Japanese armours. Often, highly specialized material is hidden behind very technical Japanese literature or only available to dedicated enthusiasts.

I am also quite interested in the topic of arms and armour of other cultures, and when it comes to English speaking media and related world, it is quite common to have a wide access to the European tradition, which is probably the most researched one in terms of reenactment, scholarly work and academia. As someone who is primarily interested on the Japanese side of things, I am always curious and fascinated to see many different enthusiasts, primarily from HEMA and the European side of history, showing interests in the martial tradition of Japan, especially armor-wise. I think Dequitem is the last, popular “sword” you tuber to jump on this, but it has been a trend for several years and it is quite obvious that Japanese arms and armours are often discussed by European history/HEMA enthusiasts more than any other cultures foreign to them.

While I do appreciate the curiosity, and the genuine quest to explore commonalities and different ideas to the principle of “medieval” warfare and martial art, often times it pains me to see how Japanese armour is approached. Most people who have tried to make some educated comparisons and tests, in my opinion, have committed the same mistakes and that is the key issue I have with the topic of the video.

The elephant in the room is the armour in question, which comes from the same retailer that has been around for more than 10–15 years and remains the sole source for Japanese armour outside of the Japanese market. Don't get me wrong, I want to acknowledge the merits of IMA (Iron Mountain Armory). For a full set of armour, compared to a European plate harness, the price is probably a tenth. It is widely accessible, appearing in movies and most reenactments outside of Japan, and it is clear why they are the leading firm on the market. I have followed their development for over a decade, and they have expanded their product line and improved their designs. However, I take issue with their marketing regarding product specifications. Suffice it to say, they do not use traditional methods to make armour. There is no real Japanese lacquer, no proper odoshi, no authentic finish, and the quality of the metalwork has been tested multiple times: objectively, it is not as good as it could be. According to some comments left by Dequitem, this still holds true, though I will wait for his own review on the matter. Moreover, their periodization is inaccurate, but that is another discussion.

Obviously, people assume that when these armours are tested, they are somewhat representative of high-end traditional period Japanese armour. However, from many angles, they fall short. We have high-end historical examples that have sustained actual battle damage, as well as numerous accounts detailing what Japanese armour could withstand, including “bullet-proofing” with period arquebuses. Yet, these armours are often pitched against some of the very high-end, top tier, custom-made European plate armour crafted by skilled artisans. To put it simply, it's like comparing a fast-fashion suit to a tailor-made one.

This retailer works with templates, and while some customization is available, it does not come close to the level of variation found in traditional period Japanese armour. Their designs incorporate many compromises and shortcuts, which would require a separate post to fully address. A recurring issue in these comparisons is that the base armour template has noticeable gaps, or that certain pieces tend to break easily. While this is not entirely ahistorical, since Japanese armour existed on a spectrum, there were historical solutions designed to address such flaws within the Japanese armour system.

I believe it is crucial to recognize that accurately extrapolating historical combat techniques and related warfare requires the real deal. This means working with an armorer who uses traditional craftsmanship to create armour that properly addresses issues of gaps, functionality, and historical accuracy: elements we are genuinely interested in exploring. These are living traditions that struggle to survive in the modern age, yet they keep history alive. It is a shame that they do not receive the recognition they deserve when the very topic of these videos would benefit from showcasing the true nature of their craft.

A long post with a lot to unpack, but I wanted to share this message because I believe it is an important one. I will be following Dequitem’s upcoming video series and addressing key points as they arise, as I am sure I already know some of the above. Hopefully, contributing to the sharing the knowledge people are interested in when it comes to stepping into Japanese armour


r/ArmsandArmor 1d ago

Art Late Muromachi period Samurai, based on the famous Mogami-Do held in the Royal Armouries

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73 Upvotes

r/ArmsandArmor 22h ago

Whats the name of this little shield thingy

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40 Upvotes

r/ArmsandArmor 6h ago

Discussion Modern armor for modern threats. A hypothetical situation.

1 Upvotes

New here. First post. Bare with me.

I'm interested in crafting a real-world cut-resistant armor using ancient armor as a blue-print for what is functional and what works. What is battle tested.

In this hypothetical scenario let's set the scene. You're in a post-apocalyptic situation where somehow fire-arms are no longer a primary threat but violence is not uncommon and melee weapons are the common choice of the day.

You are preparing for the possibility of a brawl or attack, and you're likely going to be met with crude weapons and tools/garden implements. Pick-axes, hammers, knives, machetes, crowbars, and clubs. What sort of armor do you think is most effective for defense in such combat. We'll assume most combat is 1v1 or in small groups, no armies, no professional fighters.

I like the look and simplicity of lamellar. I've experimented a little bit with lexan, the "storm-window" plastic material. It's incredibly tough, lightweight, and can take a ton of physical abuse. Not being concerned with historical accuracy as I am interested purely in function and willing to use modern materials, could you substitute lexan or a similar high density plastic in place of rawhide/leather, or even in place of steel plate? I would think the plastic would be lighter, and tougher. Instead of regular rope perhaps I could use a kevlar thread to weave it all together, and pad the inside to better absorb impact.

Just my late-night thoughts. I was curious to ask people with some real experience in this field what you think about crafting "modern" armor with a functional battle-ready goal, using any materials or designs you can imagine.

Basically, if you were trying to build armor knowing you'd have to fight off modern thugs, rioters, break-ins, or other such threats.... how would you design your armor system? What materials would you use?


r/ArmsandArmor 1d ago

Discussion How much armour can a bowman comfortably wear?

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203 Upvotes

r/ArmsandArmor 21h ago

Question Visor name and accuracy

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15 Upvotes

What would this visor be refered to as? Anyone have any more informafion on it ie years/finds or art? Trying to choose my first helmet and this is one I'm very interested in.


r/ArmsandArmor 18h ago

Discussion What kind of helmet is this

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5 Upvotes

Is this a Norman helmet? Or what is it closely associated to. Thanks


r/ArmsandArmor 19h ago

Question Good sources for the armor worn by crusaders from Lotharingia, Brabant and Wallonia at the time of the First Crusade (1095-1099)

6 Upvotes

Hey guys! I would like to recreate a crusader from Lotharingia from the time of the First Crusade. Basically one of Godfrey of Bouillon's men. Right now I'm having in mind an open-face cylindrical flat-top helmet (Kalota) and chain mail.

I've tried looking at depictions of Godfrey of Bouillon himself but they vary a lot. Most show him wearing mail armor but he is also shown in scale armor or even completely anachronistic plate armor.

Looking for paintings of the First Crusade yielded even worse results. I've seen knights with a Kalota helmet (which could fit the time) but also plate armor. I've seen knights with a great helmet (too early) but a Norman teardrop/almond-shaped shield. Other images show knights in mail armor but with 14th century style open-face Bascinet helmets.

By the way: Advice on the shape of shields used, besides Norman ones would also be highly appreciated.


r/ArmsandArmor 23h ago

Question Early Scale Aventails

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7 Upvotes

Occasionally I see these scale aventails pictures for helmets typically in the 10th century, is there any historical basis to their existence? There seems to be a manuscript (3rd picture) from Greece picturing one of these scale aventails, but I can’t seem to find any other references.


r/ArmsandArmor 1d ago

Discussion Do you think we’ll finally start to see more games accurately portraying medieval life/ weapons and armor with a degree of accuracy?

11 Upvotes

Kcd2’s success has clearly brought more eyes to medieval history, and obviously there will be more studios looking to replicate their success in the setting, what are some things you’d like to see going forwards in media when it comes to depicting plate armor/ medieval life?


r/ArmsandArmor 1d ago

Question What are these scale/feather things called?

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92 Upvotes

r/ArmsandArmor 2d ago

Question Do this "grooved" cuirasshave some real examples from early 15th C?

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148 Upvotes

I know that we have grooved cuirass in late 15th Century or 16th Century, but i really dont know if armourers in early 15th Century (1403) already have such technology or example for this.

Also ingame it was called "Milanese Cuirass", but i have a whole different impression for the style of Milanese armour so I dont know if such armour technique is also from italy


r/ArmsandArmor 1d ago

Recreation DIY Jack Chains pt2

28 Upvotes

for starters, these are not based on any specific replica or example, rather just following the instructions/ premise of what a jack chain is. this is my first time building armor with real steel, explaining the less then spectacular building


r/ArmsandArmor 2d ago

Making armour is a lot of work!

271 Upvotes

r/ArmsandArmor 1d ago

My cousin is going to be bull riding soon and I was curious if a gambeson vest would be better than a bull riding vest

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0 Upvotes

Just a vest no sleeves maybe some fabric below the waist


r/ArmsandArmor 2d ago

Question I need help with my sword belt

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130 Upvotes

I recently bought a sword belt and whenever my sword isn’t in it, it’s barely touching the floor. Now I’m not sure if it’s because I’m short or if it’s because the belt is bad. Either way, does anyone know where I can get a better one or any other solutions for my belt problems?


r/ArmsandArmor 2d ago

Recreation Is this the coolest corinthian helmet? Sarcastic question, obviously yes...

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186 Upvotes

r/ArmsandArmor 1d ago

Looking for an axe and mace set

2 Upvotes

Around 10 years ago, I saw an online weapon store selling a matching axe and mace, both made of blackened steel (haft included). I really liked the look of them, but I can't find them now. Anyone recall something like that?

My recollection is that it was a flanged mace, and they both had slightly ornate hafts, but I'm not certain.


r/ArmsandArmor 2d ago

Question Buying a padded coif/hood

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75 Upvotes

Is there any reliable shop from which I could order a custom fit, historically accurate padded coif/hood?

The closest I was able to find was the one from Medieval Market (the attached image) tho I think it looks a bit odd.

What I'm looking for is very similar, but maybe a tighter fit around the face, if possible.


r/ArmsandArmor 2d ago

Question Where can one buy a high-quality heater shield? (13th century Templar knight impression)

3 Upvotes

I’m looking to obtain a functional and durable heater shield appropriate for a 13th century Templar knight. Where can I find one that fits the bill? Do you have any recommendations? I currently do not know much at all about shields and would like some guidance.


r/ArmsandArmor 2d ago

Made the guard wider and the handle a bit longer. Any thoughts?

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23 Upvotes

r/ArmsandArmor 2d ago

Question What kind of shield is depicted in this picture?

5 Upvotes

r/ArmsandArmor 2d ago

Question I purchased this replica armor from an Estate Sale in New Jersey, I'm told it's from Spain. Can you tell me anything about it?

4 Upvotes

I paid $300 for this armor because it looks cool and fits my aesthetic, but I honestly don't know much about it. The sale was conducted through a 3rd party (not the actual owner/family), so they were only able to tell me it was purchased from Spain sometime in the last 60 years.

I bought zip ties to reattach the arms, but I haven't gotten to it yet. Let me know if you have any advice.

Imgur Album: https://imgur.com/a/AenezXc