The New Gorget Revisited

Well, I got to try my new gorget out at Blackstone Raids. I really like the design and it was protective. It definitely gives more protection than a leather dog collar style gorget. Yet, it was not perfect. I really never realized what kind of abuse I put myself through when I take the field. Up until I met Oona I really only wore the minimum armor required and only took minor injuries and lots of bruises. So, where is this leading? It is leading to the fact that 22 gauge copper is not going to be rigid enough for a gorget for SCA Heavy combat.

The gorget was working great and I was loving it. It is light, fits me perfectly and it passed inspection. Then I get knocked over a hay bail backwards with my legs trapped. This leads to me landing on my back but, I landed on my head first. This caused my helm to crash into my gorget with great force. One of the laims on the lobster tail was creased by the bottom of my helm. My face grill hit the front of the gorget and caused it to bend up a little. I never even realized that the helm came into contact with my body other than the ringing in my head. I found the damage after going to resurrection and heading back into the line a few more times. Then during the break between battles I took my helm and gorget off and found the damage. The crease in the lobster tail is a perfect match for the back edge of my helm.

I learned that even though it creased it was very protective. I would hate to think what might have happened if the lobster tail from the gorget had not been there. Maybe a nice crease in a vertebra. I learned that even though hammered 22 gauge feels rigid enough to normal pressure and force, it is not rigid enough for SCA Heavy combat. Now where do I go from here? I have 14 gauge copper in the garage but that might be a little over kill and an increase in weight. I could buy 18 gauge and give that a try. Or, I could continue to fight in the one I have and see if it holds up over time.

I believe that if I had been wearing the old aluminum on that I would have been injured because it does not have the lobster tail down the back. So, in that regard it was more protective. The design is good the materials are OK but need improving.

Now it is time to start the gorget mark II. I guess I will use the 14 gauge copper I have on hand.

New Gorget project part 2

Well, except for padding and lining the new gorget is finished. I learned a few things about compound curves and there are some hammer nicks. I decided to leave the hammered look instead of sanding and polishing. I feel it gives it character. It is surprisingly rigid for being only 22 gauge copper and brass. It fits perfectly and is lighter than my old aluminum one.

Oona has already placed a request for one. I will make her new belt this week and try to get her new shoulders done before Blackstone Raids and then I will make her a gorget.

Oona is making me a new fighting tunic from a honey colored linen we found a Joann's on sell at 50%off. It will look sharp with the gorget.

The new gorget project

So, I have an aluminum gorget that is to large for me and it bruises my collar bone. Last night I decided to make a new one. It gave me the chance to make something with compound curves and a rolled edge. It is just in the beginning stages but I hope to have it ready for Blackstone Raids next weekend.

Glass beads and boar tusk, Oh my..........

So I had all these beads laying around and I wanted to do something not metal related so I created a few necklaces for myself and Oona.

Sorry for the bad photos... I need a better lighting setup.

Oona's new shiny stuff:



My necklaces:

Copper Shoulders and other projects

So, my armor project is moving along slowly. There are many other things I have been doing, including setting up the workshop and forge in the backyard and getting the garage shop in a more organized condition. Up until now I have really only done armor pieces for myself but I was asked by a friend if I could make some copper shoulders for his new lamellar armor.

Well, I happened to have some copper sheets sitting around and I figured it would be a break from what I am doing for myself. The result was a shiny pair of shoulder cops. All that is left to do is add holes for attachment to the armor and holes around the edge so my friend can trim them in leather to tie in with the look of the lamellar.

A couple days before Celt Wars XII (April 3 - 5) I decided to make a belt buckle and tab from a piece of cow bone. I had read about a couple finds where bone buckles were found and then I read that a couple were found in Gamla Uppsala from the proper time period. These were found with both wool and silk on them. So, I figured why not make it for myself. It was an easy work with a coping saw and a hand drill. Now, I just need to decide on the design and get that carved. Then this winter I will learn to card weave and make a colorful belt for it.

This weekend I will be getting some leather strap for my armor and to make a new belt for Oona. I will also be making myself a belt. I am thinking about taking the buckles off my war belt to use for the project. My war belt is a little tight and I think a 3" or 4" belt might serve me better. Then I will use the leather from the war belt to make a sheath for my fighting saex. At least that is what I am thinking at the moment. I may change my mind by the time I get to the leather store. ( If you are in the Washington DC, metro area check out "Tricks of the Trade" in Great Falls, VA and support your local retailers. )