So here is where we left off last week; we had cut, dyed and
formed our piece of leather. Now it is time to add additional pieces to our
work.
Now this is where your creativity is valuable. The first
step I wanted to add Spaulders to my armor, this will protect my shoulders and
upper arms.
I did not have much leather left over after I created the
breastplate, so I needed to find a cheap alternate source. With my budget set
for this piece, I could not afford to buy another large remnant of leather. So
I went to several hobby stores and bought bags of leather remnants for under
$10 (U.S.).
These bags of remnants are chopped full of different colored
and size pieces of leathers. So beforehand try to figure out what you want so
you can judge if they have what you need.
Remember in the last blog, I had mentioned about altering your piece to
what you have available, this again may be the rule you need to adjust to.
Once you have your pieces of leather, and your design,
repeat the steps I outlined in the first part of this post. After, cutting, dying and forming the pieces
you now need to attach them. You can use leather or even suede strands, just as
long as they are strong enough to hold the pieces together.
There is an additional step you may want to consider. Unlike
many leather products you can buy, I wanted to waterproof mine. I also wanted
to use a traditional method of waterproofing. I choose to cover my leather with
beeswax.
Beeswax can be used as a protective covering, but to do this
you must turn it into a liquid. I use a stove and a heat gun to melt it. Put
the beeswax into a small glass container, and then place it into a pan with
water on a heat source. When the water boils, you will see the beeswax then
turn into a liquid. Using the heat gun, I warm up the surface of the leather,
and then similar to the dying process, I paint the beeswax on.
You will notice sometimes the beeswax will get a white look
to it. Reheat it with the heat gun, and brush it again and you can remove this
milky color. I am putting this step, if you want to waterproof your piece, here
instead of later because it is much easier at this step than when the items of
your piece are attached or have decoration in them.
To attach leather together, you can sew them, tie them or
rivet them to your main piece. Sewing them will require using an awe. This
device will allow you to tightly secure the pieces together, it does take some
practice to master, but is worth the effort.
Tying them require a stand(s) so they can be attached. You
can use leather or even suede strands, just as long as they are strong enough
to hold the pieces together. This process of extra strands can also be used in
riveting. Riveting leather will require getting the proper sized rivet, and
also a punch. This will take some time to figure out, but riveting I believe is
a stronger bond than the other two.
No matter which way you attach the pieces together, you will
need holes in the leather to accomplish it. This is an easy process to do. If
the hole you need is close to the edge you can use a hand held punch to squeeze
the hole. If it is in the center, you can use a punch to drive the hole in the
leather. I came up with a new solution; I used a small drill and twisting it
back and forth in my fingers I was quickly able to drill a hole in the leather.
Now that you have the pieces together, you might want to add
studs or other items to the leather. As for me, I added several series of rings
for protection, and also some studs and spikes. I must say that spikes were not
used in traditional medieval armor, but I am using this piece also as one of
outfits when I enter the ring in wrestling. Taking in the wrestling aspect, I
decided I needed some flair to it.
As with the process of attaching the leather, to attach
studs, etc., you need to make holes in the leather. For items, like the spikes,
which uses a small screw, use a drill or hole punch. The studs I used had small
prongs so I used an exactor knife and cut in small slits for these prongs to go
through.
Since the photo I posted on my last blog, I added Tassets
which is armor protecting the upper thigh.
In the midsection, I also added leather pieces riveted into position,
this added extra protection to this area.
If you notice I added a flat codpiece. Being flat as mine is
was initially how this piece of armor was developed. It was not until much
later that the codpiece began to “resemble” the area, it was protecting, and
then because of nobility vanity, they soon were exaggerated in size and shape.
In this article I
wanted to give you the basic of working with leather to see if you wanted to
try it. There are many other steps you can take to decorate your leather, such
as cutting in a design or painting. If you wish to try to work with leather, my
recommendation is to do as much research as you can, but mostly be creative and
enjoy yourself.
As for the tools, you can go and buy many supplies which are
geared for leather only. I personally found most of them in my tool box. An
example of this would be if you wanted to engrave a design into the leather,
you could go buy a gouge specially designed for leather; instead I used a
chisel I use for wood working.
My final piece might now be perfect, but it suits what I
wanted it for. I enjoyed making it and it did not cost me over $1,500 to make
(was more like $150). I also learned so much about the process of making
leather armor, and that in itself is worth more than the money I spent into
this project.
I may someday return to making leather armor, and this time
I think I will try to fashion a leather helmet. If I do, you will be one of the
first to see the finished product.
Next week: Back into the time machine as we head for a Medieval
Christmas
W.A. Rusho is a professional wrestler, amateur historian and author of "Legend of the Mystic Knights".
My goodness, you are a creative individual, William. I'm always amazed at all the things you do and are interested in. Thx for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWilliam, what is the cod piece? Must be an important part of the leather armor but I can't remember what it is. This information is great for anyone wanting to work with leather for any kind of leather project. The idea of painting the beeswax on is super.
ReplyDeleteI tried to be polite and politically correct. The cod means Scrotum. The codpiece I am using is a simple flat piece of armor to protect the area. Later, they make them bigger etc.
DeleteThe idea of altering your piece based on what you have available is probably an historically authentic approach. Fascinated by your waterproofing technique.
ReplyDeleteI really applaud you in having the determination to get yourself through that project. It seems like it was a big one. And that was quite a savings over what you would have had to spend to buy one. Plus, I'm sure you have extra pride when you wear in knowing it was all your hard work that put it together. That is better than store bought any day.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea to use leather remnants. I have no use whatsoever to make my own armor, but this post makes me want too ;)
ReplyDeleteYou are obviously a very patient man who is good with detail William! I'm not sure I'd ever have the patience for a project like this but it makes perfect sense considering your book and background. Really fascinating process!
ReplyDeleteWow, this is truly a work of art William! I feel like you could actually survive battle in this armor!
ReplyDeleteI love this home hobby of leather armor William! I would think it wouldn't matter using leather remnants or not. Did I miss something?
ReplyDeleteI had bought a large piece of leather, however, it was just enough to make the breastplate., I needed more leather to add the tassets and Spaulders. Because of cost, I used remnants. Much cheaper using them, then trying to buy another large piece of leather.
DeleteAre you simply making a piece of art or do you intend to use it as a costume at parties and upcoming historical events? Nice job.
ReplyDeleteI made it for two reasons, First was for the research, since my books are set during the middle ages, I wanted to see how they created the leather armor. 2nd, in pro wrestling my persona is WAR, and I wear different armor to the ring, this will be my new one. I might also wear it to a medieval fair sometime.
DeleteWilliam your passion and devoting to your interests is commendable. How many people are that passionate and devoted? Whatever it is you want it to lead to you will succeed!
ReplyDeleteWow, the final product looks great. You definitely have a talent.
ReplyDelete