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Leather Armor v4
Published: 2011-09-01 01:17:55 +0000 UTC; Views: 100126; Favourites: 2890; Downloads: 1624
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Description
This is the fourth version of my main larp leather armor.Not much is visible to the eyes, but there is many improvements since the v3 :
- I now have a leather tunique underneath, and foam/fur padding in the helmet,
- the arms protections are fixed under the inner pauldrons,
- the fur tassets are now sewed to the armor, levering the weight on my hips,
- full legs protection,
- the outer pauldrons are fixed to the inner's ones more closely to the neck,
- the helmet and the head protection inside have ear holes, which is essential to get the orders right,
- the face is masked with a see-through voilage, very dark but surprisingly transparent from the inside,
- lost the amber stone of my right glove
The whole becomes a little heavy to wear, but really is comfy and not too hot. Besides I can bend, sit, jump and run on short distances without any problems. Longer sprints require stamina, working on it ^^.
FAQ :
- Yes I make it myself. I took a lot of time and many trials/errors, but worth every second.
- It is designed and used for battle, and can widthstand (moderates) steel impacts.
- Everything is home made, except for the weapons which are Calimacil.
- The main material I use is Croupon, a sturdy and thick leather. I don't use any paint, only neat oil, thus the natural look.
- Assembly is a mix of sewing, riveting and lacing.
Edits :
- Yaay DD ! ^^
- Theses are some of the patterns for this set:
Β Β
- Featured in this epic painting by Muratgul . Wish I look this badass in my twilight:
Related content
Comments: 863
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Thank you!
It's been a while since i wore the whole suit, but I still have it and i'm still very proud of it.
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I see this is your most popular piece! I really like it as well. Do you still make armor like this?
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Thanks ^^
I haven't crafted leather for a while. Life happened and all.
A full set of armor is quite the project, and I cannot dedicate the time to work on it.
I rather make modular pieces here and them, which is much better in my opinion because an armor is like a costume, varying vastly along with the situation.
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Still a nice leather armor
Was one of my first armor design search images a few years ago,
before making some for myself.
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Many thanks !
I just took a look to your gallery and your work is amazing !
I'm honoured that my humble design did inspire yours ^^
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Inspiration is the force to come together
You were one of my first favorites 2012 and made me work on first larp armor.
First leather armor got more and more parts in time.
Got a "Daily Devation" like you, so it goes with your art
Good we both like our works and still go on with them.
So much idea's, but no time or money to craft them all.
In Winter 2017 we are working on progress with some dragon minions costumes
with light and sound effects, also moveable wings.
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Very impressive indeed ! Congrats on the DD !
Imho, this is the way armours are conceived, I think : modular with the addition of a part here and then, time after time.
I've seen the dragons on your gallery and was quite impressed. I know the pain of conceiving a whole set and can appreciate the dedication it takes to assemble such a costume. It render very well ! like it.
Any big project coming ?
I work on a modular library (24x2m) for quite some time, but never have the chance to get a good pictures of the result, apart from some books.
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Before I joined da I found images of this armor in Google Searches and I always stopped to look at it when it came up. Great attention to detail and the presentation is killer as well. Coolest leather armor I've ever seen!
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Thank you, that is very nice.
I'm surprised you found it with a google search, It must mean the Algorithm has bestow upon me the gift of keywords relevance.
It seems ages to me since I last wore it, but it still stand in a corner of my lair, watching my screen from behind my shoulder.
With your nice compliment, you made my day, sir, I thank thee again for that ^^
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To your credit if you specifically enter the search terms "amazing leather armor" in a Google image search your armor appears near the top. Cheers!
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Indeed it does !
Thanks for telling me this, I'm the first surprised. I needed the motivational boost.
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Thanks for letting me use this here mandys-creations.deviantart.coβ¦
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You're welcome ^^
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it looks both dynamic and imposing still imposing.
truly a great designΒ
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If I had to sum up the worth of the psychological effects this armor has, I would say it is similar to fighting a ghost: You can't see the expressions of your enemy (if he wears this armor) and if he remains silent, it multiplies the effect.
Anyway: *faved*
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Many thanks to you !
This year, we're having a whole company using the same nazgΓ»l effect.
I wish we had a filthy hobbit to pursue...
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That is a very beautiful armor overall! *top work!* I hope you don't stop tinkering around with it
If you ever feel like making a blueprint for fingered gauntlets PLEEEEASE load it up ^.^Β I can't find a nice one on the web anywhere that i can adapt for steel ones.
Can you tell me, where you got the "faceless mask"? I'm searching something like that for some time now, but find only things that looks totally like carnival.
You said you lost your yellow stone from one bracer... And you said, you prefere practical armor. So i make a suggestion (if you don't want to have one or get already too many, just stop reading here ^.^ ) Maybe use the opportunity and get some 1-2mm V2A stainless steel [something like EU:14.306 / SteelName: X2CrNi19-11 / SAE Grade:304L] and cut a piece like the hole you made for your ears in the helm... or a celtic knot(maybe a triangle) to rivet on your bracers. That way, you would have better defense or at least make it harder to cut the arm off, if you are in the unfortunate situation of beeing disarmed. And i think it yould look quite cool with that polished leather in background.
Would you enlighten us, where you buy your leather? Good leather suppliers are hard to find - since you mentioned Euros, i assume, you are in the euro zone too ^.^
Greetings from germany and may the old ones be with you!
LF666
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May the Old One devour your soul first !
(That is actually a blessing, because it will spare you the slow and painful agony of the earth upon their inevitable return)
Many, many thanks for the kind words, Ye Great Cthulhu knows it goes rigth through my hearth ^^
I do made a blueprint for gauntlets (check my Tuto gallery) which can be completed with single scales to covers each fingers;
If you're looking for nice patterns, I would recommend Violet le Duc medieval encyclopedia or simply Armour archives, they are nice patterns in it.
For the purpose of this photo, the faceless mask is a simple motorist underhelmet wore upside-down.
In larping, i use a nice see-through black fabric, which gives me more room to breathe and doesn't impair vision. It cames from leftover of a camping vehicules makers.Β I'm always looting everywhere for all and strange stuff. Having such a dark faceless expression gives a very nice (and creepy) touch to the armor and really change the way peoples interact with you. The Uncanny Valley I suppose.
Amny thanks again for the nice suggestion, will try it. But on another piece of armor for I already have an idea for replacing the stone : inclusion resinea. I'm gonna find someting cool to inclose in, use some dye and make myself a custom shiny jewel. For one of my next project I plan to try cold forge. The problem is I can't do that in a flat for I pity my neigbours.
And to answer the last question : most of my leather comes mostly from three sources :
- A french reseller near Cholet named Cuir Broignard
- Another one near Nantes named Crepin Ouest
- And bins. I love give new life to junk. Hardly throw anything anyway...
That was very nice of you to post such a long comment, I want you to know I really appreciate it.
Bis val !
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It looks great, very intimidating. My only attempt at armor looked far less intimidating.
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Many thanks ^^
The absence of the face adds a huge bonus to intimidate Skill.
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Aye, that it does...the entire set has a look to it....I'd say at least a +2 Baddassness bonus.
and you would be really surprised how much owch a layer of leather takes off a blow....I not only roleplay, I do SCA, the coverage on your armor is damn good....probably better coverage than a lot of guys I see fighting in armor that doesn't look this good
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Well it does widhtstand steel impacts. And it was designed for combat.
I'm the type of guy who laugh at thoses movies and pictures revealing clothing some dare to call "armor". Especially female armor. Seriously, how can someone goes into battle leaving arteries and articulations wide open ? And don't get me started on breastplates.
I mostly do larp fighting, but I design my gear to resist whatever comes. Falling and rolling on a rocky groud, running through dense spiked bushes, walking under heavy rain,Β having a snow fight. The real and sturdy bruised, patined and weathered equipement is much more satisfying to me than a nice outfit which is really good loking but will crumble upon times and impacts.
Thanks again for your nice comment, it always warm my hearth. ^^
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My neighbor has a great set of Metal and leather armor he wears when he goes to events and fights. It's old, roughed up, and shows it's history with dents, some not so shiny parts, and repairs. Standing next to someone in shiny, pretty armor he definitely has the edge in "Don't mess with me."
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Oooh yeah.
"A knight in shiny armor is someone who never has his metal truely tested."
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fc03.deviantart.net/fs71/i/201β¦
My new helm, not finished yet, need to blue it and fit some trim and leather to get it looking right...and no doubt my freinds will supply the dents, and scuffs happily at the next event.
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If I'm not mistaken, that's riveted chainmail ? Nice !
It looks great, nice job !
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wish I could claim the metal work as my own. The smith who did the actual helmet is a master with the work. the seams are razor straight, and the welds are clean. The chain mail is riveted flat mail, I fitted with some sittings. I'll be doing the bluing myself, and fitting leather on the cap of the helm to make it look a bit better.
I've been learning a bit of leather work, pouches, and boots. So you can see why I was impressed with your's It may be a while before I am ready to tackle a full set of leathers.
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Well tell him he made a hell of a job with this helmet ! I like it very much.
If you made boots, then you are a pro to me. I think boots and shoes are one of the most difficult craft to do.
At this level, i suggest to go and try making a full set. I've just posted a tutorial with what I know and learn on the subject.
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I will, He'll get a kick out of it.
Ooooo tutorials....Must go find it.
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A little feeble I guess.
I wanted to make something light and ended with womething too soft and maleable. Googd looking but not very sable and sturdy.
It is one of my next move to rework that.
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Amazing job on this armor set! Do you take custom armor projects/orders?
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Many thanks ^^.
I do take commissions, but please keep in mind that :
- I'm not a pro, I'm only doing this for my pleasure,
- sending goods overseas is always a tricky affair, and halas I'm in europe at the moment :/
- I really want people to try before buying. Armor is a lot like clothing and need tight fitting and adjustement.
I know I'm putting the emphasis on the obstacles, but experience taught me a lot.
Feel free to message me your ideas and projects, I will tell you if it is feasible. ^^
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Thank you again for getting back to me. Sorry it took so long for me to respond. I ended up working with someone else, but was thankful for your honesty regarding ordering or working with you. Hope to see some more cool armor sets from you! Thinking I may try my hand at leathersmithing 
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Ok, no problem.
By all means, plesae do try crafting. It is a very rewarding activity (although quite frustating sometimes)
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This is spectacular. It really just needs a little bit of color variance to make it really pop, but the quality is spectacular. I really like the fur war skirt.Β
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Thank you ^^
Fur always makes the trick, Covers nicely and give a realistic look. Fur is good.
Regarding the photo, I couldn't agree more with you, I prefer my previous photo over this one.
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Holy crucified jesus...
1.How long did that take you to make?
2.Where did you learn to make armors like this?
3.How long did THAT take?
4.Do you do it on a figurine or not?
5.Do you get help from someone or is that all solo work?
6.What tools do you use and how expensive are they?
7.How much did the entire armor cost you so far?
I wish I could make more questions but I'm left in a state of awe so I can't think too straight.
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Whoa, that is a lots of questions.
1.How long did that take you to make?
It was not a full-time job, mostly a set I worked upon for several year. The total amount of work must be around a month, if you include all parts, including tunique, helmet, gauntlets and legs.
2.Where did you learn to make armors like this?
On the fly. Seriouly, I first discovered larping in 2007 and never stop crafting since then. A lot of trials and error are involved, and I learn mostly from fellow crafter, larpers and the internet of course. The key is to try again and again and again. You will fail. A lot. Experience comes at a cost, so never give up.
3.How long did THAT take?
You mean the photo ? I'm a rookie when it comes to digital manipulation, so much more time that it should have taken ^^
4.Do you do it on a figurine or not?
Nope, mostly on myself. I do have a store display mannequin, but a female one with unrealistic cup and hips size. I only use it to make corsets and stuff I can't post here for obvious reasons.
5.Do you get help from someone or is that all solo work?
Mostly solo, but I do get help from each and every person I encounter. Everyone has someting interesting to share, from experienced professionnal to amateurs. I like to craft with friends, wich is much more motivating than crafting alone. Sharing views, opinions and discussing techniques is very important. And having a second pair of hands can be helpful sometimes, although on this particular set, I did make everything alone.
6.What tools do you use and how expensive are they?
I collect my tools here and there. You can see my toolbox in my gallery. They are not what I would call "expensive" but buying cheap tool is a no-go, whatever you're crafting. A good tool may be ten times more expensive, but lasts a thousand time longer. Most of my tools are standard one you can find in any hardware store. Only a couple of them are special : awl, strap cutter, beleveler, sewing tool, wheel marker.
The basic set I would recommend is :
- anvil,
- a bloc of lead to place under the punching holes,
- punching holes,
- plastic and metal hammers,
- awl for marking and piercing,
- (very) sturdy thread and leather sewing needles,
- pliers,
- heavy duty cutter,
- cutting pad,
- very good scissors (fiskar are the best),
- beleveler for the edges,
- forming tools for decoration,
- neat oil for the finish,
- Sewing tool for lazy asses such as me :3
7.How much did the entire armor cost you so far?
Very hard to estimate. Raw materials must go up to 700-800 euros. With labour cost included, it goes up to 3000β¬.
I wish I could make more questions but I'm left in a state of awe so I can't think too straight
I hope I answered some of them, feel free to ask more ^^.
And many, many thanks for your nice comment, it goes rigth to my hearth.
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amazing ref dude, thanks ! and congrats its just amazing!
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