Can u make mail with leatherwork
What a great question! Yes, it is possible to make a mail shirt or armor using leatherwork. In fact, leather was a common material used for armor in medieval times, particularly for the lower classes or for use in warmer climates.
Leather mail, also known as "leather scale armor" or "leather lamellar armor," consists of small, overlapping scales or plates made from leather, which are stitched or riveted together to form a protective garment. The scales are typically arranged in a specific pattern to provide maximum protection while allowing for flexibility and mobility.
Here's a general overview of the process:
- Design and pattern making: Create a pattern for the mail shirt, taking into account the desired level of protection, mobility, and comfort. You can use a template or create your own design.
- Leather selection: Choose a suitable leather for the project, considering factors such as thickness, flexibility, and durability. Thicker leathers like cowhide or buffalo hide are often used for mail armor.
- Cutting out the scales: Use a pattern or template to cut out the individual leather scales. The scales should be roughly the same size and shape to ensure a consistent fit.
- Shaping and forming the scales: Use a hammer and anvil or a leather mallet to shape and form the scales into the desired shape. You can also use a leather stretcher or a mold to help shape the scales.
- Assembly: Stitch or rivet the scales together using a strong thread or wire. You can use a combination of both stitching and riveting to secure the scales.
- Assembly of the mail shirt: Assemble the individual scales into a complete mail shirt, following the pattern or design you created earlier.
- Finishing: Add any additional details, such as a collar, cuffs, or a belt, and finish the mail shirt with a protective coating or sealant to prevent water damage.
Some tips to keep in mind:
- Leather mail armor is generally heavier and less flexible than metal mail armor.
- The scales should be carefully shaped and formed to ensure a snug fit and maximum protection.
- The stitching or riveting should be strong and secure to prevent the scales from coming loose during wear.
- Leather mail armor may not provide the same level of protection as metal mail armor, but it can still offer significant protection against slashing and piercing attacks.
If you're interested in trying your hand at making leather mail armor, I recommend starting with a small project, such as a leather scale or a simple mail cuff, to gain experience and build your skills. You can find many online tutorials and resources to help guide you through the process.