Did samurai use mail

Yes, samurai warriors did use mail, also known as lamellar armor, during certain periods of Japanese history.

Mail was a type of armor that consisted of small metal plates or scales linked together by leather or metal strips to form a protective garment. It was commonly used in ancient and medieval times in various parts of the world, including Japan.

In Japan, mail armor was used by samurai warriors during the Heian period (794-1185 CE) and the Kamakura period (1185-1333 CE). During this time, mail was considered a prestigious and expensive type of armor, and only the wealthiest and most powerful samurai could afford it.

The mail armor used by samurai was typically made of iron or steel scales, which were linked together by leather or metal strips. The scales were usually rectangular in shape and ranged in size from 1 to 5 cm (0.4 to 2 inches) in length. The armor was often worn over a padded jacket or a cuirass, and was designed to provide protection against slashing and piercing attacks.

However, mail armor was not as widely used by samurai as other types of armor, such as laminated armor (called "yoroi" in Japanese) or armor made of articulated plates (called "do" in Japanese). Mail armor was considered less effective against arrow and spear attacks, and was also more prone to rust and damage.

By the 14th century, mail armor had largely fallen out of favor among samurai, and was replaced by other types of armor that were considered more effective and practical. Nevertheless, mail armor remains an important part of Japanese armor history, and is still studied and admired by historians and collectors today.