Splint mail

Splint mail! A fascinating piece of medieval armor.

Splint mail, also known as lamellar armor, is a type of armor that consists of small, overlapping plates or splints made of metal, leather, or other materials. These splints are typically rectangular in shape and are arranged in a specific pattern to provide protection for the wearer.

Here are some key characteristics of splint mail:

  1. Construction: Splint mail is made up of individual splints, which are usually 1-3 inches (2.5-7.6 cm) wide and 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) long. These splints are often riveted or laced together to form a continuous sheet of armor.
  2. Pattern: The splints are arranged in a specific pattern to provide maximum protection. Common patterns include:
    • Lamellar: The splints are arranged in a horizontal row, with each splint overlapping the one below it.
    • Scale: The splints are arranged in a vertical row, with each splint overlapping the one above it.
    • Chevron: The splints are arranged in a diagonal pattern, with each splint overlapping the one above and below it.
  3. Materials: Splint mail can be made from various materials, including:
    • Steel: The most common material used for splint mail, steel provides excellent protection against slashing and piercing attacks.
    • Leather: Leather splint mail is lighter and more flexible than steel, making it suitable for cavalry or archers.
    • Wood: Wooden splint mail is less common, but can provide decent protection against slashing attacks.
  4. Advantages: Splint mail offers several advantages, including:
    • Flexibility: Splint mail is more flexible than plate armor, allowing for greater mobility and ease of movement.
    • Lightweight: Splint mail is generally lighter than plate armor, making it suitable for cavalry or archers.
    • Cost-effective: Splint mail is often less expensive to produce than plate armor, making it a more accessible option for medieval warriors.
  5. Disadvantages: Splint mail also has some drawbacks, including:
    • Limited protection: Splint mail provides decent protection against slashing and piercing attacks, but may not offer sufficient protection against blunt trauma or heavy impacts.
    • Vulnerability to penetration: The gaps between the splints can make it vulnerable to penetration by arrows or other projectiles.

Overall, splint mail was a popular type of armor in medieval Europe, particularly among cavalry and archers. Its flexibility, lightweight design, and cost-effectiveness made it a practical choice for many warriors.