Belegarth

Summer's here so my full plate armor is no longer frigid, mobile A/C unit, but is now an oven. Actually, from the smell of all the dried sweat, it's a dutch oven.... Not to mention I could better incorporate leather into my garb instead of running around blinding people with the summer sun's reflection.

Someone in the local AMT group linked me to this; http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/en-u ... 80-03.aspx

I did my own research and several books and articles said that 8 oz. vegetable tanned leather was period correct for leather armor. I'm just double checking with you guys, as there are A LOT of experienced leather workers on these boards. More so than any other boards that I've visited, which is probably why I pester you guys.

The group I started isn't really "period" on anything. I'm just going for realism. And instead of having someone make this like I had my plate made, I want to take a crack at it myself. My plate'll have to sleep until November.

While I'm at it, what's the best way to store plate armor?

TLDR; (I never can just ask a question can I? Chalk it up to a character flaw)

What leather do I buy from Tandy to start my newbie leather working projects?

While I'm at it what's the best way to store Plate Armor (summertime blues).

I believe 12 oz. is minimum for our game, or 3/16 of an inch. You can layer 2 pieces of thinner leather to get that thickness. People usually recommend that you start with greaves or bracers, as they are fairly simple.

I don't have any personal experience with leather working, so I'm sure someone else can give you some better advice.

As for your plate, it depends on the material, gauge, and method of construction, but I recommend you store it some place dry and not exposed to extreme temperatures. Don't leave any significant weight on it.

If you can get a mannequin/dummy of some sort, not only do you have a good way to store it without putting too much pressure on it, but also an interesting decoration!

While we're at it, would it be too much to ask to post some pics? I'm curious to see how it turned out.

I'll see if I can get someone in my group to come over with a camera. Came out pretty much exactly like it did in my sketches, except the shoulders got slimmed down and I was able to achieve perfect range of motion.

Everyone too my sketches too literal, they were just sketches to get a general idea of the look I was going for.

If you're making armor for Belegarth, then it will need to be a minimum of 12 oz. thick. Unfortunately, Tandy no longer sells (online, at least) the leather that most of us used. This is the best option now:

http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/en-u ... 62-16.aspx

Edit: This is an option, too: http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/en-u ... 99-02.aspx

If you're just learning how to work leather, I'd avoid Derian's second link, at least initially, until you have more experience. It's exceptionally stiff and difficult to work with if you don't have the proper tools; the leather is compressed and tough enough to be used as the soles of shoes.

That's a lot of money to drop, I'll just only use my plate arms/shoulders/legs/belt and a tunic through the summer.