Remember!

Buy your armours only from armourers who actually use the suits in simulated combat...period...anyone else is feeding you a line...or selling you an igloo in Africa...the finest arourers in the world today are in Canada, the US, Ukraine, Germany and Britain..the are no exceptions to this rule of which I am presently aware.

Wearable armour means the bits all fit together and you might be able to get it on...maybe...

Wearing unlined armour is asking for very serious wounds...the articulations grab your skin and cut like scissors!...and believe me...the pain is like nothing else you will ever experience in this life!

Most steel armour is designed for wear over Chain Mayle.

Real suits are lined and padded with the weight supported from the shoulders.

Leather armour breastplates MUST overlap the backplate.

If the helm is unlined...DON'T buy it...real armourers ALWAYS offer an arming cap or adjustable leather lining.

Real armour is comfortable, beautiful and will last a lifetime and more...take your time...ask questions...

A historically accurate, full leather Corinthian, Greek or Roman custom suit is about USD 2500.00 before enhancements like gilting and embossing...sandals, helm and weapons are extra...My Greek suit in total is over USD 5500.00 and every item is handmade....the weapons, shields and various combat helms were around 3000...so USD 8500.00 and poof!...a real Greek, historically perfect warrior.

A full custom metal suit (16 guage only...the rest is junk)...starts at USD 3500.00...and can run to 50k or more...I have a suit of Elven Scale (Lord of the Rings re: Haldor @ Helms' Deep) being made for me in Precious metals and it will cost USD 65 000.00...the price of a nice car...

Real Armourers will take deposits and payments...

Real armourers are picky about their clients...

So...

If you want a suit for costume or decoration...there is lots available on E-bay...

If you want the real thing?

Take your time...choose your armoursmith...buy one peice at a time if necessary...be patient...

Last word.

Before asking a smith to make you something really special...know your stuff...know the terminology of the artworks you are seeking to commission...

Always be truthful and precise in your measurements...

It is the Man or Woman who makes the arour happen...if it fits wrong you will look silly...even if your are a bit out of shape, or oddly shaped...armour makes all people beautiful...regal...

One last thing...any idiot can put on a tin suit and go "Look...I'm a Knight"

When a Knight wards their body in armour...and observe the Codex Chivalrum...the People will say..."Look...a Knight"...

The amazing thing is...once you've worn your suit for a while...it gets inside you...when you're at work...at play...everywhere...the armour becomes part of your spirit...part of who you are...

When that happens...men like me might say...

"Welcome Brother"

"Welcome Sister"

Ambrosius Maximillian Argentum Albus