Postby Casper Bradak » Sun Oct 07, 2007 9:32 pm
That's a question that may have more bearing on the core of what we do than many may give it credit for.
I don't like to bring in asian terms or sayings into this, but there is one I recall reading in the hagakure once that pertains directly to us when we use armour. I can't quote it word for word from memory, but it is said that many don't like wearing their helmet; they say they are heavy and stifling, but when the arrows are flying and the stones falling, it will seem very light and convenient. You get the picture.
We don't have to worry about stones and arrows, or someone doing everything that they can to thrust a sharp piece of metal into the most convenient opening on your helmet, but as with everything we do in the ARMA, that martial mindset is something you should consider, even when purchasing your helm. In that respect, a visor is nice to have, as you can go from minimizing your targets with the visor down, to maximizing your air, vision and awareness with it up.
Something like a T-face barbute is a compromise, and an open-faced helmet gives you only an open faced option, obviously.
Another thing I've always stressed about armour in our craft, is functional authenticity. As martial artists, we don't require a period reproduction linen and cotton liner, or a specially crafted 15th c. style chinstrap buckle like a reenactor might, or an extra heavy guage helm with regulation sized openings like you might if you were planning on using it for tourney style sport, so long as the helm performs about the same as a 15th c. one (or whatever you're going for).
So, look for authentic design and overall pattern, and make sure it matches your harness as far as rough timeframe. I wouldn't stess over a liner, you can make it functionally authentic by lining it with foam yourself relatively easily, and it will open options and save a lot of money. Look for roughly authentic metal thickness (most of what we have in the U.S. is weak 18 guage display stuff, or heavy 14 guage tourney/sport stuff).
And last but not least, what will you be using it for? Do you want it well enclosed with narrow sights to keep out the point of a waster in sparring or sport, thicker to take many heavy blows, or will you be doing more controlled martial training with it? Do you need the aesthetic authenticity up to reenactor standards, or is a compromise ok?
) provide a good compromise between broken fingers and grip control. If you are looking to do this art you really don't need much more than that in the way of armor. Maybe a decent gambeson.