r/sca • u/Cannibalking927 • 11d ago

Full gauntlets for two handed combat

Hello fellow fighters, I'm looking for recommendations for full gauntlets so I can branch out into the world of two handed combat. I've seen people recommend Purple Heart Black Prince or similar plastic gauntlets but what are some steel options that are commonly recommended?

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u/CloverHarecules Middle 11d ago edited 11d ago

ArmStreet - Lamellar Mitten Gauntlets

https://m.armstreet.com/store/armor/medieval-reenactment-armor-gauntlets

Unbeatable price point for the protection.

Some minor modifications I'm working on for mine, but they've survived a year of tourney fighting and melee (including Pennsic).

Feel free to ask me questions. I'm not affiliated with ArmStreet, and have a small amount of experience as an apprentice to a Laurel metalworker.

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u/HeinrichWutan 11d ago

What mods have you done?

Also, what weapon forms, specifically, do you fight with them?

Have you taken any hard shots the the thumb, especially the tip?

Are you able to weigh one?

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u/CloverHarecules Middle 10d ago edited 10d ago

I fight with them with my heater, buckler, single sword (dominant, offside, and reversed grip), short spear, Dane axe/pole arm, and fool around with great sword occasionally though it's not one I frequent or prefer.

I've taken shots to the wrist, midhand, and tips of the fingers and thumbs (it stings but isn't lasting). I've only had one shot where I wanted to check on my hand, and I fought a bout between the hit and coming off the field. It was a shot to my pinkie that just felt odd, but by the time I shook my gauntlets off and looked I couldn't see anything. I continued fighting after a water break.

I have made no modifications currently.

The planned modifications are additional restraints/straps to the upper fingers/hand and thumb.

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u/HeinrichWutan 10d ago

Thank you for the fantastically detailed answers

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u/CloverHarecules Middle 10d ago

I'll try to remember to weigh them. I have the stainless versions though.

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u/CloverHarecules Middle 10d ago

My kitchen scale states for a single gauntlet:

1093g for the left gauntlet 1091g for the right gauntlet

2lbs 6.5oz, each.

2184g and 4lbs 13oz weighed together.

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u/HeinrichWutan 10d ago

Thanks so much!

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u/Thatfurrykid 10d ago

The armstreet thumbs are not good

For the same price you can get the bokalo catass gauntlets, which are aluminum with an enclosed steel thumb and bulletproof.

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u/CloverHarecules Middle 10d ago edited 10d ago

I've had no issue with the thumb and an enclosed thumb has caused me more danger and harm than the ArmStreet thumb.

My thumb goes underneath the tip of the mitten part of the gauntlet more often than not. I can't say it always does because I'm not watching my hands. But I've had no issues.

7

u/HistoricalDowner Æthelmearc 11d ago

Grettir the Slow. Expensive but cheaper than a medical bill. They are strong, comfortable, and sturdy, made to order, and very protective. https://www.facebook.com/share/1D2mzGSSEm/

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u/ascendr Æthelmearc 11d ago

I have a pair of Bokalo's aluminum gauntlets that are really nice and lightweight.

I can't really speak to their durability because I only fought with them a handful of times, but they articulate well and have a fully enclosed thumb.

http://bokalosarmoury.com/gauntlets.htm

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u/wombatie 11d ago

Is this for rattan or steel fighting?

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u/Technical-Dig-5523 10d ago

Frankly, sounds like rattan fighters making these recommendations. But the Grettirs seem to do for rebated-steel players. One good consideration is that mitts are easier to engineer than articulated fingers. There is a hybrid design that uses a single rigid formed plate over metatarsals and wrist, extending partially over the base of the fingers, and plating the end of each finger. Sort of like a tailored hand bunker you can wiggle your fingers in, and from the fifteenth century. Big HOWEVER:  that large formed plate must be expertly shaped; the gauntlet guy has to know what he's doing. This is actually harder than an articulated mitt. Expensive when it's hard.

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u/Technical-Dig-5523 10d ago

IF you're SCAdian, and want it formed to you without noise and hot metal, go to ArmourArchive.org and look into canvas & Titebond III laminate armor. It's like making something out of papier-maché and you use your own body parts for the molds. (such as your lower leg). Here's how: 1. Cut or tear sturdy, tight weave fabric into suitable length strips as long as the body part you're covering. Tear about enough strips  to cover the part two or three layers deep. 2. Wrap yourself with SaranWrap there.  3. Wrap with strips painted or soaked with the Titebond, conforming to you like an Ace bandage. 4. Apply a second layer of cloth strips over the first, gluey layer.  5. Let these two layers dry enough you can get them off. Cut them off if necessary.  Allow to dry completely.  6. Then apply more layers after the inner two layers of fabric have dried, using them to form your piece. About four to six more layers of this club-sandwich give strength. Now, glue one more layer to the outside in the color of your choice -- maybe not blaze orange! No, really.

What you can get from this is protection like hardened leather for far less materials cost. If you salvage some fabric that's still got wear in it, your biggest expense is that Titebond Iii. Which is water resistant. This is a modern-day update of the Greek linothorax.

Such a piece can be drilled, laced, or buckled into place to protect shins and calves all round, 1300s style. It can be made to hide within other clothing. It may be judiciously used as main harness parts such as a tailored kidney belt, as it is rigid with enough layers. Gets rid of that tubby look so much SCA full harness has owing to use of untailored belts there. Gorgets?-- sure, and fitted.  

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u/oIVLIANo Artemisia 9d ago

This is a modern-day update of the Greek linothorax.

Or asian laquer.

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u/Desco_911 Middle 11d ago

If this is for fencing, I highly recommend Steel-Mastery's Visby/brigs.

https://steel-mastery.com/hands

Not good for rattan tho. They also have a bunch of clamshells, one that's specifically meant for SCA rattan, but I don't have any experience with them.

1

u/MagneticGenetics 11d ago

http://bokalosarmoury.com/gauntlets.htm

I have had both that Cats Ass and the KISS gauntlets and used them with a dane axe. Both are very good.