Combat Gear Guide

Section 2.1

Gloves

Although no archeology exists to support their use, all warriors must wear a pair of leather gloves, re-enforced with a thick leather backing, a mail backing and/or padding which protects the fingers and back of the hand. Several examples are shown below.

By Jim Gilbanks.

Safety gloves need to be a minimum of 6 mm thick and are essential for all warriors. A high percentage of all accident and injuries occur on the hands and fingers and wrists.

MAKING GLOVES

First or all get a pair of strong gardening or welding gloves (or similar). Do not use motorbike gauntlets or gloves in bright colours (Red or Green) or Black.
Make sure they fit so they come just past the wrist preferably fitting as close to the wrist as is comfortable.

LEATHER COVERED

1) You need to attach pieces of veg-tanned leather (MIN 6mm thick) to the fingers, thumb and back of hand with twine or strong button thread (light to dark brown in colour). If using undyed leather simply dye to mid to dark brown or use brown boot polish to darken the leather.

The pair of gloves below are an acceptable examples of what we are looking for.

The wrist coverage could be a little better, but the owner has gone to the trouble of adding a flap to protect the 'web' between the thumb and forefinger.

2) Ensure the wrist is well covered in thick leather, as the vulnerable wrist bones are prone to injury.

Both the pairs shown above are good. The left hand pair have again been covered in sheet leather. The right hand pair have been prepared differently as the wearer wishes. The left is covered in leather panels, and this is OK for use behind a steel shield boss. To maintain an authentic appearance the right hand one has a hard foam hocky glove inserted (shown exposed). This is also acceptable. Note the extra piece to protect the web between the finger and thumb again.

3) It you have difficulty getting hold of 6 mm leather you can use 2 and 4 mm and these can be stitched or glued togneter to form the 6 mm. The top pair have actually used thin leather plus a closed cell foam layer.

Links to other groups hand protection patterns

For more info on the patterns below see this post by one of the above groups members

Glove pattern 1 - http://www.kongshirden1308.no/stashtegninger/linushanske/linushanske.jpg

Glove pattern 2 - http://www.kongshirden1308.no/sikkerhet/vott/index.html

Odd Glove pattern - http://www.kongshirden1308.no/stashtegninger/heinhanske/hanske-hein.pdf

MAIL BACKED GLOVES

Some people prefer the look of a ringmail glove and this is an acceptable alternative. Be advised however, that a ring mail glove will add about 1 lb. to the weightt of your hand -and ultimately your sword. This will mean that you will tire quickly, fight less effectively and be more prone to accidents Since mail adds little protection for the weight, thick leather is recommended.

If you prefer to wear ring mail gloves (not square section rings) then follow these instructions.

1) Stitch a minimum thickness of 2 mm leather to the gloves as above then attach the ring mail to the glove using strong thread (as above).
2) Rings can be from 5 mm to 10mm diameter see Ring Mail Guide

IMPORTANT POINT TO REMEMBER –

When it goes wrong, don't throw it in the direction of the window, it will probably break and get you into a lot of trouble.