Armorsmithing

Armorsmithing is the craft of creating protective coverings for the body, typically through shaping and assembling metal plates, leather, and other materials. Traditionally, armorsmiths produced armor for knights, soldiers, and ceremonial uses, from mail shirts to full plate, often incorporating decorative as well as functional elements.

Historically, armorsmithing covered several traditions, including mail, scale, lamellar, and plate. By the late Middle Ages plate armor reached high development, while mail persisted in different regions. The rise of gunpowder reduced battlefield use, but armor continued in ceremonial roles, in sport, and in restoration and reenactment. Modern armorsmithing also supports protective gear for industry and law enforcement, as well as artistic and fantasy works.

Techniques and materials: Common materials include carbon steel, stainless steel, iron, and leather, with fittings in brass or bronze; modern practice may incorporate composites and ceramics for specialized armor. Core techniques are forging, bending, riveting, welding, heat treating, quenching, patination, and finishing. Tools range from forges, anvils, and hammers to tongs, grinders, and drill presses.

Design considerations: Armor must balance protection with mobility, fit, ventilation, and weight. Articulation at joints, ergonomic shaping, and secure closures are central concerns. Visual design and decoration often accompany functionality in historical pieces, while modern protective gear prioritizes standardization and clearance for movement and sensory awareness.

Training and application: Armorsmiths typically learn through apprenticeships or specialized programs in metalworking or historic armor. Restoration, conservation, and replica manufacture are common career paths. The field intersects museums, reenactment communities, and contemporary fashion or art, with safety concerns including hot metal, fumes, and sharp edges.