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Loose Lamellar Scales for Birka and Balyk-Sook armor, 100pcs - Outlet
Are you tempted by the idea of crafting your own armour with your own hands, exactly as armourers did over a thousand years ago? With this set of 100 steel lamellae, you have a unique opportunity to assemble authentic, custom-fitted lamellar armour. The shape of these plates is based on archaeological finds in Birka, Sweden, and the Balyk-Sook site. It serves as the ideal foundation for creating Viking, Rus, or Khazar style armour that will not only fit you perfectly but also command respect at any historical event or LARP. Further product information ...
100 Pcs Birka Steel Lamellae for Viking Armor Crafting
Build Your Own Legendary Armour
These lamellae are the cornerstone of your project. They are loose steel plates that are not yet connected – that task is up to you. This gives you complete freedom over the size of the armour you create, whether it be a full cuirass, pauldrons, or just a subtle costume accessory. The plates are made from mild steel with a thickness of approx. 1 mm (20 gauge). When properly overlapped (scale arrangement), this thickness provides solid protection for scenic fencing, LARP, and historical reenactment without the weight of the armour weighing you down excessively.
The lamellae feature a set of holes with a diameter of approx. 4 mm. These holes are used for threading leather laces or strong cords to bind the plates together. The lacing system is variable, but we recommend studying the historical lacing patterns from Birka to ensure the armour is functional and rigid. Please note that lacing material (leather thongs, cords) is not included in the package.
Technical Specifications
| Material | Mild Steel |
| Material Thickness | approx. 1 mm (20 Gauge) |
| Lamella Length | approx. 10 cm (3.9 inches) |
| Lamella Width | approx. 2.8 cm (1.1 inches) |
| Hole Diameter | approx. 4 mm |
| Quantity in Pack | 100 pcs |
| Set Weight | approx. 1980 g (4.36 lbs) |
A Glimpse into History: Where Does This Armour Type Come From?
Lamellar armour was immensely popular in the Early Middle Ages, particularly in the East. It reached Scandinavia via trade routes that the Vikings (Varangians) maintained with Byzantium and the eastern steppe peoples. The find in Birka (a significant Viking Age trading hub in Sweden) proves that the Nordic elite knew and used this type of protection. The Balyk-Sook style refers to finds in the Altai region, highlighting the originally Asian roots of this technology. Lamellar armour was prized for its mobility and ability to absorb impacts due to the flexibility of the bindings.
Maintenance and Safety
The lamellae are delivered in an oiled state. This is necessary protection against corrosion during storage. Before starting work, we recommend wiping the oil off with a dry cloth or degreaser. Since this is mild steel without a stainless treatment, the finished armour requires care:
- Rust Protection: Regularly treat the armour with oil (e.g., WD-40 or gun oil), especially after use in humid environments.
- Storage: Keep in a dry place.
- Safety During Construction: The edges of the lamellae may be sharp from production. We recommend wearing work gloves during assembly.
- Combat Use: Although 1 mm steel in overlap offers good protection, it is mild steel, not hardened. For full-contact combat like Battle of the Nations (buhurt), this material might be too soft and prone to denting. However, for HEMA, reenactment, and LARP, it is perfectly suitable when worn over a good padded undergarment (gambeson).
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