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14th Century Knight Poleyns | Steel & Suede Lined Knee Cops
Comfortable and Effective Knee Armor for LARP and Reenactment: Protect your knees, one of the most vulnerable points on the battlefield! With these simple yet highly functional plate poleyns, you get crucial protection inspired by the early era of plate armour. This is more than just a piece of steel—their greatest feature is the internal padding and suede lining, ensuring exceptional comfort even during all-day wear. The perfect choice for any warrior, from foot soldier to knight. Further product information ...
14th Century Knight Poleyns | Steel & Suede Lined Knee Cops
Detailed Armour Description
This pair of poleyns faithfully replicates historical examples and is designed with an emphasis on functionality, comfort, and durability.
Construction and Materials
- Steel Cop: The anatomically shaped cup is crafted from 1.2 mm (18 gauge) mild steel, which provides reliable protection against blows. A more robust 1.6 mm (16 gauge) version is also available upon request.
- Luxurious Interior: On the inside, the poleyn is treated with black anti-corrosion paint and is fully lined with soft, black suede leather. Furthermore, a layer of foam padding is hidden beneath the suede to absorb impacts and prevent chafing.
- Secure Fastening: The knee cop is secured to the leg with a strap of sturdy, approx. 3 mm thick cowhide leather, finished with a solid iron buckle for easy adjustment.
- Authentic Appearance: The edges of the poleyns are lined with a row of decorative rivets, lending them a period-accurate character while also securing the internal padding.
Who Are These Poleyns For?
Thanks to their simplicity and versatility, they are a great choice for:
- Beginner and advanced warriors in LARP and reenactment.
- Costumes for foot soldiers, archers, and knights of the 13th and 14th centuries.
- Theatrical and film productions where historical accuracy is key.
- Anyone looking to start building their own suit of plate armour.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: While these poleyns offer good protection for LARP and choreographed combat, they are not certified for full-contact, competitive sports like HMB, buhurt, or the Battle of the Nations.
Specifications and Dimensions
The poleyns are designed to be worn comfortably over padded chausses (leg wraps) or maille hose.
| Technical Specifications (per piece) | |
|---|---|
| Length / Height | approx. 12 - 13.5 cm / 4.7" - 5.3" |
| Width (across knee) | approx. 16 cm / 6.2" |
| Weight | approx. 360 g / 0.8 lbs |
| Steel Thickness | Standard 1.2 mm (18g), optional 1.6 mm (16g) |
| Materials | Mild Steel, Cowhide Leather, Suede, Foam Padding |
Poleyns in History
The 13th and 14th centuries in Europe saw the transition from maille to plate armour. Standalone plate components, such as these poleyns, were among the first elements to be widely adopted. They were relatively inexpensive to produce and provided essential protection for the knee joint, which was vulnerable in maille. They were strapped directly to padded leg coverings and were worn by virtually everyone, from common soldiers to nobility.
A Fun Fact From History
Did you know that the word "poleyn" likely derives from the Old French word "polain," which referred to Poland? This suggests that this type of knee protection may have originated or been inspired by Eastern Europe, which was known at the time for its effective cavalry and military tactics.
How to Care for Your New Armour
Keep your poleyns in top condition. After each use, wipe them dry to prevent surface rust. Occasionally, lightly coat the steel parts with a preservation oil. Keep the leather strap and suede lining dry, and occasionally treat the strap with a leather conditioner to prevent it from becoming stiff and cracking.
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