Butted Spring Steel Chainmail Hauberk (Round Rings Ø9mm, 16G)

Butted Spring Steel Chainmail Hauberk (Round Rings Ø9mm, 16G)

This chainmail hauberk is designed for true warriors, daring adventurers, and history enthusiasts who make no compromises. Whether you're preparing for a weekend full of exciting LARP battles where every hit counts, a detailed historical reenactment of a famous battle, or simply wish to perfect your costume for medieval festivals or fantasy cons – this hauberk provides a solid foundation for your body protection. For maximum comfort, protection from chafing, and effective weight distribution, always wear it over a padded gambeson or aketon. Also, don't forget to cinch it at the waist with a sturdy belt – this not only completes the authentic period look but also cleverly transfers part of the armour's considerable weight from your shoulders to your hips, allowing for longer and more comfortable wear even in the heat of action.

Historical Use of Chainmail Hauberks

The chainmail shirt, known in its longer form as a hauberk, was the dominant form of body armour for warriors throughout Europe and beyond for centuries. From the early Viking warriors to the knights of the High Middle Ages, it offered flexible yet effective protection against slashing and piercing weapons. Its length and the presence of sleeves varied over the centuries, but the principle of a dense weave of metal rings remained the cornerstone of protection for noble combatants and well-equipped foot soldiers alike.

Advantages of Spring Steel and Butted Construction

This hauberk utilizes the specific properties of modern spring steel. Unlike regular mild steel, from which historical chainmail was made (and which required each ring to be riveted for sufficient strength), spring steel possesses significantly higher tensile strength and toughness. This means that even butted rings (whose ends are simply joined flush together) made from this material offer considerably greater resistance to being forced open upon impact or stress. Although a fully riveted mild steel hauberk remains the historical benchmark for strength, a butted chainmail hauberk made from spring steel represents an excellent and more affordable alternative. It offers significantly better protection and durability than a butted hauberk made from ordinary mild steel, and at a lower manufacturing cost than fully riveted versions. The rings, with an inner diameter of 9 mm and a wire thickness of 16 gauge (approx. 1.6 mm), woven in the traditional and proven European 4-in-1 pattern (where each ring passes through four others), create an effective and reliable protective mesh.

A Piece of History: The Weight of Honour

Wearing a full suit of mail was by no means an easy task – the weight of such a well-made, knee-length hauberk with long sleeves could easily exceed 10 to 15 kilograms (22 to 33 pounds), depending on the wearer's size, the length of the hauberk, sleeve length, and the density of the weave. For the medieval warrior, however, this was not just a physical burden but also the 'weight of honour', a symbol of their social status, wealth, and military role. The ability to fight effectively and move skilfully in such armour required not only considerable physical strength and endurance but also specific training instilled in knights and professional soldiers from a young age.

How to Care for Your Chainmail Hauberk

Spring steel, unless specifically stated as stainless (which is common for most replicas to maintain an authentic look and price point), requires care similar to regular mild steel to prevent corrosion and maintain its functionality and appearance long-term:

• Before First Wear and Afterwards: It's advisable to lightly wipe the hauberk with a dry cloth to remove any dust or excess preservative oil from manufacturing and transport.
• Essential Underlayer: Always wear a suitable protective and comfortable layer under the chainmail, such as a gambeson or at least a thicker tunic. This layer absorbs some of the impact energy, prevents chafing from the rings, and protects your civilian clothing and skin from abrasion and soiling from metal and oil.
• After Each Use: If the hauberk has become damp (from sweat, rain, or other moisture), it is absolutely crucial to dry it as soon as possible and very thoroughly. You can let it air dry freely in a well-ventilated area or carefully wipe it dry with a cloth.
• Regular Maintenance and Preservation: To protect against rust, it is essential to regularly treat the hauberk with a thin layer of preservative oil (e.g., WD-40, Ballistol). Distribute the oil evenly over the entire surface and then lightly wipe off any excess. The frequency depends on usage and storage conditions.
• Storage: Store the chainmail hauberk in a dry place. Ideally, hang it on a sturdy hanger or a mannequin/armour stand. This prevents the rings from deforming under their own weight in one spot and allows air to circulate.

Available Sizes and Dimensions

This chainmail hauberk is available in four sizes so every warrior can find their fit. The dimensions below were measured with the chainmail fully stretched and should be considered approximate. Remember you will be wearing a gambeson or other clothing underneath!

Detailed Approximate Dimensions for Size XL (Example):

• Overall length from shoulder: approx. 111.7 cm (44 inches)
• Length of the slit (front and back for better movement): approx. 21 cm (8.3 inches)
• Sleeve length from armpit: approx. 55.5 cm (21.9 inches)
• Chest width (from armpit to armpit, lying flat): approx. 76.2 cm (30 inches), corresponding to a circumference of approx. 152.4 cm (60 inches)
• Weight: approx. 12 kg (26.5 lbs)

Additional Information

This is a meticulously and solidly crafted product from the renowned Lord Of Battles® brand, created for those seeking reliable and visually authentic chainmail protection for their historical or fantasy adventures. With this hauberk, you'll be ready to face any challenge!