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Chainmail Sleeves and Voiders, 9 mm Butted Hardened Steel Rings - Outlet
Elevate your suit of plate armour to perfection! This pair of chainmail sleeves, historically known as mail gussets or "voiders," is an absolutely essential component for anyone assembling a 14th or 15th-century knightly harness. They are designed to be sewn or tied to a gambeson or arming doublet, precisely covering the vulnerable gaps in the armpits and inner arms that plate sections cannot protect. They are crafted from hardened steel rings, representing a significant leap in protective capability over standard mild steel. Further product information ...
The following variants are currently available:
Chainmail Sleeves and Voiders, 9 mm Butted Hardened Steel Rings
The Essential Gap Protection for Your Harness
Whether you are a knight at a historical reenactment event, a LARP fighter with high standards for your kit, or creating film-quality armour, these sleeves are the key to functional and authentic protection. Their cut is designed to protect the entire arm while also covering the sides of the torso and shoulders. This design eliminates dangerous gaps in your armour without forcing you to wear a full (and much heavier) chainmail hauberk underneath your plates. This grants you superior mobility and a lower overall weight—critical advantages in any combat scenario.
Born from Necessity: A History of Mail Voiders
With the development of full plate armour in the 14th century, a new challenge emerged: how to protect the joints and areas where plates needed to articulate? The answer was mail gussets. Instead of wearing a complete hauberk under their harness, knights began using these purpose-built pieces sewn directly onto their padded undergarments. They protected only what was necessary, saving precious weight and increasing comfort.
The Advantage of Butted Hardened Steel
This armour combines two key features. The butted ring construction is a cost-effective solution. However, its true strength lies in the material: hardened steel (High-Tensile/Spring Steel). Unlike mild steel, hardened steel rings are significantly stronger and more resistant to being deformed or forced open on impact. They provide a substantially higher level of protection, approaching that of riveted mail but at a fraction of the cost.
A Point of Historical Interest: What Are 'Voiders'?
The term "voiders" comes from the word "void." Their name perfectly describes their function: they filled the voids in a suit of plate armour, protecting the wearer from treacherous thrusts aimed at these undefended gaps.
Measurement Chart
Choose the correct size for your build. Measurements are taken with the item laid flat.
| Measurement | M/L | XL/XXL |
|---|---|---|
| A - Sleeve Circumference at Wrist | 10 in (25.5 cm) | 12 in (30.5 cm) |
| B - Arm Length (Armpit to Wrist) | 22 in (55.5 cm) | 23.5 in (59.5 cm) |
| C - Width of Chest Panel | 14 in (35.5 cm) | 16 in (40.5 cm) |
| Weight (Pair) | Approx. 4.9 kg (10.8 lbs) | Approx. 6 kg (13.2 lbs) |
Essential Care for Hardened Steel
This armour is supplied oiled to prevent corrosion and requires regular maintenance.
- Rust Prevention: The rings are not stainless or plated. You must keep them dry and lightly oiled at all times (e.g., with a penetrating oil like WD-40 or a gun oil like Ballistol).
- Cleaning: After use, wipe the mail with a dry cloth. Re-apply a light coat of oil if necessary.
- Please Note: Oil and metal abrasion can stain light-coloured clothing. Always wear a suitable undergarment (gambeson, old shirt) beneath the armour.
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