15th Century Steel Greaves for LARP and Reenactment

15th Century Steel Greaves for LARP and Reenactment

Detailed Design and Construction

At first glance, you'll notice the smooth, polished surface and the anatomical shape that follows the contours of the shin and ankle. This pair of greaves is designed with a focus on both function and safety.

• Steel Construction: The body of the greaves is formed from a single piece of 20-gauge mild steel, shaped for optimal protection of the front of the shin.
• Safe Edges: The top and bottom edges are carefully rolled, which not only strengthens the construction but, more importantly, prevents injury from sharp edges and damage to the gambeson or clothing worn underneath.
• Reliable Fastening: The greaves are secured to the leg with two sturdy genuine leather straps. These are riveted to the steel plate and can be tightened using simple, period-appropriate metal buckles.
• Anti-Corrosion Finish: The inside is painted black, which protects the steel from corrosion caused by sweat and moisture.

Where Can You Use These Greaves?

Thanks to their simplicity and universal design, these greaves are suitable for a wide range of characters and occasions:

• LARP and Cosplay: Perfect for characters like knights, men-at-arms, mercenaries, or city guards.
• Historical Reenactment: A fitting accessory for a late medieval foot soldier's kit.
• Theatre and Film: A durable and visually convincing prop for the stage and screen.

Important Notice: These greaves are a historical replica and costume prop. They are not designed or certified for full-contact combat sports like buhurt, HMB, or the Battle of the Nations, as they do not offer sufficient protection for such demanding activities.

Size Chart

Please check the dimensions carefully before purchasing to ensure a perfect fit. Measurements should be taken over any padding or trousers you intend to wear.

A Look into History

Protection for the Common Soldier

This type of open-backed greave, covering only the shin (known as a demi-greave), was extremely popular during the 14th and especially the 15th centuries. Fully enclosed greaves that protected the entire calf were expensive and largely reserved for heavy cavalry and the wealthy nobility. In contrast, the simpler and cheaper shin protection was accessible to common foot soldiers, crossbowmen, archers, and men-at-arms. It protected one of the most vulnerable parts of the body from slashing and thrusting attacks from infantry weapons like halberds and pikes.

A Historical Tidbit: Mass-Produced Armour

The 15th century saw a huge boom in armour-making. Centres like Milan in Italy and Augsburg in Germany became famous for their "mass production" of armour. They produced so-called munitions-grade pieces, which were standardized and manufactured in large quantities for entire armies. It was precisely because of this that quality steel protection, like these simple greaves, became more accessible than ever before.

How to Care for Your Armour

To ensure your greaves last as long as possible and don't rust, follow these few simple rules:

1. After each use, especially in a humid environment, carefully dry the steel parts with a cloth.
2. Apply a thin layer of oil (mineral oil, gun oil like Ballistol, or even WD-40 are ideal) to the dry surface. This prevents air and moisture from reaching the steel.
3. Store them in a dry place, preferably wrapped in cloth.
4. Treat the leather straps with a leather conditioner from time to time to keep them flexible and prevent cracking.