14th Century Three-Plate Steel Greaves, 1.6 mm Steel

14th Century Three-Plate Steel Greaves, 1.6 mm Steel

Quality Construction for Maximum Protection

This pair of greaves is carefully handcrafted from 1.6 mm (16-gauge) carbon steel with a polished finish for an authentic look. The innovative design consists of three vertical plates, internally joined by rivets and straps of durable cowhide leather. This solution allows the greaves to expand and contract slightly, perfectly contouring to the shape of the leg during walking, running, and combat stances. They are securely and comfortably fastened to the leg with two adjustable leather straps featuring solid steel buckles.

Technical Specifications

How Can You Use These Greaves?

This plate leg protection is an excellent and versatile choice for:

• Historical Reenactment: Ideal for portraying a 14th-century knight or man-at-arms, a period when such protection was on the rise.
• LARP: Provides your character with a high level of leg protection while enhancing their historical appearance.
• HEMA and Historical Fencing: Offers reliable protection for sparring and training with various types of weapons.
• Cosplay and Theatre: A fantastic accessory for costumes of knights, paladins, and other armoured characters.

A Note on Full-Contact Combat

Thanks to their robust 1.6 mm steel construction and fully enclosed design, these greaves offer excellent protection. The manufacturer states their suitability for buhurt-style competitions. However, we always recommend checking the specific rules and regulations of your event or organisation, as some may require a greater material thickness. For general reenactment and historical fencing, they are an outstanding choice.

Historical Context and Interesting Facts

Leg protection was a crucial part of a knight's armour. While early medieval warriors relied on mail chausses, the 14th century saw a massive development in plate armour. The first fully enclosed greaves appeared, providing much better protection against both cutting and crushing blows. Such comprehensive protection was not only functional but also a symbol of wealth and the high social status of its wearer.

Did you know...?

While a knight could afford full plate leg protection, common foot soldiers often wore only a front plate to protect the shin (known as "demi-greaves") or relied solely on padded or leather leg coverings. Complete protection like this was a privilege of the elite and clearly indicated who was who on the battlefield.

Caring for Your New Armour

To ensure your greaves serve you well for a long time, give them a little care:

• Steel Parts: After each use, especially in damp conditions, wipe the armour thoroughly dry. Regularly apply a light coat of conservation oil (e.g., WD-40 or Ballistol) to prevent rust.
• Leather Parts: Treat the straps and internal leather connectors with a leather care product from time to time. This will keep them supple, strong, and prevent cracking.
• Storage: Store the armour in a dry, ventilated place. Never leave it in a damp bag or on the floor.

When cleaning, avoid harsh abrasives that could scratch the polished steel surface.