Medieval Women's Tubular Vambraces

Medieval Women's Tubular Vambraces Crafted from Mild Steel

Historical Context and Armour Construction

The shape of these plate vambraces is based on European armour of the High and Late Middle Ages, specifically from the 14th and 15th centuries. During this era, there was a transition from chainmail to plate limb protection, which better distributed the force of a blow. The tubular vambraces are manufactured from two halves of mild steel, which are connected on one side by concealed hinges and closed on the other side by a leather strap with a historical buckle. The inside of the steel is blackened, which increases its resistance to corrosion. The edges of the armour are rolled (bent outwards and rounded), which allows the blade of enemy weapons to glance off more easily, and simultaneously eliminates the risk of the armour's edges cutting into your hand or clothing.

Usage and Safety Rules

The vambraces are slipped onto the forearm and tightened firmly with the leather strap so that they do not slide on the arm. We must warn you, however, that they are primarily an accessory for light stage fencing, boffer fighting, and LARP. It is not certified protective armour suitable for extreme full-contact power combat, such as buhurt or Battle of the Nations (BotN). Enduring full-contact strikes with blunt or sharp weapons could lead to deformation of the material and serious injury to yourself.

How to Properly Care for Your Armour

To ensure the steel surface remains shiny and free from damage for a long time, it is essential to wipe it thoroughly dry after every use and conserve it with a thin layer of gun oil (e.g., WD-40 or Ballistol). The leather straps should occasionally be treated with a high-quality leather balsam. Never leave the armour lying in a damp environment and do not store it long-term in airtight plastic packaging where condensation could form and cause rusting.

Table of Technical Parameters

For maximum wearing comfort, we strongly recommend you acquire a padded arming doublet (gambeson) with long sleeves corresponding to European fashion of the 14th or 15th century to wear under these vambraces, which will prevent pressure marks and absorb sweat.