Spring Steel Chainmail Chausses, 9mm Butted High-Tensile Rings

Spring Steel Chainmail Chausses, 9mm Butted High-Tensile Rings

How Can You Use These Chausses?

Thanks to their unique construction, these chainmail leggings are an excellent choice for warriors seeking reliable protection at a reasonable price.

• LARP and Combat Training: The resilience of spring steel ensures the rings can take much more punishment than mild steel. Ideal for safe, high-intensity combat.
• Reenactment and Historical Faires: An indispensable part of a 12th to 14th-century knight's or man-at-arms' kit.
• Theatre and Costume: Provide your character with an authentic and robust look that will withstand even the most demanding scenes.

A Legacy of History

Chausses – The Foundation of Leg Armour

Chainmail leggings, known by their French name chausses, emerged in the 12th century as crucial leg protection for knights and heavy infantry. Worn over padded hose and suspended from a belt, they defended against slashes and light thrusts during medieval campaigns and tournaments. As plate armour became more common in the 14th century, chausses were often supplemented with plate components, but their fundamental role in leg protection endured for centuries.

Advantages of Material and Construction

Spring Steel: A Revolution in Butted Armour

The material is what makes these chausses exceptional.

• High-Tensile Spring Steel: Unlike mild steel, spring steel is heat-treated. This makes the rings much stronger and gives them a tendency to "spring" back to their original shape after an impact, rather than being permanently forced open.
• Reliability of Butted Rings: Using spring steel dramatically increases the strength and dependability of the butted weave. It's an affordable alternative to riveted mail, but with far superior performance to standard mild steel butted armour.
• Full Coverage: The design protects the entire leg, including the vulnerable instep, which is crucial in combat.
• Flexibility and Comfort: The mail naturally conforms to the shape of your legs, allowing for unrestricted movement, especially when worn over a padded undergarment.

A Glimpse Into History

Did you know that the term "chausses" originally just meant "hose" or "stockings"? As knights began to wear mail protection over their padded hose, the name was transferred to the armour itself. This illustrates how armour often evolved directly from the everyday clothing of the period.

Care and Maintenance

Even spring steel requires care to serve you best.

1. Keep It Dry: Thoroughly dry the chausses after each use to prevent surface rust.
2. Oil Periodically: Store them lightly oiled with a preservative oil (mineral or machine oil).
3. Inspect the Rings: As this is butted mail, check for any rings that may have opened after heavy use. Gaps can be easily closed with a pair of pliers.
4. Storage: Store them hanging or loosely rolled in a dry place.

Size Chart

Select the correct size for a perfect fit. Measure the circumference of your thigh and ankle over the padded leggings you intend to wear underneath.