Just a few of the questions I get asked at events...
How long does that take to make?
Obviously this varies depending on the item, the way the rings are made mean that they are neither open or closed so every ring needs to be opened and/or closed. Considering that a typical chainmail shirt contains between 25-30,000 rings this can be very time consuming. Taking a typical working day, a shirt takes between 3-4 weeks to complete.
How much does that shirt weigh?
The shirts I sell usually vary between 6-16kg (1-2½ stone), though an authentic riveted mail shirt (every ring is riveted closed) can weigh in excess of 25kg (4 stone). Aluminium is approximately 32% lighter than steel, so a 6kg (1 stone) steel shirt would only weigh 2kg (4.5lb) if it was made from aluminium.
Would it make a good stab vest?
No. Chainmail was never any good at stopping arrows and spear thrusts. It's main defence was against slashes to stop you getting cut, as they had no antibiotics in medieval times an infected cut would be fatal. Chainmail prevented this.
Is it bullet proof?
Ummm ... no!
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Chandler's Chainmail is based in Rotherham, UK.
Tel: 07795 158825, Email: chandlerschains@aol.com