Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Samurai armor

The first prototype for Japanese samurai armor came about in the form of the yoroi during the Gempei War of 1181-1185. The weight of the yoroi was around 60lb. The upper-body armor of the samurai was known as the 'Do'. This comprised of the 'Sode', the suspended shoulder and upper-arm protection plates. The Sode had hoops by which silk cord was tied and then fixed to the back of the samurai armor in an 'agemaki' / decorative knotted tassel. Guards were also placed over the shoulder cords, and a leather plate placed across the bow cords to prevent them from been cut or becoming ensnared during a skirmish.

Monday, September 21, 2009

Samurai Swords

Samurai swords are science and art wonders. Scientists today are startled to find out that ancient smiths were able to harden and toughen iron ores without the use of modern metal-working machineries. Art curators marvel at their finest polishing works and beautiful fittings.Antique, modern, and mass-produced samurai swords

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Samurai sword

Samurai sword history and making The Samurai sword history is a long and colorful one. It spans decades of war in Japan. In fact, the development of the Samurai sword can be segregated according to specific eras in Japanese history. The ancient Samurai sword was made A.D. 900 during the Ken period. They were made of steel and the blades were straight like a regular sword because it was copied from the Chinese sword. The craftsmen at that time were initially Chinese men, but this eventually changed to include the early Japanese craftsmen From there we go to the oldest period was of A.D. 900 to 1596 called Koto. This was when battles and wars were frequent. The sword became such a common sight to see everywhere. It was a means to getting power. At that time, power was only attained through wars and battles.

Monday, August 31, 2009

Samurai Armour

The armour worn by the samurai over the centuries was incredibly varied yet throughout the samurai age the principles of the samurai armour remained largely the same save for a few subtle changes. It consisted of a kabuto (helmet) for the head; Samurai Dragoon Armor; Oda Nobunaga Japanese Suit of Armour. Each piece of samurai armour consisted of a set of small iron plates called kozane laced together by leather cord. The resultant strips were then lacquered to protect the material against rust and then a series were tied together horizontally with silk cords called kebiki-odoshi to produce a light and fairly resilient samurai armour plate.
In kabuto there were also many different kinds of crests (maedate). These were usually fixed in a slot above the helmet's peak and often took the form of stylised antlers but they could also be any shape or form and could just as easily occupy a socket on the side of the helmet or the back. In samurai suit of armour some samurai, usually high-ranking individuals, liked to wear the jinbaori. This garment was a large surcoat and was usually sleeveless or had short sleeves. The idea of a samurai wearing a jinbaori was to give him a more impressive appearance, certainly the surcoat was often highly patterned and embroidered.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Greek Helmets

Ancient Greek helmets are some of the most recognizable in the historic war machines. The term "Greek helmets" is quite broad. There is really no one helmet that signifies the Greek culture. Trojan helmets, Spartan helmets, and Corinthian helmets are all under the heading of Greek helmets.
Some of the most popular helmets for collectors and reenactments are the Trojan Greek war helmet. For example, you'll find Trojan helmets in silver, black, brass, and bronze. In fact, one even comes in a war paint camouflage color. The plumes will come in a variety of orange, red, and black. Spartan Greek helmets are also a very popular sort of helmet. The first is a plain silver (made of iron and steel) helmet in a basic design. No plume is attached. This was worn by the common Spartan foot soldiers who did the brunt of the fighting. Some of the elite soldiers or leaders of the Spartans wore a helmet with a red plume. Corinthian Greek helmets had a very similar design to Spartan helmets in terms of the "face" of the helmet. Where they differ is that the frontal cheek guards a bit longer than the Spartan helmets.

Monday, August 24, 2009

Medieval Helmets

Medieval Helmets have a long tradition throughout the middle ages as well as the Medieval Period. These medieval helmets have a number of variations that can be found globally. The Basic principle of these helmets was protecting the head and often other parts of the face as well as neck. When soldiers were fighting in war, that time medieval helmets were very safe for their face and head. However, the size and shape of medieval helmets varied widely because of types of weapons that were used at that time. There are a number of medieval helmets include:

• Bassinet Medieval Helmet: This medieval helmet became admired in the late 13th century
• Arthurian Medieval Helmet: It was designed after helmets of King Arthur's time and would have made him proud.
• Comb Morion Medieval Helmet: It was an open helmet which first introduced in the mid 16th century. It is fixed with brass points
• Closed Medieval Helmet: This medieval helmet features a lift-able face plate for comfort in battles and provides excellent flexibility and strength
• Gladiator Arena Medieval Helmet: It was made famous in the movie Gladiator.
• Knight Medieval Helmet: This impressive authentic helmet is modeled after Great Helms worn by knights during the middles ages.
• Roman Centurian DLX Medieval Helmet: It was a battle hardened leader, often raised from the ranks of the legion troopers themselves, or else a wealthy senator who found favor with the emperor.
• Sutton Hoo Medieval Helmet: This medieval helmet attributes a Spangenhelm design, with face and neck guard, brass fittings and hinged cheek pieces.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Suit of Armor

Medieval suit of armor can add certain prestige and beauty to your home décor. Though all armor can be impressive in its own right's hard to compare them to Churberg Suit of Armor, Etched Suit of Armor, Medusa Suit of Armor - Engraved, Jousting Knight Suit of Armor, Black Knight Armor, White Knight Armor.Every suit of armor have its own speciality like the Black Knight Crusader suit of armor, its deep black armor creates a powerful and majestic statement. Further more, the skin of the suit of armor is lightly etched with golden lines, almost creating a creased or rough leather look. The White Knight suit of armor is made in high carbon 18 gauge steel, so it has a natural silvery metallic color to it. Embossed on the front breast plate and helmet are numerous brass designs, including a crusader cross and Fleur four point design. It also includes a premium jousting lance, embroidered fabric that imitates textiles of the medieval ages, delicately designed lion shield, and a premium solid wooden base and stand. Standing at well over six feet tall with the lance almost reaching seven, this suit of armor is one of the most impressive you'll get your hands on. The proportions of this armor are pleasing to the eye as well, with broad and powerful shoulders.