Midievil Arms and Amor

Mail is defined as an interlocking, closely spaced network or riveted and solid pieces of metal typically made of iron. (Karcheski, p 17) The word mail originated from the Old French word maille meaning “mesh”. (Karcheski, p 17) There are two main types of mail: ring mail and plate mail. Ring mail held up well against only certain types of sword blows that were not straight in. A straight point first jab did very poorly and would severely injure the person behind the mail. Plate mail was mainly the same but was a little stronger. Also, plate mail was not uncommonly wrapped in thin leather. Some full body mail suits were made but were not widely accepted. Mail was often worn under the next type of armor called plate armor. (Funcken, Pg. 56 The Age of Chivalry)

Being solid, plate armor was much heavier then mail and more uncomfortable. Plate armor was obviously stronger but it restricted movement even more. People who could not afford plate armor when it first came out, and was very expensive, wore mail. Then, plate armor soon evolved to being just a chest protector to having a short “skirt” like defense called a fauld, which goes over the hips. (Karcheski, p 17) As the capacity to produce goods increased, the price of all types of armor decreased, and varieties became available. (Karcheski, p 17) This enabled the creating and selling of complete sets of matching armor. Since the price of armor started to decrease the wealthier people began the demand for more ornamental armor to show off their wealth. Armor became a necessity for all knights and anyone participating in battle. Foot soldiers wore what was only completely necessary because they needed to stay agile to survive.

The next main piece of a knight is a weapon. The most common weapon is the sword, which came in many different shapes, sizes, and styles. The different parts of the sword are the hilt or handle, quillons, and blade. (Fryer, p 63-77) One type of sword is the broad sword with straight, wide double-edged blade. (Fryer, p 63-77) Another is the claymore, which is a Scottish two-handed sword with two drooping quillons. (Fryer, p 63-77) A quillon is an extended crosspiece from the hilt. (Fryer, p 63-77) The cutlass is short with a broad, single-edged, curved blade and is typically made of iron. (Fryer, p 63-77) Next is a falchion, which is short with a single-edged blade also having shot straight quillons and a shallow saucer to protect the hand. (Fryer, p 63-77) An executioner’s s

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