Wow, somehow things got crazy and I stopped checking a lot of the places I normally keep active on. Sorry about that. Not sure anyone noticed but I'm back if I missed any direct addresses. PS - my girlfriend's site is getting well on its way, friend and I are working on it a lot, so check it out and...

Lukas (saluki bows) has the best bows (in my opinion) and his how-to photos are good. My girlfriend's site is www.mountdarchery.NET if you want to see what we're up to and come to some clinics, but since she learned from Lukas, you will be learning the same stuff he teaches, only from a cute redhead;)

Mine is fairly warn, I suspect it was used, if not at least carried, by someone for a while before I got it. Since yours is a higher aesthetic quality, it probably wasn't used much before sold, so it needs wearing in maybe? I'd say if you can find a way to stretch the mouth of the sheeth a bit witho...

Excellent, very nice. You have the non-military issue version of mine, only difference is mine has black horn handle and "Gorka Army issue" stamped on the side.;) And yes, you're absolutely right, no makers mark because its a bladesmithing tradition over there. The 3/8" spine is compl...

We need a file posting application, does this forum template have one that we can add on? This boot build info sounds interesting;)

I need to get a sponsor to fund my endevours. Any ideas on where to get some of these army manuals for fairly cheap?

[quote="caedmon"] My understanding is from reading some 15 years ago. Looking into it a bit further, it appears that the truth is a bit more nuanced. Here's a good treatment . quote] Aha, see, you learn a hundred new things every day. THe armoursmith I apprenticed with used "ringmaill...

I'm a little sleepy right now from taking care of my post-op girlfriend, but Jack, are you suggesting ringmaille was invented to explain medieval artistic expression? Could you expand on that? In my studies, chainmaille is a very very widespread armour throghout a very long span of time. And yes, ki...

That is very true. Common layering was like you said, a gambison, then the maille, then a long tunic (arming tunic I think it was called?) or a tabbard belted down. You look a bit thicker in general but you can hide chainmaille and its sounds. Still, I think I'd opt for something else...

Studded leather, brigandine vest, coat of plates, banded armour, plate/leather combinations. I don't have any proof of any of these being referenced in Middle Earth, but as a ranger in a heavy combat situation you're going to want to get the most armour with the least resitrctions (as opposed to a k...

I think the difference to note is that Herward is refering to reproduction historicals and Greg is refering to craftsman's creativity. I support both, so long as both keep functional capacity in mind. But if you're making reproductions, then make reproductions and stick to the style you're studying.

Sorry for such a delay, It's been quite busy getting this school stuff done with. I haven't actually gotten to altering the boots, but I did do some test samples with the bees wax. It seams to me that it would work well but it might be a good idea to oil the outside of the seam, and rubbing the bees...

ITs an encyclopedia referenceing actual material but with movie photos, "The Lord of the Rings Weapons and Warfare" by Chris Smith.

The description I don't recall where from but the picture of aragorn's blade was in that book

And as I typed that I realized I had the book in the attic here... Ok..

So, looking through this..

Aragorn's elven dagger from Lothlorien is like a stretched out kukri with a bowe tip.

Some of the orc weapons, though obviously cruder, are similar in shape. I will look around more...

I have a vague vague recollection of the Men of the Wild that flock to Mordor carrying a "somewhat large and heavy blade, with a peculiar curve". THat's not a quote but I want to say that I remember this description... anyone have a legitimate reference book of middle earth weapons? Mine's...