Monday, March 6, 2017

Leatherwork - An Axe Cover for my Knight

Project: Brandarm Axe Cover

 Artisan: Lady Þóra (Thóra) Hrafnsdóttir

 Historical Basis:
     None.  This is a non-period project, as I was recreating an existing cover for this axe. The heraldry used was matched to Sir Harald's heraldry of wolf and lion. The tooling techniques used were learned many years ago in a shop class.
 Panels for new cover in front, old cover in background 

Tools used: 
     Paper patterns, utility knife, leather hole punch, leather stylus and bevellers, contact cement. Finished with waxed linen thread, craft paint, satin leather finish (sealant).

Leather stylus (far left) and bevellers 

Procedure: 
     The overall pattern was copied from the existing cover. The leather was cut out with a utility knife, and then tooled. I created patterns for the heraldry from Sir Harald’s device. These were then traced onto the leather with the stylus, then used the mallet and tooling implements to impress the design into the leather without cutting it.
     After tooling, the leather was painted and then the paint was sealed. Two layers of paint were used for better coverage. The leather was stitched together with waxed linen thread using a blanket stitch, and the buckle and strap were prepared and attached.
     After stitching, a piece of thicker leather was water hardened and shaped to the blade. When dry, it was glued into the cover, along the seam where the blade rests, using contact cement. It was held in place by the axe while the glue set.

Tooling in progress. The dark areas are where the leather is dampened for tooling. 

Wolf, painted and tooled.

 Blanket stitching

Sir Harad with the axe and cover at Battle on the Bay 

Axe Cover and documentation, as entered at 'Best Viking Bling' Arts and Sciences competition. Spring Coronation, April 2016, Atlantia (Winning Entry)

Harald’s device

Conclusion: 
    I have learned a lot from this project. I asked for and received feedback from several leatherworkers on how to improve the cover, should I make another one. They have given me a lot to think about, and avenues for further exploration. I do enjoy working with leather and will be doing more of this. 

Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Notes: Lightweight Brigandine

I've been wearing my brigandine for just over a year now. I've had to take out rivets, remove a couple plates, add other plates, reattach straps, and wash it.

I have learned that:
  • The brigandine is light enough that a blow can brush it nicely out of the way. I learned very quickly to put it on underneath my C-belt, so that it was prevented from moving like that. Doing so also meant I was able to remove the bottom pair of chest plates on the front, as they were now under the belt and it made armouring up more difficult - definitely not something I wanted.
  • The spine plates flip up seemingly every time I put it on. This is annoying and needs to be designed out of the next one. On this one, I should be able to drill holes in the lower corners and sew (not rivet) them to the fabric, with the stitches going out to the side so they can still crush down. 
  • Taking out rivets is a lovely way to rip holes in the linen. I'm sure drilling them out contributes, but that's how I was able to get them out. 
  • The straps need to be level and on top of the chest plates; this helps prevent them from warping the rivets.
  • If using dyed leather for the straps, be aware it will bleed when water is applied (from sweating in it, or from attempting to wash out said sweat).
  • Since this one doesn't wash well (see above) I have been generous with fresh air, Febreeze, and sunlight. It seems to be working, as it doesn't smell.
  • On the next one I need to make sure I shape the chest plates. I didn't do it on this one, and I do think it would look better if I had.
I do plan on making another one and applying what I have learned here. Overall, I am quite happy with it.