Quote:
Originally Posted by pmulcahy11b
I used to be in the SCA in high school and part of college. Chainmail takes a LOT of getting used to, but once you get used to it (and are in good shape), you eventually don't really notice it too much. And proper use of a medium or large shield is a great workout for the arm, torso, and legs -- with that type of shield, you actually use your torso and legs more than the arms -- you twist your body to block blows.
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Somewhere (and I have located several places) you would find basic aramid fabric--Kevlar, etc. A shield built of plywood layers with a kevlar/epoxy sandwich or spall liner might make the best of both worlds--hand-to-hand and some unexpected defense against projectiles and fragments. A liner might be better, as the plywood will degrade into wood mush after enough impact, but the liner could be designed to be removable and reusable.
And speaking of medieval armor, the latest and greatest in personal defense armor looks an awful lot like scale mail.