A Squared Armory Blog

Oh, it is not just good for the Renaissance Faire!  (It’s awesome for that)  But, there are more uses for chainmail in the modern world than you might think.  The incredible strength and durability of chainmail relies on the intricate design of interlocking chains of metal.  Individually, these chains are nothing special.  But, when interlocked in a 4 in 1 link matrix…you have got great protection from sharp objects.

You see, the interlocking chains makes it pretty close to impossible to penetrate with a blade or other sharp object.  Even razor thin rapiers have trouble piercing chainmail.  That is why divers started using chainmail during shark dives.  The coolest thing ever?  It worked.  They only tested the chainmail suit with smaller sharks such as blue sharks, but no matter how many of the sharks attacked the brave (crazy?) diver, they could not pierce his skin because of the chainmail.  Once he surfaced and removed the chainmail suit, they discovered there were no punctures, but there were a ton of bruises.  The link matrix prevented cuts but the bite pressure of the sharks jaws still transferred to the skin.  It’s all physics.  However, during Medieval times, they could probably deal better with bruises and broken bones than cuts and infections.  Even the tiniest cut could get infected and since they had no antibiotics - you were pretty much a goner.  Blood infections are nasty.  Broken bones, however, could be set and cast without the worry of an infection.  Chainmail must have saved many lives back in the day.

They even used chainmail in WWI to protect soldiers against small pieces of shrapnel.  It was made into a kind of veil for the lower part of their faces and necks.  Again, chainmail saves lives!  They also use chainmail gloves and arm protectors for slaughterhouse workers.  They are able to keep their hands dextrous because of the easy movement of the chainmail, but they kept their fingers and hands safe from the extremely sharp cutting instruments used daily in that environment.

All in all, chainmail is awesome.  You can still break bones and get bruised, but you are safe from cuts and infections.  Browse A Squared Armory’s chainmail armor to see just how cool it is! You can also check out our selection of medieval weapons for your collection!

Filed under: Medieval Products