03.02.09

Best Email Ever - I Need Excalibur!

Posted in Medieval Products at 4:32 pm by Administrator

Okay, this is a reprint of an email I received last week. It’s so funny I just had to share. I love my customers :)

When I came across the EXCALIBUR sword on your glorious website, I nearly fell out of my car and rolled down the stairs in pure excitement! I swear a blood oath that I heard flutes playing and saw people dancing on top of mountains I was so happy. I need to place an order for this weapon of mass destruction, but first I need you to ensure some of my needs are met.

First, I want the sheath to be made of solid platinum blessed by elven wizards. The blessing must be at least plus 2. Second, whenever I pull my Excalibur from its sheath, I want it to spray lightning all over the room, killing everything within 75 feet of my body. The lightning must be made of 1,000,000 amps… everyone knows amps are much better than stupid volts. Third, I want all people standing near my sword to pop like 16 boners… bigger than the biggest boner ever to live ever. Fourth, I want my sword to be able to fold… I drive a geo metro, and I need to be able to fit it in my trunk. Fifth… I want you to include a pair of Excalibur pajamas with my order.

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02.17.09

Riveted Chain Mail

Posted in Medieval Products at 4:04 pm by Administrator

Riveted Steel Chain MailYes we’ve got it! Steel and aluminum mail fit for a true knight. The end of each mild steel link is flattened and riveted giving you strong and authentic chain mail. Both shirts and coifs are available in the steel and aluminum.

These are perfect for costuming for Faires, stage play, and reenactment. For those you looking to really suit up, we also now have chain mail gauntlets. These sturdy gauntlets offer good protection for the hand, wrist, and lower arm from a sword slash or draw cut. They are rather cool looking to boot.

You can get all this chain mail for 5% off during A2 Armory’s Spring Jumpstart Sale. Use coupon code: armorforspring during checkout to save on any order over $50. Can’t wait for battle season to begin!

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02.06.09

LARP Weapons

Posted in Medieval Products at 3:48 pm by Administrator

LARP SwordAlong with the medieval clothing, A2 Armory has a new line of LARP Weapons that I’m very excited about. These weapons meet LARP specifications and they look really cool.

Each weapon meets OSHA’s standard for safety and are made with top quality materials including Police grade kevlar. All you role players out there will not be disappointed.

We’re also in the process of adding several new lines of armor and more costume accessories. I’ll keep you updated, these are exciting time for A2 Armory, thanks for enabling us to expand and carry all these cool new weapons!

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01.21.09

New Pistols and Big Guns Coming Soon

Posted in Medieval Products at 8:36 pm by Administrator

Hey hey just wanted to throw a quick update atcha! A2 Armory is soon to be offering a new line of Flintlock Pistols and World War II guns.

These are even cooler than the ones we currently offer. Some are deluxe models of the pistols we already sell (made from better materials and more working action) and the World War II guns are incredibly detailed pieces great for display or stage use. I’ll give another shout when they have been added to the store so you can check them out for yourself.

And just another reminder that the 2009 sale is still going on but only until the end of the month. Be sure to order by then to get the 10% discount, it’s going to go down in Feb. Enjoy Lost tonight!

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01.12.09

Medieval Costumes and Accessories

Posted in Medieval Products at 6:56 pm by Administrator

World War II German HelmetA2 Armory loves reenactors! I myself have not yet taken part in a reenactment but I’ve been a to a few and I know how hard it can be to find inexpensive costume pieces to round out your presentation. All of the weapons and clothing that A2 Armory offers are authentically styled and priced to fit your budget.

We have medieval chainmail, armor, replica swords and more for knights; tri-corner hats, muskets and blunderbuss, and flintlock pistols for pirates, and Civil War costumes, World War II helmets, and black powder guns for soldiers. No matter what you’re transforming yourself into, A2 Armory can help you achieve an authentic look.

I’m always happy to help with any questions you may have regarding proper uniforms or weaponry. Give me shout or leave a comment and I’ll attend to you forthwith!

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10.29.08

Keep an Eye on the Gifts Section

Posted in Medieval Products at 6:20 pm by Administrator

So, Halloween is two days away (woohoo!) so now it’s time to look to Christmas. Less than two months from now we’ll be sitting down with family and friends, having a big meal, and opening what we always hope are awesome gifts. A2 Armory is here to help you make sure the gifts you give are that awesome.

We just got a new line of medieval gear in which we will be adding to the site in the coming weeks. Some of it is weaponry, some costumes. It’s stuff you will definitely like but there’s more… we’re getting in a lot of really cool gift items. Those will be going up in the medieval gifts section of the store and I recommend checking back once a week at least to see what’s new.

To give you a taste of the sort of stuff I’m talking about; expect to see new collector’s sets including shadow box pistol displays, wine bottle holders, functional tomahawks, and even some medieval themed furniture. I’m excited about it and I think you will be too. Of course I love to hear from you whether you’re happy with what I’m doing or not, so let me know what you think!

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06.27.08

What Makes a Good Bladed Weapon?

Posted in Medieval Products at 9:38 pm by Administrator

We were recently asked about what makes a good dagger.  Well, there are a few things you should for if you are shopping for a quality dagger, knife or sword.  Now, keep in mind, bladed weapons are very dangerous even if they are not sharpened.  If they are sharpened, you should be an expert before handling them.  They are seriously that sharp and that dangerous. 

When you are shopping for a bladed weapon, one of the first things to look for is solid construction.  You can tell if a piece is constructed well by looking at the tang.  If a dagger is full tang, the metal of the blade will continue through the handle to the end.  The tang is basically just an extension of the actual blade.  That is the base of the handle, which keeps the blade and handle attached (because it is all one piece).  Some poorly made replicas are not full tang, meaning they are NOT battle ready, nor are they valuable.  If you are looking for something just for decoration, these are probably the way to go.  The tang is smiths use to hold onto the blade when they are shaping it.  It is only natural to use it as the actual handle of the blade.

The hilt, or the tsuba on Japanese swords, is what separates the handle from the blade.  Depending on the style of the sword and its uses, the hilt can be a hand protector to mere decoration.  The rapier generally uses a basket hilt or some fanciful version of it as a means to protect the hand wielding the weapon.  What you are looking for in a hilt/tsuba is of solid construction.  Some very well constructed swords and daggers actually have the hilt created from the blade and the tang.  And all one piece construction is very desirable in a bladed weapon, especially if it is to be used on a regular basis.  The less pieces that make up the weapon, the stronger and more durable it will be.

Probably the most important thing to look for in a good blade is the blade itself.  Find out what it is made from.  Ultimately, if this weapon is going to be used for reenactments, etc…you really want to have a high carbon spring steel blade.  Stainless steel isn’t going to cut it (no pun intended).  Although, stainless steel is just fine for replicas and for display only items.  The thing about actually using a sword is that if you hit it hard enough against something, the blade can shatter.  That’s why you want high carbon spring steel.  It is fired at much higher temperatures, allowing for an increased hardness factor.  The higher temperatures followed by different levels of quenching also creates a more flexible steel.  When struck against, wood for example, the sword should not simply absorb the full energy of the blow.  If the steel is too rigid, it will take the full blow and where does all of that energy go?  Not only up into the arms of the wielder, but through the blade itself.  If the blade cannot flex, it will shatter.  A properly constructed spring steel blade will reverberate when struck against an object.  It will not shatter. 

I hope this has been interesting.  You should check out our medieval swords and medieval daggers pages for a great selection!

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06.23.08

The Importance of Plate Armor

Posted in Medieval Products at 9:16 pm by Administrator

Plate armor is very similar to an insect’s exoskeleton. It protects the bones and inner organs from crushing and cutting. Different styles of medieval armor was designed for different purposes. Some styles were better for protection again swords, while others offer better protection against projectiles such as crossbow bolts.

There are many pieces of plate armor that can be used together to protect the entire body, not just the chest and back. Medieval gauntlets were used to protect the hands and wrists from being severed by a sharp sword or axe. They had to be strong enough to withstand that kind of pressure, while still be mobile enough to allow a level of dexterity on the part of the knight. Without the ability to make a fist, a knight could not hold a sword.

Just like the Black Knight of Monty Python fame, all knights were at a risk of losing a limb from a well placed sword blow. That’s why some knights used leg armor to protect themselves. If you lost a limb, heck, if you even got a cut in the Middle Ages, you were at risk for infection and death. Protecting one’s limbs was the safest way to avoid such a demise, especially if one was engaging in battle.

The most famous of all plate armor (and the most important) was the breastplate or cuirass. The breastplate served a multitude of purposes. If a knight was not in battle, he would still often wear a cuirass when out and about. It still provided protection against dissenters and thieves, and it also could be used to show off the family’s Heraldry. An excellent example of this is the Richard the Lionhearted breastplate. If a knight showed that he was part of an influential family, thieves might think twice before attacking him.

Come to A Squared Armory to browse our collection of replica and wearable medieval plate armor! We have great pieces for the Renaissance Faire!

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06.02.08

Now, THAT is a sword!

Posted in Medieval Products at 5:11 pm by Administrator

If you are looking for a high quality, absolutely beautiful sword for your collection…I’ve got some great news for you!  The famous Marto swords are now available through A Squared Armory!  These stunning swords are made with intense attention to detail.  I mean, just look at this Silver Templar sword!  I can’t look at it without saying, “Wow!”

This Erik the Red Viking sword is well crafted and looks awesome on display.  The stunning leather wrapped scabbard makes a statement in your medieval sword collection.

Check out A Squared Armory for new products and overall amazing medieval replica weapons.

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05.19.08

Why do helmets all look different?

Posted in Medieval Products at 5:59 pm by Administrator

Medieval helmets come in all shapes, sizes and styles.  What you might not know is why some helmets look so completely different from others from the same time period.  It’s all about function.  Ok, and some looks.  It may have been called the Dark Ages, but people still had a sense of style.

You will notice that some helmets are closed, or they have a face plate that can be raised when not in use.  Close helms are really the hardcore battle helmets.  The heavy gauge of the metal protects not only the head, but keeps the face safe from weapons and shrapnel.  You will often see elaborate air flow holes in these close helms, as they are meant to be closed for long periods of time.  You might have seen castle guards wearing such helmets, as they had to be prepared for anything, at any time.  A great example of a close helm is the Sugarloaf Great Helm.  This helmet offers excellent protection, and is meant to be kept on for long period of time.  You will notice that there is no way to life the face plate.  The elaborate pattern of air holes and the very narrow slits for the eyes indicates that this helmet was mainly used for defense or for border guards.  Plus, the pointed top is excellent for deflecting strikes made on the top of the head.

This Barbute helmet is made much more open, and was probably used as a precautionary measure.  Not necessarily for defense.  The crest on the top makes for excellent head protection against blunt weapons, but the more open face leaves a lot exposed.  The open face also makes it a lot easier to see out of, which could indicate this style was used more for close combat fighting.

Medieval helmets are just part of the whole medieval armor package.  Medieval knight armor was very extensive but for a very, very good reason.

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