05.13.08

That’s not a knife. THIS is a knife!

Posted in Medieval Products at 4:53 pm by Administrator

Well, more like a dagger.  But, Dundee sure did have a point (no pun intended) when he flashed his huge bowie knife.  Basically, you had to be prepared for anything, and having a capable dagger certainly helps.

In the Middle Ages, a knight could count on three things:  His sword, his spirit and his dagger.  Daggers weren’t just used as decoration or for special occasions…they were an everyday tool that helped keep people alive.  Multipurpose tools were very important in those days, especially if said liege was on a quest or simply surviving in the wild.  Less to carry with just as much function.  The dagger was used for hunting, cleaning a kill, getting wood for a fire, carving wood for bows or for shelter, close (very close) combat, and just about anything else you can think of that requires a smaller blade and easy transportation. 

There were several styles of daggers that came in useful for different things.  For example, more for prestige than anything, this Damascus blade dagger made itself useful both in the visual department and in the sharpness department.  Damascus steel is considerably stronger than regular steel, so it could be used for more aggressive acts.  Plus, you can’t beat the style.  In contrast, take a look at this simple Claymore dagger.  The simple design and thin straight blade is perfect for hunting, cleaning of a kill and it is awesome for carving wood.   

Though they do vary in style, daggers are basically the same structure.  A short blade, a comfortable and secure grip handle and a nice sheath to keep the blade safe from the elements.  Daggers tended to get used more than other edged weapons, so it was important to keep it in as good a shape as possible.  Shop our medieval daggers and get your multipurpose blade today!

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05.08.08

Can I Axe You A Question?

Posted in Medieval Products at 6:09 pm by Administrator

What’s the coolest medieval weapon, other than a trebuchet?  You got it…battle axes!  What more versatile medieval weapon is there?  Other than small daggers, axes were used for many different things in the Middle Ages.  Other than in battle, these multitasking weapons were perfect for mundane daily activities.  From cutting wood for a fire to hunting, medieval axes served as your typical knight or squires’ right hand.

There are so many different styles of battle axes that it is hard to fathom why people often forget about their importance, both as a weapon and as a tool.  Longer handled axes provided a reach advantage in battles and in melee style fighting.  You can see how different the long handled axe looks in comparison to a shorter axe.  This German gothic axe has a longer handle, which not only provides an advantage in battle, but in everyday situations as well.  The longer fulcrum length allows for a greater windup, and therefore, a more powerful blow.  This axe would come in handy on the hunt, especially for larger beasts.  The only thing about the long handled axe is that it is not as accurate.  In order to get full power from this type of axe, you need a longer windup.  That leaves the wielder open to mistakes in perception, and can cause the wielder to miss the intended target based simply off of trajectory.

That is why the shorter handled axes, like this One Handed Axe prove to be better in situations that require accuracy in striking.  This axe would be much better for attacking smaller prey, and the ultimate tool for chopping wood.  Though not great in battle situations, this axe works very well in close combat and melee fighting.  When accuracy counts, go with the shorter handle.

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05.05.08

The Versatility of Chainmail

Posted in Medieval Products at 4:16 pm by Administrator

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!

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04.14.08

Oh, d’Artagnan!

Posted in Medieval Products at 3:01 pm by Administrator

Well, there are no musketeers here, but we sure do have the Rapiers!  The art of fencing is still alive and well today, but unfortunately the frock coats and the men in stockings have turned into people with white suits and nets over their faces.  But, the art remains the same!

The whole point (no pun intended) of the rapier is the speed at which you can attack with it.  The light, slim blade slices through the air with amazing speed.  The basket hilt is a common hilt for the rapier, as it protects the hand better than other hilts.  With the thinness of the blade and the speed of attack is taken into consideration, no wonder fencing practitioners wear that net helmet!

Check out these beautiful fencing swords and don’t forget to browse our huge selection of medieval weapons!

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03.28.08

Decorate Like A King (or Queen)

Posted in Medieval Products at 4:23 pm by Administrator

Everyone knows that part of the majesty of medieval castles comes from the stately stone walls and the enormous tapestries that were hung on those walls. There is some evidence that shows the tapestries helped to insulate the cold stone castle walls, but there is plenty of proof that these medieval woven wall hangings were used for artistic expression, and therefore…castle decor.

There was very little in the way of artistic expression during the Dark Ages of Europe. It is called the Dark Ages for a reason. Very little historical data has been found from this time period, unless it had to do with war or the church. One way an artist was able to express themselves was through knight coat of arms weavings. The artisans were hired by royalty to have their family’s coat of arms woven into tapestry form. These coat of arms have popped up all over historical sites in Europe and truly show the struggle of the artist during the Dark Ages.

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03.14.08

Custom Painted Shields

Posted in Medieval Products at 4:53 pm by Administrator

We’ve been getting so many requests for custom painted shields!  I’m happy that people are discovering that they can have this done.  I can say from personal experience, that they make excellent gifts.  My sisters and I had one painted of our family crest.  We gave it to our father as a gift and he absolutely loved it.  It is now hanging in the Great Room and really looks amazing.  Our artists sure know their stuff!

If you have a family crest or any artwork you would like hand painted on a blank shield, email us for a free quote.  I know it is a little ways down the road, but these shields make AWESOME Father’s day gifts.  Trust me, your father won’t expect such a unique gift!  Keep in mind that the custom painting takes more time than just ordering one of our prepainted shields.  It is worth the wait, though.

When you email us, please send a picture of the design you want on the shield.  If you want a complete price quote, send us your shipping address as well.  We’ll talk with our artists to find out the cost of the custom painting and get your shipping quote done all in one step!  Get exactly what you want at A Squared Armory!  Don’t forget to check out our medieval weapons as we add more daily.

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03.07.08

New World War II Helmets

Posted in Medieval Products at 5:32 pm by Administrator

Yep, along with our WWII firearms we’ve just added a new line of WWII helmets perfect for costuming. These are 100% authentically designed, you could take them back in time with you and no one would be the wiser, so I guess they’re also perfect for time travel… if you’re going back in the 1940s that is. If you are, please send me an email, there are some things I’d like you to pick up. Check out the entire World War II Helmets section and here are some of the highlights: Camouflage Helmet Cover, 1942 German Helmet, and 1935 WWII Helmet.

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02.07.08

New Medieval Weapons

Posted in Medieval Products at 4:21 pm by Administrator

Hear ye everyone! A2 Armory has new medieval weapons for your collection. Visit the medieval weapons section to check out our new maces, flails, and spears. We also just added a full length medieval jousting lance that’s sure to be the centerpiece of your weaponry collection. And as always we offer three different types of medieval crossbows complete with arrow and working action.

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01.18.08

Medieval Sword Care

Posted in Medieval Products at 3:46 pm by Administrator

Many of the replica swords and armor sold by A2 Armory require some care to keep them in top condition. And some require more attention than others. For example, a sword with a spring steel blade needs a lot more care than one with a stainless steel blade. Depending on the materials used, some swords need to be oiled once a month to prevent dust from accumulating and causing rust or etching on the blade. Same goes with armor. I wrote an article detailing medieval sword and armor care, if you are not sure what you’re going to need to do to keep your sword looking new check it out it should answer most of your questions. And you can email me too, I’m always happy to help!

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01.10.08

Hanging a Medieval Sword

Posted in Medieval Products at 8:09 pm by Administrator

Many people are intimidated by the prospect of hanging their sword once they’ve purchased it. I’m here to tell you it’s very simple. There are two normal ways of hanging a sword, vertically or horizontally, whether it is being hung with a plaque or with hangers. If you have a plaque you need to hang it first. Most plaques simply screw into the wall with anchors. What you do is drill a small starter hole with the screw, then insert the anchor into that hole. Now place the screw through the plaque and into the anchor, it should screw in very tightly and securely. Now affix the mounting hardware for the sword into the plaque and you’re ready to go.

If you don’t have a plaque you’re going to anchor the sword brackets directly into the wall. You do the same starter hole with the anchor inserted you’re just screwing through the bracket rather than a plaque. Vertical sword hanging hardware also comes with a third bracket for the tip of the sword. Hang the handle brackets first then measure down to where the sword point ends. You’ll want to screw the bracket in about 1/2 an inch above the tip of the sword. Once that’s done you’re medieval sword will be safe and secure and ready for your friends compliments.

A2 Armory has a wide selection of sword hangers and displays. Everything from table stands, plaques, and a variety of wall hangers styles. We’re also always here to help if you run into any problems.

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