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chainmailler

created by Tsarren

(person) by Tsarren (6.5 y) (print)   ?   I like it! Tue Apr 10 2001 at 23:59:54

One who practices the art of knitting or weaving chainmail (aka chainmaille or maille). Chainmaillers are a diverse lot with one thing in common: patience. A square foot of European four-in-one in 3/8" ID 14 or 16 gauge rings takes about 4 hours to knit, not counting the time needed to roll and cut wire into links. Various other weaves take more or less time to knit.

Chainmaillers make anything from full hauberk weighing 50 or 60 lbs. to tiny featherweight finger rings out of maille. Weaving maille requires two pairs of pliars and a good amount of dexterity that can sometimes be taught if it is not natural. Once the materials cost and labor are taken into account for a piece of maille armor, most chainmaillers work for less than minimum wage! Chainmaille jewelry, however, tends to be more lucrative.

Chainmaillers, unlike some other artisans, are quite friendly with each other and usually will teach anyone just about any weave if asked. There are no trade secrets in chainmail.

Making chainmail can do a number on your hands and possibly elbows. Callouses take time to develop, and some people (especially lightly-built women) can't add significant amounts of muscle mass to their hands - which means the stress gets taken out on their tendons and ligaments. There are only two solutions I have found to this: 1. Take it easy and stop working when your hands hurt, or 2. start taking Glucosamine / Condroitin before you go to bed, which will help your body repair all the damage you've done.


printable version
chaos

Chainmail Hauberk European four-in-one
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