Making a "kit."

[EdwardWellcraft]

So I'm currently trying to pull together a kit for the local renfest and afterward. I'd like to go for a sort of Vikingish look, but I can't invest all too much money for authenticity.

So far I've got a maille shirt under construction, and I believe I am going to knit my own cloth shirt for underneath that. Do you guys recommend extra padding or anything of the sort? Also, do you have any recommendations for places to buy pieces of clothing? I'm going to need boots of some kind, plus some odds and ends like pouches and a belt. I'd like a helmet too, but **** if I have the kind of money for a good one. Think I could make something out of sheet steel? I wouldn't even know where to start for something like that though.

This is the only site I know and have seen recommended a few other places.
http://www.medievalcollectibles.com/

And this is the pair of boots I was thinking of getting.
http://www.medievalcollectibles.com/showproduct.aspx?ProductID=5366&SEName=mens-medieval-low-boot

Not entirely historical I know, but close enough for me, and it is within my price range. I'd like to keep everything being bought to under $100 if possible. So yeah, any help, suggestions, or commentary are welcome.

 

[MidnightWolf]

you can make it all for that price. but as for being bought for that price and look correct you are not.  http://www.merchantadventurers.com/ has some decent priced tunics.

 

[Urlik]

/check out this thread for medieval shoes and boots
making your own could save you a fortune.

a draw-string pouch is pretty easy to make and you can probably make one out of the offcuts from the shoes.

the links in the "Online Handbook" on this page might  be useful

 

[Kazansky]

Ever heard of those anti-shark chainmail suits? Well that's ready made chainmail and it looks sort of authentic too. I bet you can get them at the more high-end dive shops.

 

[Devercia]

They are probably more expensive too, being that the ring diameter is tiny and they actual have to be proofed. Against sharks.

 

[Tibertus]

Yeah, they're ridiculously expensive, and don't really look authentic.

 

[Archonsod]

They are probably more expensive too, being that the ring diameter is tiny and they actual have to be proofed. Against sharks.

Actually it'd be the same price, you usually buy shark mesh by the foot, and most producers also market it as "historical chain" to boot The idea is to protect against the exploratory bites of a shark, so you only need something that prevents it breaking the skin. Against a full blown attack by an adult shark the only real protection is an electrified cage; their jaws are capable of tearing a car apart; the mesh just turns you into a pre-packed meal in those situations.

It's also used for dealing with big cats too.

 

[Night Ninja]

While the mail will protect you from the pointy ends of the teeth, either of the predators mentioned by Arch is still going to mash whatever it bites. Still, as long as there isn't any blood in the water, you should be relatively safe from further shark bites. I don't know how big predatory cats react to prey that is strangely resistant to chewing, but if they start batting you about you're in for a fairly rough time.

If it passes the ten foot rule, it's more than enough for use in renfairs. If it's a hardcore re-enactment fest, that might be a different story altogether.