In various fantasy role-playing games, there are different estimations on how long it takes to craft various types of armor, such as plate armor and chain armor. Do we have a credible resource to check against these estimates?

In games, estimates range from months to weeks, and in some cases, years. Do we have any idea of how long it typically took to make armor for a 10th-12th century English knight? This could include a hauberk, scale mail, or even full plate armor.

How long does it take to make these types of armor?

Answer :

Final answer:

The time required to make armor in the medieval period varied depending on the type and complexity of the armor, ranging from several weeks to several months or even a year for full plate armor.

Explanation:

When it comes to estimating how long it took to make armor in the medieval period, it is important to note that the time required varied depending on the type and complexity of the armor, as well as the skills and resources available to the armorers. For example, the production of a hauberk (a type of chainmail shirt) could take several weeks or even months to complete. On the other hand, the creation of full plate armor, which emerged in the 14th century, was a highly labor-intensive process that involved multiple craftsmen and could take several months to a year to finish.

In the case of full plate armor, it was typically made to order for a specific knight or noble, and the making of each piece of the armor was a careful and time-consuming process. The armorers would first create a template or a model made of wood or other materials to determine the shape and size of the metal plates. The metal plates themselves were made by heating, hammering, and shaping sheets of iron or steel. The plates were then polished, fitted, and attached together using rivets, leather straps, or other fasteners. Finally, the armor would be adjusted and tailored to perfectly fit the knight's body.

In conclusion, the time required to make armor in the medieval period varied depending on the type and complexity of the armor, but it could range from several weeks to several months or even a year for full plate armor. It was a time-consuming process that required the skills of highly specialized craftsmen.