Fencing doublet - field testing

[anotheranon]

Finally got together doublet, venetians, and over the knee socks together for practice today. Took many pictures; here is a preview:



Notes on performance: In motion it is much lighter than I expected it to be with the weight of 3 layers of canvas + hemp cord + lining distributing evenly during regular wear. It's as tough as I hoped and after repeated hard jabs with smallsword (smaller but pointier than the rapier, so more likely to tear the exterior) there are no nicks and I feel pretty safe wearing it :)

In addition, the hemp cord bulk doesn't add much heat to it, which was surprising, but I'll take it. That's not to say I'm ready to wear it fencing outside in July heat or anything, but it's no worse than my regular sport jacket + underarm protector (yes, I'm wearing breast protector "hubcaps" under there!) It moves well and even though over a year in the making, my size/shape has held and it fits most excellently (thank you shemhazai!)

As usual though I do sweat like a pig in it and given my new interest in keeping my gear clean(er), doG help me, I'm going to try and sponge the inside and air dry (NO washer or dryer is touching this baby!)

More fenc-y weekendy stuff later - it's been a busy weekend and gearing up to be a week of more of the same.

P.S. Yes, those are fuschia socks. They were so loud and obnoxious I just had to wear them!

Comments

[ellid.livejournal.com]

I LOVE this! And don't worry about the socks - cochineal on silk gives a very similar color. Great work!

[(Anonymous)]

Very nice!

[wcg.livejournal.com]

That's odd, LJ seems to have logged me out. Anyhow, that was me.

[jlsjlsjls.livejournal.com]

Looks great! And I can see both pieces give you full freedom of movement, which is a very good thing, while showing off your form in a very complimentary way ... well done.

LOVE the socks ... they make the outfit. All you need now is a hat with matching fuschia plumes. :-)

[flummoxicated.livejournal.com]

Very, very spiffy!

Sweet!

[(Anonymous)]

Verily, a most bodacious ensemble! You rock! Especially doing all of those thread buttons by hand! Can't wait to see the real thing...