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MEDIEVAL ARMOUR TESTED! - Arrows vs Amour 2

Tod's Workshop・33 minutes read

The Tod's Workshop project explores the effectiveness of medieval armor against arrows, showcasing the balance between protection and mobility in design. The experiment demonstrates the importance of shaping armor to deflect arrows effectively and the vulnerability of certain areas like the lower torso.

Insights

  • The experiment showcased the intricate balance between protection and mobility in medieval armor design, emphasizing the importance of shaping armor to effectively deflect arrows while maintaining maneuverability.
  • Plate armor demonstrated strong protection against arrows, with varying thicknesses and materials strategically designed to withstand impacts, although vulnerabilities in areas like the lower torso and delicate regions were revealed through further testing.

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Recent questions

  • How was the Knight's armour designed for the Arrows versus Armour 2 project?

    The Knight's armour for the Arrows versus Armour 2 project was meticulously crafted by Augusto based on historical references like the Wallace Collection A69 helmet and Churburg Castle examples. The breastplate, arms, and other components were designed with varying thicknesses and materials to balance protection and weight. The armour, made of mild steel, aimed to represent early 15th-century plate armour, showcasing the complexity and effectiveness of knightly armour in battle.

  • What materials were used to create the arrows for the Arrows versus Armour 2 project?

    The arrows for the Arrows versus Armour 2 project were crafted by Will the Fletcher with iron heads based on historical records. The arrows were designed to be used with a 160-pound bow modeled after the Mary Rose findings. The combination of head weight, arrow weight, thickness, and spine was crucial for accurate shooting, highlighting the importance of precision and balance in arrow design for effective combat.

  • How did the Knight's armour fare against arrow shots in the Arrows versus Armour 2 experiment?

    In the Arrows versus Armour 2 experiment, the Knight's armour demonstrated its effectiveness in deflecting and absorbing impacts from arrow shots. The first round of shots showcased the armour's ability to deflect arrows effectively, while the second round revealed its capacity to withstand direct hits, with some arrows breaking upon impact. The experiment highlighted the importance of shaping armour to balance protection and mobility, emphasizing the intricate design elements of medieval armour.

  • What were the key findings regarding the effectiveness of plate armor against arrows in the Arrows versus Armour 2 project?

    The Arrows versus Armour 2 project revealed that plate armor significantly enhances protection against arrows, with the shape of the armor playing a crucial role in deflecting and absorbing impacts. While the armor proved effective overall, vulnerabilities were identified in certain areas such as the lower torso, face, and throat. The evolution of plate armor was influenced by the effectiveness of mail against arrows, showcasing the continuous refinement of armor design in response to combat challenges.

  • How did the battle between the arrowsmith and armorer conclude in the Arrows versus Armour 2 experiment?

    The battle between the arrowsmith and armorer in the Arrows versus Armour 2 experiment ended in a draw, with the armor sometimes failing to fully protect against arrow shots. Further testing with case hardening and face shots was conducted to improve arrow penetration and assess potential vulnerabilities. While the armor proved effective in many aspects, the experiment highlighted the ongoing need for innovation and adaptation in armor design to address weaknesses and enhance protection in battle scenarios.

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Summary

00:00

Knight's Armour vs Arrows: A Historical Experiment

  • Tod's Workshop presents Arrows versus Armour 2, featuring a Knight being shot by Joe the Archer with arrows made by Will the Fletcher.
  • The interpretation of the event is done by Tod and Arms and Armour historian Toby Capwell after three years of planning.
  • The project aims to explore the complexity of knightly armour and the effectiveness of arrows in battle.
  • The armour, meticulously crafted by Augusto, is based on historical references like the Wallace Collection A69 helmet and Churburg Castle examples.
  • The breastplate, arms, and other components are designed with varying thicknesses and materials to balance protection and weight.
  • The armour is made of mild steel, a representative material for the early 15th-century plate armour.
  • Joe, the archer, uses a 160-pound bow modeled after the Mary Rose findings, while Will, the fletcher, crafts arrows with iron heads based on historical records.
  • The first round of arrow shots at the Knight's armour shows the effectiveness of the design in deflecting and absorbing impacts.
  • The second round reveals the armour's ability to withstand direct hits, with some arrows breaking upon impact.
  • The experiment demonstrates the importance of shaping armour to deflect arrows effectively, showcasing the balance between protection and mobility in medieval armour design.

14:09

"Arrow and Armor Evolution in Warfare"

  • The energy required to match a big bow can shatter half an inch of ash wood.
  • Increasing the size of arrows would necessitate a larger bow for optimal performance.
  • The combination of head weight, arrow weight, thickness, and spine is crucial for accurate shooting.
  • Using heavier arrows than recommended would not be effective.
  • There is no evidence of case hardening on arrowheads, but it is suspected to have been done.
  • Case hardening is a simpler process when done in large batches compared to other methods.
  • The armor effectively protects against painful but non-lethal hits.
  • The shape of plate armor significantly enhances protection against arrows.
  • Plate armor has strong and weak points, with the lower torso being a major vulnerability.
  • The evolution of plate armor is influenced by the effectiveness of mail against arrows.

28:15

Plate armor testing reveals strengths and weaknesses.

  • The test resulted in some damage, but less than expected.
  • The aventail and visor were tested, with the visor showing impressive resistance.
  • The wrought iron did not cause significant damage, bouncing off in previous tests.
  • The archer caused severe damage over time, affecting the armor's effectiveness.
  • The battle between arrowsmith and armorer ends in a draw, with the armor sometimes failing.
  • Further testing with case hardening and face shots was conducted.
  • The case hardening improved arrow penetration and bite into the armor.
  • Shots aimed at delicate areas like the face and throat showed potential vulnerabilities.
  • The aventail was pierced at an angle, revealing weaknesses in the armor.
  • Overall, the plate armor proved effective, with injuries occurring at known weak points.
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