Rating: 
Summary: Notebook Required
Review: I do not consider myself a neophyte when it comes to metal fabricating having been involved in antique motorcycle restoration for a number of years.Within minutes of opening this book I was jotting down information and advice that had me down in the workshop polishing hammer faces and drawfiling the surfaces of my metalforming jigs! Of particular note are the chapters that explane how to build your own tools and jigs and where to locate the raw materials (the bottom half of Oxygen cylinder made into a dishing jig for example). The photography is well done and adds a great deal to the well written text. The pictoral overviews of current Armorers creations are inspiring. This is one of those rare volumes that you will be handing to associates just to see their reaction when they open it!
Rating:
Summary: Indispensable for the novice armorer
Review: I first joined the SCA about 2 years ago, and took an immediate fancy to the armorer's craft. In the two years that I've been there, I have never fought in anything that I didn't make myself. I began studying armor construction at about the same time I started, but didn't really get started on making anything decent until about a year ago, and this book was extremely helpful in getting me get turned in the right direction. The second half of the book provides a very useful manual for making specific pieces; for example, I absolutely love the thoroughness of his description for making a leg harness. The first half of the book, however, was the most useful; descriptions of the tools, applications, hammerwork techniques, polishing, strapping, padding, and the like were all covered in very thoughtful detail, which makes this book an excellent source of reference that I use quite often. I don't have any particular gripes about this book, but I will say this: this book is intended for historically authentic designs, so a bit of alteration might be required contrary to the design schemes presented if you're in the SCA. However, overall, I don't feel that that is enough to bring this book down to four stars, especially since I believe that historical authenticity, rather than SCA armor, was his goal when he wrote this book; overall, it ranks at a very solid five (although I would really like to see the author do another on SCA armor design).
Rating:
Summary: Indispensable for the novice armorer
Review: I first joined the SCA about 2 years ago, and took an immediate fancy to the armorer's craft. In the two years that I've been there, I have never fought in anything that I didn't make myself. I began studying armor construction at about the same time I started, but didn't really get started on making anything decent until about a year ago, and this book was extremely helpful in getting me get turned in the right direction. The second half of the book provides a very useful manual for making specific pieces; for example, I absolutely love the thoroughness of his description for making a leg harness. The first half of the book, however, was the most useful; descriptions of the tools, applications, hammerwork techniques, polishing, strapping, padding, and the like were all covered in very thoughtful detail, which makes this book an excellent source of reference that I use quite often. I don't have any particular gripes about this book, but I will say this: this book is intended for historically authentic designs, so a bit of alteration might be required contrary to the design schemes presented if you're in the SCA. However, overall, I don't feel that that is enough to bring this book down to four stars, especially since I believe that historical authenticity, rather than SCA armor, was his goal when he wrote this book; overall, it ranks at a very solid five (although I would really like to see the author do another on SCA armor design).
Rating:
Summary: Darn Good
Review: I got my reviewer's copy, and I have to say I really liked Mr. Price's book. It's not much for plot or characters, mind you, but if you want to learn how to make armor, this is an invaluable handbook. It is thorough, well-written, well-documented, and draws a clear line between the way things were and modern necessity. Mr. Price takes us through everything from plans, tools, workshop, materials, and techniques to the construction of a full suit of 14th century armor.The main downside is that, while keeping other users in mind, and with an overall view towards authenticity, it seemed somewhat slanted towards an SCA audience. Still, I suppose that reminders to construct your helmets out of at least 14 gauge steel and include a chin strap can't hurt!
Rating:
Summary: Astoundingly good!
Review: I truly wish I had this book when I first started venturing into amateur armour smithing! Talk about an incredible resource - this book is filled with detailed pictures, instructions, and information that are a godsend to anyone with an interest in building armour. Even those who don't actually build their own will find Mr Price's insight into the beautiful art of armouring intriguing, and it is filled with detailed pictures and easy to read walk throughs. I can't wait to see more like this in the future!
Rating:
Summary: Extremely well-written book!
Review: I was a little unsure about the cost of this book before I ordered it, but seeing all the other positive reviews, I figured I would give it a try. Without a doubt I can say that this book is worth every penny, and then some. Even if you are only interested in merely understanding medieval armour a little more, and have no desire to construct armour yourself (although this book can certainly change that!), you should purchase this book. Thank you for an excellent book Brian!
Rating:
Summary: The first true book of it's kind, and hopefully not the last
Review: If you are interested in learning how to make armour, this is the first thing that you should spend money on, unless you are lucky enough to be an apprentice to a practicing armourer, in which case this should be the second thing that you should spend money on! This book has absolutely no equal as an information resource, and you might spend twenty years as an armourer before accumulating the same amount of knowledge independently. 'Nuff said. Buy the book!
Rating:
Summary: An Invaluable Resource
Review: If you have any interest at all in this fasicnating hobby, then Brian Price's book is an absolute must buy. It covers absolutly everthing you need to know, from what tools you'll need, appropriate material, techniques, EVERYTHING. Not just in plate, either. The book covers maille and charboullie as well. And all in a very easy to read style. Not to mention the pictures. MY GOD, THE PICTURES. A value at any price, I highly recomend it.
Rating:
Summary: This book is terrific
Review: It's almost impossible to describe how invaluable this book is to anyone who's into medieval armour. Beginner? It's for you. Intermediate? It's for you. Advance? You guessed it, this book has something in it for you as well. No re-creator or re-enactor should be without this book, period.
Rating:
Summary: A Treasure for Armourers!
Review: Techniques of Armour Reproduction by Brian Price is a masterwork and a MUST HAVE for anyone interested in becoming an armourer, or even for those who want to further their armouring skills. Mr. Price???s book is a carefully crafted, very well detailed tome of knowledge that stems from years of practical experience. Unlike the Medieval armourers that went to their graves with the secrets of their art, Mr. Price shares every aspect of the armouring process without leaving out a single element of how each piece is created. From the process of choosing and finding tools to the techniques of every step in the creation of armour, this book leaves no stone unturned. From patterns to polish, Mr. Price shares his vast knowledge with passion and precision. Each page is accompanied by clear and informative pictures that show the reader exactly what his descriptions so skillfully detail. As armourers, we at Summer Knights are constantly honing our skills and challenging our abilities to push ourselves to the next level of mastery. But we can???t begin to think of how much ???trial and error??? we could have avoided if we had owned Mr. Price???s book sooner! In any case, the book has already proven most useful to the Summer Knights Armoury and we know it will enhance your armouring skills too! ...
|
