2004-07-06t04:03:24Z
| TAGS: Martial Arts. Gorget. Armor.
Shopping for a Gorget
I needed to get a gorget (neck armor or guruwa in Japanese), for use in sword class. I
thought I'd blog about the experience to help me track the options and to share my experience.
- Some of the sites offer gorgets with bevors which are very nice but can't be worn with a fencing mask
so I didn't include any of those. In the future I might like a bevor and sallet combo though.
- I did not include any of the ridiculous gorgets without collars. They're not bishops collars or
anything.
- I didn't include any of the large number of ceremonial or dress collars out there.
- Some of the models below did not provide any collar bone protection so I decided against them.
However they might be useful if you already have that sort of protection. EG: Japanese gorgets (guruwa)
are often just for the neck.
- I've listed leather gorgets, but the only reason to get a leather gorget would be if you practiced with really flimsy swords
--which I don't do-- so I decided against them.
- I'm sure there are other sites and people who make better gorgets or custom gorgets. If you
happen to be one of them, please contact me and I'll append this post with your information because
this post will come up when people Google the Web for "gorget armor" or "gorget armour".
Here are the sites in the order that I stumbled upon them.
Vistar Armoury stocks 4 classic gorgets. They all come in sizes 14", 16", 18", and 20".
Shipping is $15 and ship time is 2-4 weeks.
http://www.vistarmoury.com/plate/index.html.
- 'This stylish gorget is modeled after those of the 16th and 17th Century. Constructed of 18
gauge mild steel with period closures, rolled edges, recessed border, decorative brass rivets, and
standard satin finish. Other finishes available. Measurements must be taken while wearing any
applicable padded garments. Padding not included.'
.
Plain ($60) or deluxe ($70).
- ' This slim "brigandine" gorget is designed with safety and comfort in mind, providing ample
coverage to the throat and collarbones while not inhibiting arm mobility. A good choice for those
using two-handed weapons. Durable 6-7oz. leather is lined with contoured 16 gauge mild steel
plates. A fine choice for the re-enactor wishing to portray pre-15th Century periods, this gorget
is not strictly historical but rather an item that "could have been." Legal in all Kingdoms of the
SCA (please check your local regulations.)' Price: $70.
- ' This wider "brigandine" gorget is designed for the combatant who desires extra protection to
the chest and collarbones. Recommended for sword and shield usage. Durable 6-7oz. leather is lined
with contoured 16 gauge mild steel plates. A fine choice for the re-enactor wishing to portray
pre-15th Century periods, this gorget is not strictly historical but rather an item that "could
have been." Legal in all Kingdoms of the SCA (please check your local regulations.) ' Price: $75.
Albion Armorers stocks 2 gorgets (they have a bevor too).
Renstore offers several gorgets:
The Badgers Den show 3 gorgets with crappy pictures.
http://www.badgersden.com/Armoury/Gorgets.htm.
Standard $40. Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, and custom.
Standard Bibbed $75. -
Mild Steel 3-Piece Articulated Gorget $49. Available blackend too.
Arms and Armor Manufacture offers one gorget --although there were some bevors and a non-collared
gorget.
http://www.arms-armor.cz/index.php?catalog=true&src=products&category=PA&PHPSESSID=1e88d3be55264664406dc4e7e6402d2c.
-
The PA004. No prices or sizes given.
MacKenzie-Smith offers several gorgets.
http://www.mackenziesmith.com/Our_Products/Plate_Armor/Gorgets/gorgets.html.
- ' Round-bib Gorget: our most popular model. Can be worn either alone or with additional armor
components. Available with either a beaded or stepped outer edge. '
$125.00 s&h $8.95. No sizing mentioned.
- ' Square-bib Gorget: designed specifically to the worn beneath a breastplate, yet an imposing
and attractive accessory on its own. '
$150.00 s&h $8.95. No sizing mentioned.
- ' Fantasy Gorget: fluted and scalloped to correspond with our Winged Helmets. A logical "next"
step after the purchase of a helmet. '
$125.00 s&h $8.95. No sizing mentioned.
WoodenSwords.com (aka Purpleheart Armoury) offers 1 leather gorget.
- 'I am pleased to offer this simple, inexpensive leather gorget. Available in natural brown
leather this gorget offers protection during rapier swordplay to the front of the throat, larynx,
and back of the neck. Its simple design allows ease of movement and comfort that other larger
designs do not allow. An easily accessible buckle allows quick adjustment. Once size fits all.
Typically in stock.'
$25.
Griffin Works offers 2 leather gorgets. 'These gorgets are made of the finest 10+ ounce
vegetable tanned leather and are hand dyed and assembled with the finest of hardware. These gorgets
are legal in all SCA kingdoms for fencing and heavy weapons.'
http://www.griffin-works.com/view_list.php?subcat=Gorget.
- 'Simple and effective. They are made of a front and back piece that is hinged on one side with
a chicago screw, and a buckle and strap on the other. We generally stock black with silver hardware
and dark brown with gold hardware.'
$45.
-
$50
-
$60
Therions Arms has 4 gorgets. These guys are great! The offer the most detail about their
products and the most pictures of their products from different angles. However, I did notice that
these appear to be the exact same gorgets that
Vistar Armory sells but at a greater price.
http://therionarms.com/reenact/armor.shtml
- 'Leather and steel brigandine gorget. Provides throat and collarbone protection for a variety
of combat activities. Armor technology has sure come a long way since the days me and my droogies
used to take 70's leather "hippie hats" and convert them into gorgets. This brig gorget looks much
nicer than what we wore twenty years ago. Six-ounce leather and 16 gauge steel plates (painted
black to resist rust).'
$120. In M 16", L 18", XL 20" neck.
$105. Sames size but slim line version.- 'Mid 16th to late 17th century style gorget. Rolled edges, steel rivets, articulated standing
colar. Colar pin-locks in place on both sides, and the main body of the gorget hinges on one side
and slots and locks on the other. 18ga steel construction. Made in the USA.'
$95. In S 14", M 16", L 18", XL 20" neck.
- 'Mid 16th to late 17th century style gorget. Rolled edges, recessed border, brass rivets,
articulated standing colar. Colar pin-locks in place on both sides, and the main body of the gorget
hinges on one side and slots and locks on the other. 18ga steel construction. Made in the USA.'
$115. Same sizes.
Ebay had several gorgets for sale but only one was notable.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3918551105&category=208&sspagename=rvi:1:1.
- 'The metal plates are 18 ga type 304 stainless steel polished to a high shine they are held
down by copper rivits. the leather is 60z black leather double chap steer hide. It is made to fit
up to a 21 inch neck. The padding does not come with the gorget but I can add some foam for you to
custom pad your own for only 2.00 more. '
Starting
bid was $1, but the minimum reserve bid was hidden.
Kusari's Chainmail had 1 gorget of note.
http://artofchainmail.com/chainmailbykusari/chainmail33.html.
- 'This stainless steel gorget (neck protection) can be worn in several different styles. Worn
outside the clothing it makes for heavy-duty neck decoration. Concealed under a shirt, with just
the top showing (dicky-style), it can create the illusion of wearing an entire chainmail shirt.
Either way, it's guaranteed as bite proof against 98% of modern vampires. Material - 3/16" interior
diameter, stainless steel, flattened and butted links.'
$225.
By the Sword had 2 gorgets.
http://www.by-the-sword.com/acatalog/Sports_Armour.html.
- ' #SCA-10 Gorget (Steel) Munitions grade Armour made from 16 gauge polished steel and leather.
These economically priced gorget comes in one size and fits approximately an 18-20" neck. Includes
front and back steel plates that are padded with soft supple black leather on the inside. Comes
with straps and buckles. '
'$45.00 (Excluding: FL Sales Tax at 6%'
- ' #SCA-11 Gorget With Chest Plates (Steel) Munitions grade Armour made from 16 gauge polished
steel and leather. These economically priced gorget comes in one size and fits approximately an
18-20" neck. Includes front and back steel plates that are padded with soft supple black leather on
the inside. Also includes overlapping chest plates. Comes with straps and buckles. '
'Per
Pair $51.00 (Excluding: FL Sales Tax at 6%)'
Follow Ups
2004-07-06t04:03:24Z. Just a few seconds ago I placed my order online at Vistar Armory for the 18" deluxe gorget at a
cost of $70 + $15 shipping. The gorget should arrive in 2-4 weeks, i.e. July 19 or August 2. It's somewhat perplexing that after all this comparison shopping, I bought my
gorget from the very first site that I came upon!
2004-07-15t16:07:41Z. My gorget arrived promptly from Vistar Armory. It's exactly as I expected it to be.
I'll just sand a few spots, smooth it out with a metal polish (I'll try Brasso), and then it should be ready for use.
2004-07-15t16:09:41Z. Galls has a modern gorget that is probably meant for empty hand martial arts.
This one was brought to my attention by Karen R.
https://www.galls.com/style.html?style=TE262&assort=general_catalog.
- ' TE262 Galls® Cushioned Neck Protector. 100% polyester padded dickie safeguards your neck and larynx. 8" x 1" plastic insert covers the larynx.
Lined with soft terrycloth for comfort.
Adjusts from the smallest neck size to a 20" neck circumference.
7"H x 12"W x 2"D.
Black.
Imported.'
$14.99.
Page Modified: (Auto noted: 2010-02-18 19:27:43Z)
$160 in stock. Sizing not mentioned.
$130 in stock
$84.95
in stock. Sizes: S-M and L-X.
$89.95
special order. Sizes: S-L or X-3X.