Hello! Future me here, if you're watching this video and reading this comment, then I think it's important for you to know that since I made this helmet I've discovered quite a few new techniques. And while many of the fundamental processes in this video are correct, many - if not all - of them could be improved. So if you're interested in seeing that, then I encourage you to watch some more of my recent videos where I build similar items. Of course, my skills in making armor are always subject to improvement, but I am certainly better than what I've done here haha. Thanks everyone!
If you hammer metal with the thumb on the back of the hammer you will get severe tendon damage. May take some time but it will happen. Normally its a common technique in carpentry but you're never hitting a surface as solid as an anvil or steel. The thumb is put at full extension when on the back, then when you hit steel the energy is redirected directly back into the hammer forcing it up while you're arm is still traveling down. I'm a blacksmith of 7 years and have seen the surgery to repair that tendon, no fun.
Unfortunately I didn't keep track of how long it took me when I made this helmet, since it was my first one for fighting and I was just figuring things out as I went.
Thank you, it's just one of my interpretations of early to mid 14th century bascinet visors that can be seen in manuscript images. The one I primarily based mine on was from an image in the Bodley 264 Romance of Alexander manuscript, folio 91v, dated from 1338-1344. I hope to make a more in depth video about early bascinet visors sometime in the future.
I'm afraid that the bascinet itself had fallen from use by the middle of the 15th century, and this particular visor style seems to grow less popular towards the end of the 14th century. I think that for the late 15th century you would be better off with a sallet or armet. Maybe even something like the early close helmet I am working on at the moment.
So I hate to contradict myself, but I did just come across this curious effigy: www.flickr.com/photos/roelipilami/25311471019/in/photostream/ I'm not aware of the context of the whole thing, but the helmet is remarkably similar to a bascinet with a visor like mine. I'm a little skeptical, since bascinets were certainly the exception in the late 15th and early 16th centuries, but it might be worth some more research if you're interested.
I'm glad you like it! Although I have to admit that the finish isn't really comparable to most historical examples, I just didn't know as much about surface finishing back when I made this bascinet.
And I'm not an expert, but in the pieces I've made, I've gotten good results by doing a lot of light strikes with a brass mallet before I begin sanding, because that takes out some of the deeper marks.
Interesting! I can't say I've heard of anyone doing that with a brass mallet. Do you think that gives different results as opposed to a steel planishing hammer?
No idea, I've never used a planishing hammer. I use a ball peen hammer like you do, it just seems like the brass mallet doesn't dent it so much and gives a more even surface. I made a buckler that way and it turned out pretty smooth. But like I said, I'm not an expert so there are probably better ways to do it.
Did you base the scale aventail on any specific historic depiction? I've been wondering about making my own and was trying to decide on where to start.
I made mine from scale mainly because I didn't have enough maille to throw around, but there is some imagery for scale aventails (manuscriptminiatures.com/search/?tags=%22scale%20aventail%22), if no survivals. I found by using it that it is very good at absorbing force from blunt hits, but because of the system that I was fighting in at the time that didn't allow thrusts I can't say anything to it's effectiveness in that area. Another thing about the scales is that the whole thing really should be lined with some sort of padding, not only does this help with extra neck/shoulder padding (a pretty nice thing to have), it also helps the aventail slide easier, making it easier to move my head without the scales catching on anything.
If you have the equipment, you cold try raising the entire helmet from one piece of steel, as would have been done historically. (ua-cam.com/video/4Gvuo5Xmcp0/v-deo.html) Or, depending on who you'd be representing, in this case a low-income soldier, you could try a riveted construction, similar to this one: ua-cam.com/video/-Ecx9LgB2zo/v-deo.html I hope this helps!
I'm afraid I no longer have the pattern for this particular helmet, but I made it by just daring an outline of the desired profile :) Alternatively, this is a good place for some robust patterns I used to use: www.armourarchive.org/
I'm afraid I don't have the pattern for this one specifically, since I did it so long ago. Plus this bascinet had numerous problems with the pattern. I'm making a new one right now though, actually! Hopefully that pattern will work out and I can release it :)
Living Manuscript thanks for replying! I hope the new helmet you are working on is going well. I mean, from recently finding your channel, I have seen your progress You’re doing good! I hope all goes well.
As far as I am aware, sallets never had any sort of ventail attached to the helmet, not in the way they were with bascinets at least. There are some examples of sallets that have bevors with integral back of the neck protection though. This is Tom Billiter's album on that: www.pinterest.com/tbiliter/bevors-with-integral-back-of-the-neck-protection/
Naturally, it should be noted though that this bascinet is smaller than others, particularly around my neck. Because of this it sits a bit differently than larger, later styled bascinets.
TheTreacherousBean looked that way when you put it on the maniqun head also I noticed you used a 2 part pattern did you draft it your self or did you get it somewhere else
I usually make my own patterns, this one included. I did, however, use the kettle helm pattern from the armor archive as a base (www.armourarchive.org/patterns/kettle_helm_jurgen/). I used the skull halves for the basic size and then added the peak, neck, and facial opening myself.
Originally, a helmet like this would have been made from one piece of steel that is shaped with a process called "raising". I don't have the equipment to do that though, so I used a modern technique of electrically welding two halves together, which if done well, is pretty close to a raised helmet.
Living Manuscript Sure it did ... i think imma start cold forging too ... is 14g (2mm) forgeable ? I mean even being mild steel, it's still very tough. How hard is it to work ?
Jean Ladoire I usually make most of my helmets (including this one ) from 14 gauge. Usually done cold too, it just takes a little more effort. Definitely doable though.
In my area, there are still some blacksmiths who are willing to teach newcomers, although there is a huge online presence for blacksmithing. Although armoring is a little more specific, there is still a good amount of information online, which is how I got nearly all of my information. A good group is the United League of Armorers on Facebook. As far as materials go, I get my steel from a local machine shop, so I would recommend checking any of those in your area out first. My second suggestion would be online, although shipping usually gets expensive so it would be best to see if you can arrange a pickup. I've gotten steel from speedymetals.com before and it worked very well. And why wait to be a blaksmith one day? Start as soon as you can! There's certainly no shortage of information to be learned. Good luck, my friend.
Nice video. I've seen your work and you're on the right track. If you haven't fastened down your anvil yet, do so, before you lose a toe. Also, if you haven't yet, get a ball stake (you can use an old shot put mounted on a pipe, etc.). This way you can planish on the outside. Also, a body working hammer will make a wonderful planishing hammer for you (Snap-On makes excellent hammers). You can also file pins, etc. with the stock in a drill. Your next step should be raising the entire helmet, rather than welding. :)
Thank you for the cool video. But I have a little issue. Please try to never put your thumb on your hammer. It might semm like you gain control, but realy you are destroying your thumb joints. I did the same. But than I got an advise from a 60 years old blacksmith with serious joint problems. But again great video!
Eric Builds it's a pretty good tool to have, I certainly appreciate it for its weight and hardy hole, between those two aspects it does a great job of holding stakes for more specialized stuff. Although I think I abused it too much before I got smarter at using an anvil.
I was dishing out a breastplate for a brigandine cuirass the other day, and it got warped. I started laughing my ass off when you started jumping on the warmed helmet, because I've done the same exact thing so many times at this point. I think I need some better tools or technique, Idk lol.
Hello! Future me here, if you're watching this video and reading this comment, then I think it's important for you to know that since I made this helmet I've discovered quite a few new techniques. And while many of the fundamental processes in this video are correct, many - if not all - of them could be improved. So if you're interested in seeing that, then I encourage you to watch some more of my recent videos where I build similar items. Of course, my skills in making armor are always subject to improvement, but I am certainly better than what I've done here haha. Thanks everyone!
Still looks awesome!
If you hammer metal with the thumb on the back of the hammer you will get severe tendon damage. May take some time but it will happen. Normally its a common technique in carpentry but you're never hitting a surface as solid as an anvil or steel. The thumb is put at full extension when on the back, then when you hit steel the energy is redirected directly back into the hammer forcing it up while you're arm is still traveling down. I'm a blacksmith of 7 years and have seen the surgery to repair that tendon, no fun.
Good tip! Luckily I've heard it a while ago and have been making efforts not to anymore :)
How many hours did it take to make such a helmet?
Unfortunately I didn't keep track of how long it took me when I made this helmet, since it was my first one for fighting and I was just figuring things out as I went.
Is there a name for the style of visor you used? It's beautiful
Léon Léon its a griffon type visor.
Luca Posthuma thanks dude
@@lucaposthuma7783 I searched it up and I can't find anything.
Do you have any pictures or any how to's to the visor for the bascinet? I really love the look of it
Not quite yet, though I think I'll be making a very similar visor in the future. So perhaps then!
Can I have a pattern?
How do you not have more subscribers? This is awesome!
hey, are you interested in a custom music loop for your videos?
did you ever make a video where you made the visor? I bought a bascinet I want to make a visor like that for
I really like the visor, where did you find the source and date for it? I'm really interested in making one too!
Thank you, it's just one of my interpretations of early to mid 14th century bascinet visors that can be seen in manuscript images. The one I primarily based mine on was from an image in the Bodley 264 Romance of Alexander manuscript, folio 91v, dated from 1338-1344. I hope to make a more in depth video about early bascinet visors sometime in the future.
Living Manuscript I'm currently looking to remake a harness from the late 15th, (for HMB) do you think the visor style would be appropriate?
I'm afraid that the bascinet itself had fallen from use by the middle of the 15th century, and this particular visor style seems to grow less popular towards the end of the 14th century. I think that for the late 15th century you would be better off with a sallet or armet. Maybe even something like the early close helmet I am working on at the moment.
interesting, ill certainly try to make an English styled proto-burgonet with a falling buffe, but im always interested to see the armouring process
So I hate to contradict myself, but I did just come across this curious effigy:
www.flickr.com/photos/roelipilami/25311471019/in/photostream/
I'm not aware of the context of the whole thing, but the helmet is remarkably similar to a bascinet with a visor like mine. I'm a little skeptical, since bascinets were certainly the exception in the late 15th and early 16th centuries, but it might be worth some more research if you're interested.
I don't know how historical the crude finish is, but I'm not complaining because it looks amazing. I really like the design of the visor too.
I'm glad you like it! Although I have to admit that the finish isn't really comparable to most historical examples, I just didn't know as much about surface finishing back when I made this bascinet.
Even if it's not historical it's a really cool look.
And I'm not an expert, but in the pieces I've made, I've gotten good results by doing a lot of light strikes with a brass mallet before I begin sanding, because that takes out some of the deeper marks.
Interesting! I can't say I've heard of anyone doing that with a brass mallet. Do you think that gives different results as opposed to a steel planishing hammer?
No idea, I've never used a planishing hammer. I use a ball peen hammer like you do, it just seems like the brass mallet doesn't dent it so much and gives a more even surface. I made a buckler that way and it turned out pretty smooth. But like I said, I'm not an expert so there are probably better ways to do it.
How you did the dimensions of your helmet? :D I wanted do craft a bascinet myself! Would be happy, if you share your expirience with me!
Did you base the scale aventail on any specific historic depiction? I've been wondering about making my own and was trying to decide on where to start.
I made mine from scale mainly because I didn't have enough maille to throw around, but there is some imagery for scale aventails (manuscriptminiatures.com/search/?tags=%22scale%20aventail%22), if no survivals. I found by using it that it is very good at absorbing force from blunt hits, but because of the system that I was fighting in at the time that didn't allow thrusts I can't say anything to it's effectiveness in that area. Another thing about the scales is that the whole thing really should be lined with some sort of padding, not only does this help with extra neck/shoulder padding (a pretty nice thing to have), it also helps the aventail slide easier, making it easier to move my head without the scales catching on anything.
What's A thickness here
Dude you should totally make printable templates!
How would you go about putting the two helmet halves together without a welder...? sounds difficult, I know
If you have the equipment, you cold try raising the entire helmet from one piece of steel, as would have been done historically. (ua-cam.com/video/4Gvuo5Xmcp0/v-deo.html)
Or, depending on who you'd be representing, in this case a low-income soldier, you could try a riveted construction, similar to this one: ua-cam.com/video/-Ecx9LgB2zo/v-deo.html
I hope this helps!
Hey bro, I want to make one of these. Can you send me the pattern and te size of the pieces please?
I'm afraid I no longer have the pattern for this particular helmet, but I made it by just daring an outline of the desired profile :) Alternatively, this is a good place for some robust patterns I used to use: www.armourarchive.org/
"To make it flat, I stepped on it"
Ancient problems require ancient solutions.
Hey man, do you patterns for this?
I want to make a bascinet at some point and your designs for the shape seem good
I'm afraid I don't have the pattern for this one specifically, since I did it so long ago. Plus this bascinet had numerous problems with the pattern. I'm making a new one right now though, actually! Hopefully that pattern will work out and I can release it :)
Living Manuscript thanks for replying!
I hope the new helmet you are working on is going well.
I mean, from recently finding your channel, I have seen your progress
You’re doing good!
I hope all goes well.
Nice work dude. Your work never ceases to amaze me
does a celata helmet need a chainmail ventail?
As far as I am aware, sallets never had any sort of ventail attached to the helmet, not in the way they were with bascinets at least. There are some examples of sallets that have bevors with integral back of the neck protection though. This is Tom Billiter's album on that: www.pinterest.com/tbiliter/bevors-with-integral-back-of-the-neck-protection/
i know but a celata isnt a sallet its sourt of a bascinet that is going to evolve into a sallet
I'll admit I'm not very familiar with celatas in that case, at a glance it doesn't look like there is an aventail attached
thanks
What gague steel are you using
madman11893 I am using 14 gauge (.75mm I believe). It's generally safer, and in many cases required, for full contact fighting.
TheTreacherousBean with your helmet liner is there space between your skull and the helmet it's self
Naturally, it should be noted though that this bascinet is smaller than others, particularly around my neck. Because of this it sits a bit differently than larger, later styled bascinets.
TheTreacherousBean looked that way when you put it on the maniqun head also I noticed you used a 2 part pattern did you draft it your self or did you get it somewhere else
I usually make my own patterns, this one included. I did, however, use the kettle helm pattern from the armor archive as a base (www.armourarchive.org/patterns/kettle_helm_jurgen/). I used the skull halves for the basic size and then added the peak, neck, and facial opening myself.
How was the weelding Part made in medieval times ?
Originally, a helmet like this would have been made from one piece of steel that is shaped with a process called "raising". I don't have the equipment to do that though, so I used a modern technique of electrically welding two halves together, which if done well, is pretty close to a raised helmet.
@@LivingManuscript thanks
1:00
"to unwarp it, i ...
-you use blacksmithing techniques?
-no, i step on it."
Jean Ladoire ah but it worked
Living Manuscript
Sure it did ... i think imma start cold forging too ... is 14g (2mm) forgeable ? I mean even being mild steel, it's still very tough. How hard is it to work ?
Jean Ladoire I usually make most of my helmets (including this one ) from 14 gauge. Usually done cold too, it just takes a little more effort. Definitely doable though.
Living Manuscript
Oh okay.. i guess ill take a big hammer and start smashin'
Good luck! Experience is a great way to learn
Nice video, subbed to your channel. Got to try it out at some point if I get welding equipment 👍
Thanks! I definitely recommend it! I find it to be a very fulfilling activity. There's a lot you can do without a welder as well :)
I want to be a blacksmith one day. I don't know if there are schools for this and where to by the material/equipaments.
In my area, there are still some blacksmiths who are willing to teach newcomers, although there is a huge online presence for blacksmithing. Although armoring is a little more specific, there is still a good amount of information online, which is how I got nearly all of my information. A good group is the United League of Armorers on Facebook. As far as materials go, I get my steel from a local machine shop, so I would recommend checking any of those in your area out first. My second suggestion would be online, although shipping usually gets expensive so it would be best to see if you can arrange a pickup. I've gotten steel from speedymetals.com before and it worked very well.
And why wait to be a blaksmith one day? Start as soon as you can! There's certainly no shortage of information to be learned. Good luck, my friend.
great i really like the finish with visible hammer marks
Lord Matini I like it makes it look like its been through some stuff
Very nice video :) greetings from Poland
Thanks! Poland seems like a lovely place :)
Nice video. I've seen your work and you're on the right track. If you haven't fastened down your anvil yet, do so, before you lose a toe. Also, if you haven't yet, get a ball stake (you can use an old shot put mounted on a pipe, etc.). This way you can planish on the outside. Also, a body working hammer will make a wonderful planishing hammer for you (Snap-On makes excellent hammers). You can also file pins, etc. with the stock in a drill. Your next step should be raising the entire helmet, rather than welding. :)
to cool man! is that mild steel or carbon?
CoalMiningAlchemist thank you, I am using 14 gauge mild steel. I would like to try carbon steel once I can find a source of it.
Would like to see it polished on the outside.
Well it's a battle helmet so it doesn't matter if it's shiny because it's going to get hit a lot
You earned a sub sir
Thank you for the cool video. But I have a little issue. Please try to never put your thumb on your hammer. It might semm like you gain control, but realy you are destroying your thumb joints. I did the same. But than I got an advise from a 60 years old blacksmith with serious joint problems.
But again great video!
Thank you for the advice :) luckily I've been informed already and haven't done thumbed it for some years now
@@LivingManuscript
I'm glad to hear that.
I am gonna make a bacinett tomorrow. So thanks for the tutorial.
@@paulschambach9059 Good luck :) I hope it helps!
Hay I have the same anvil
Eric Builds it's a pretty good tool to have, I certainly appreciate it for its weight and hardy hole, between those two aspects it does a great job of holding stakes for more specialized stuff. Although I think I abused it too much before I got smarter at using an anvil.
I was dishing out a breastplate for a brigandine cuirass the other day, and it got warped. I started laughing my ass off when you started jumping on the warmed helmet, because I've done the same exact thing so many times at this point. I think I need some better tools or technique, Idk lol.
I can't really hear you on my phone. Had to plug in headphones and even then it was full volume. Thanks for reading.
Admittedly, I didn't know much about audio when I made this video. Still working on that haha.
@@LivingManuscript just a recommendation. Thanks for the response!
@@besafe2000 Of course! I always appreciate something constructive :)
5:33
Bambozzled... again
1:39 *Ba Dum Tsssssssss*
Hey, nice video but the result, not historical noit practical...
As my first practical helmet, I will accept that :)
Why do you sound like discount cr1tical?
S3b0rg what if Cr1tical... is a discount me?
Living Manuscript mind blown
"rough job" doesnt even suit anymore :D
I mean come on
Fake. In the middles ages not soldering, hahaha
why you talk with your throat? you need to improve your skills, is not a good work, but you can improve at hell, make the video of the next bascinet
Negativity here.
Stop being negative. Thats good work right there.