Following the first knife ever in 1990 in the form of a mini katana scaled for my teddy bear, I made a three different versions of armour for him as well in 1991 (the summer after grade 8) at the age of 13. The first was probably the bamboo and paper plate armour, the second chain mail over leather, and the third “lacquered” aluminum laminar plate over leather. I also sewed a summer kimono yukata/hapi coat to go under it and made a banner.
L-R: banner, kimono, laminar plate armour, chain mail armour
Banner, armour, and kimono have matched kamon style logos.
Plate armour was made from reclaimed aluminum plate, chain mail from handmade rings wrapped, cut, and cold-forged from steel wire.
Shown with a scale photo of the sword that accompanied the set, unfortunately no longer together.
The aluminum plate was painted with many layers of black lacquer, sprinkled with copper filings, with carved and gold painted details, wired to leather with copper. Chain mail leather has been coloured and aged using various wood stains.
Full set minus the sword, perhaps I need to make him another one day.
The battle hardened warrior has been at it for decades. (this kimono was not made by me)
Back view. (this kimono was not made by me)
The bamboo and paper armour on the left, next to the sword, with leather sheath and wooden stand.
