Armour Making Tutorial - How to roll the edges of armour

Folding the edge back in on itself

While the armour is supported against some heavy, non marring surface a series of light passes can be used to bring the roll further over. This step forms the back of the roll to a near 90 degree curve and draws the edge even further over. Your hammer strikes need not be very hard If you can get good support for the piece of armour.

It can be a bit difficult, on some shapes, to find a surface that provides good support for the piece. The difficulty is dependant on the shape and weight of the armour being rolled. A large, heavy piece like a breastplate may need only a little support while its edges are being rolled. A heavy breastplate's static inertia provides enough resistance to allow most of the hammer force to transfer into the forming of the roll rather than moving the armour. This is why pieces with little mass, like gorget lames, are difficult to roll.

Sometimes I find it more convenient to use my body to provide the resistance. In the above photo I am supporting the piece between my stomach and thigh. Of course don't hold the armour against a bone or sensitive body part LOL. I forgot to mention that to an apprentice once but that is another story hehe.

The area near the corners of a roll can be a bit difficult. They often take a little more work and support. Here I am firmly wedging the armour between a groove in the stump and my thigh.

Page 7 - Closing the roll stage 1.