Through the rigors of a higher dedication, Craftsmen labored strenuously over the heat of a forge creating things to expedite the dreams of courageous men. Helping them grasp their goals, and protect their freedoms, yet, unfortunately, the limelight only goes to those craftsmen that chose to walk the path of weaponry. Necessary as they are yes, but we lose sight of those who deserve an equal admiration. Those that poured their life and soul into the creation of armor, and tools of protection.
What caused this fall from the light of honor and recognition? Who decided that tools to kill deserved a higher level of honor and praise? One could say whit the addition of firearms to the repertoire of warriors, armor became useless, yet again did Kevlar and Bulletproof gear not rise to the challenge? And again, even in this age of electricity and high powered guns, consumers still collect and even use the "Last World" weaponry, buying forged swords and axes in abundance. Why not armor as well? They were a source of great honor for a warrior of the older ages, displaying a family crest, or the signet of a liege, denoting the knight's allegiance and right, often sporting very fine decoration, filigree and other handsome features.
I feel that this craft deserves to rise yet again, feel the honor it once did. An appreciation should again be felt for hand crafted armors, created with care and skill. A fighter is incomplete without his full apparel. How can once face a sword without the mail to stop a killing blow, or defend against treacherous hammering strikes without a proper helm to guard himself?
Even the collectors of today have trained their eye onto weaponry, forsaking armor. Unfortunately this leaves their collections lacking, for no collection can shine fully without a full set. Collecting weapons only can be said to be akin to buying a car without the engine, or a horse with no legs. The collector is missing out on the full picture, only taking care to notice the more media-fueled portions of the craft they pay homage to.
I would encourage any who count themselves among those who fight, whether it be in the ways of the old, or the ways of the new, to be the proud owner of his own armor. Take pride in it; allow it to house his soul just as he does so with his weapon. Even the collector should take care to flesh out his collection, painting the full picture of the art of war and not just a half vision. - 31491
What caused this fall from the light of honor and recognition? Who decided that tools to kill deserved a higher level of honor and praise? One could say whit the addition of firearms to the repertoire of warriors, armor became useless, yet again did Kevlar and Bulletproof gear not rise to the challenge? And again, even in this age of electricity and high powered guns, consumers still collect and even use the "Last World" weaponry, buying forged swords and axes in abundance. Why not armor as well? They were a source of great honor for a warrior of the older ages, displaying a family crest, or the signet of a liege, denoting the knight's allegiance and right, often sporting very fine decoration, filigree and other handsome features.
I feel that this craft deserves to rise yet again, feel the honor it once did. An appreciation should again be felt for hand crafted armors, created with care and skill. A fighter is incomplete without his full apparel. How can once face a sword without the mail to stop a killing blow, or defend against treacherous hammering strikes without a proper helm to guard himself?
Even the collectors of today have trained their eye onto weaponry, forsaking armor. Unfortunately this leaves their collections lacking, for no collection can shine fully without a full set. Collecting weapons only can be said to be akin to buying a car without the engine, or a horse with no legs. The collector is missing out on the full picture, only taking care to notice the more media-fueled portions of the craft they pay homage to.
I would encourage any who count themselves among those who fight, whether it be in the ways of the old, or the ways of the new, to be the proud owner of his own armor. Take pride in it; allow it to house his soul just as he does so with his weapon. Even the collector should take care to flesh out his collection, painting the full picture of the art of war and not just a half vision. - 31491
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