Celtic Leather Tassets
With your countrymen at your side, you ready yourself for the inevitable raid. You’re armored as best you can be, with sturdy embossed leather which may well turn away a stray arrow.
The Saviour of Many a Celtic Warrior: The Celtic Leather Tassets
When you’re LARPing, Cosplaying, or setting up a display piece, you’ll likely want armor that is both comfortable and attractive. When it comes to LARPing, practical, protective armor is also ideal. With these tassets, all those points are covered.
Tassets protect the thighs, which is where a downwards blow might hit the leg of a foot soldier, or where an opponent might strike a horseman. They’re available in black or brown and are made from segments of high quality leather. The leather is more comfortable than steel counterparts, while still being sturdy.
Each tasset is crafted from three segments of leather, riveted together. The segmented design both improves mobility and helps to deflect attacks. Each segment features detailed edging and a weathered antique patina finish, while the top segment is embossed with stylish Celtic knots.
Finally, the tassets each have two adjustable buckle straps, which allow you to attach them to a cuirass or belt. If you’re planning on wearing multiple pieces of armor, it’s recommended to stick to matching armor pieces. This is because they’re designed to fit together well, both aesthetically and in construction.
LARPing in Leather: Why Leather is Such a Good Material for LARP
Leather “plate” armor is a common sight at both medieval and fantasy LARP events, and there are a few good reasons why people like to wear this type of armor.
First of all, there is a historical basis for leather armor. Medieval leather armor was called “cuir bouilli”, or boiled leather. It was specially treated to be tough and rigid, making it an effective armor. Surviving recipes of this leather do exist, and it seems likely that different end uses for the material required different techniques.
However, boiled leather isn’t used for LARPing. The historical material has proven tricky to reproduce, but more importantly, it’s not necessary. Ordinary leather, especially when combined with cloth padding, is strong enough to put up with the potential rigors of LARPing.
Some people prefer to wear metal, as it’s closer to the experience of being a knight in a full suit of armor. However, leather armor is generally lighter and more comfortable to wear, as well as being attractive.
Leather takes particularly well to embossed detailing, as we can see with these leather tassets. While metal can be engraved, leather can hold more intricate patterns, if that’s what you’re after. Leather is also easier to maintain, as you needn’t worry about rust or dents. Instead, use the same leather treatments as you would for any other quality leather items.
Sometimes the aesthetic of a certain character lends itself far better to leather than metal. Hunters and scouts, for example, prefer mobility over protection, as it turns out that the best defence is to simply not get hit. Besides, if you’re playing an actual character who tends to wear leather, then your armor should match theirs.
Of course, metal and leather aren’t the only choices when LARPing. Modern materials such as polyurethane can be just what you’re looking for. Obviously, the material isn’t historically accurate, but these pieces can look very realistic when done well.
Basically, the choice of material that you choose for LARPing gear is a personal choice. Each one has pros and cons, so it’s important to do the research and decide what’s best for you and your character.
Tech Specs
The technical specifications of the Celtic Leather Tassets are as follows:
- Material: 7-8 oz. leather.
- Colour: Black or brown
- Length (Laid Flat): 13.6 inches
- Width (Laid Flat): 11 inches