How to tie a Roman Helmet?

[Matthew Amt]

Right, Scotch-Brite pads (not the generic ones! too slick), and most any kind of non-vegetable oil. I use 3-in-1. Some folks use WD-40 (otherwise known as "mother's milk" and truly a holy substance!), but it's a solvent and may be bad on the leather. Whatever you use, the secret is to USE IT. After the helmet is worn and handled, give it a quick wipe with a little oil. Before you wear it out in rain or high humidity, oil it up. Never come home from an event and just chuck it in a corner, expecting to take care of it in a few days when you have time--it'll rust.

Oh, on the brass parts don't use abrasives like Scotch-brite, instead I use fine steel wool or a polish like NevrDull or Brasso. But oil is fine.

Go ahead and glue the lining in with liquid hide glue. Eventually it will fall out, but by that time it will probably be time to upgrade or replace it anyway. (On mine I just replace the linen layer and keep the wool layers.) Sure, nothing wrong with a loose lining, but I just find it so much more convenient when showing the helmet off or letting folks handle or try it on if the lining is permanently fixed in place.

Valete,

Matthew