08-28-2003, 05:26 PM
Hi<br>
<br>
I would agree that all evidence points to polished armour. When I said that the Kalkriese plates were slightly black tinged from the forge, that was only in comparison to the unforged plates - they are still polished to shiney-ish state, but satin not high gloss like some stainless ones I've seen. The only reason to mention it was that in comparison these plates do seem to rust less.<br>
However, it is not really feasible that we use iron produced in authentic Roman methods. There are too many variables that would make it impossible to totally recreate an exact replica of Roman iron in sufficient quantities to be feasible - so mild steel is the only reasonable option.<br>
Rust will unfortunately always be with us, and will always need to be polished away after every show (even during long ones).<br>
<br>
Pass the polish......<br>
<br>
Claudia <p></p><i></i>
<br>
I would agree that all evidence points to polished armour. When I said that the Kalkriese plates were slightly black tinged from the forge, that was only in comparison to the unforged plates - they are still polished to shiney-ish state, but satin not high gloss like some stainless ones I've seen. The only reason to mention it was that in comparison these plates do seem to rust less.<br>
However, it is not really feasible that we use iron produced in authentic Roman methods. There are too many variables that would make it impossible to totally recreate an exact replica of Roman iron in sufficient quantities to be feasible - so mild steel is the only reasonable option.<br>
Rust will unfortunately always be with us, and will always need to be polished away after every show (even during long ones).<br>
<br>
Pass the polish......<br>
<br>
Claudia <p></p><i></i>
