04-17-2007, 08:43 PM
David is correct about non machine made felt albeit hand made felt is more accurate for producing a subarmalis if one would like to have a possible idea as to the actual weight, feel, and function of a felt subarmalis possibly used by the romans.
Using a thick, high density machine made wool would not be a very good measure as to the feel, weight, and function of a felt subarmalis.
The ancient wool would have been more ventilated. However, this would not detract from protection. My felt maker was describing to me that the network of fibers used allowed for an ideal under armor garment. Modern wools which I own a piece of at half inch thick, is far too dense since they use a machine to press nearly all the air out of it. The result would be wearing a subarmalis that woudl feel like wearing several jackets all one on top of the other making motion quite difficult. Of course this is my opinion I could be wrong.
A more ventilated wool would also absorb a blow better since there would be an "air cusion" if you will.
As far as stopping arrows I believe that any small and concentrated force as is the case with the tip of an arrow with the proper force will go through vitrually anything a roman soldier was wearing.
Paolo
Using a thick, high density machine made wool would not be a very good measure as to the feel, weight, and function of a felt subarmalis.
The ancient wool would have been more ventilated. However, this would not detract from protection. My felt maker was describing to me that the network of fibers used allowed for an ideal under armor garment. Modern wools which I own a piece of at half inch thick, is far too dense since they use a machine to press nearly all the air out of it. The result would be wearing a subarmalis that woudl feel like wearing several jackets all one on top of the other making motion quite difficult. Of course this is my opinion I could be wrong.
A more ventilated wool would also absorb a blow better since there would be an "air cusion" if you will.
As far as stopping arrows I believe that any small and concentrated force as is the case with the tip of an arrow with the proper force will go through vitrually anything a roman soldier was wearing.
Paolo
"You have to laugh at life or else what are you going to laugh at?" (Joseph Rosen)
Paolo
Paolo
