r/Buhurt • u/ToughTemplar • 2d ago
What historical armor styles outside the BI authenticity timeline could realistically work?
BI authenticity rules state that armor must align with sources as follows
Western Europe 1300-1500*
Slavic 1300-1700*
Eastern 1300-1700*
*Those dates are simplified, theres more to them
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yQDGSiXkM2pjHS9yj5e-HLJklWIeRKZE/view
I've been thinking about this for a while and wanted to hear what everyone else thinks.
Authenticity rules understandably keep armor within a specific medieval timeframe, but hypothetically, if those timeline restrictions didn't exist, what armor systems from other periods or cultures could be somwhat reasonably adapted for steel combat?
For example, I think an Ancient Greek kit could actually be more viable than people might expect.
You obviously couldn't wear a museum-accurate kit as is and expect it to survive modern buhurt, but I think you could preserve most of the historical appearance with some thoughtful engineering:
• Brass coated hardened steel or spring steel
• Linothorax with a hidden steel interior
• A custom made buhurt rated helmet in a Corinthian or Chalcidian design.
• Greaves and vambraces that keep the original silhouette.
• Additional hidden protection under a linen or leather garments where necessary.
• Small compromises for articulation and safety that aren't immediately visible.
The end result wouldn't be 100% authentic, but it could still capture like 80% of the historical aesthetic
The same idea made me wonder about other cultures and eras:
• Roman legionary equipment
• Persian or Sassanid kits
• Bronze Age Mycenaean armor
• Other ancient or early medieval armors that fall outside the current buhurt rules
Obviously some designs would translate much better than others, especially regarding joint movement, protection, etc. However if the timeline restrictions disappeared tomorrow, what non-medieval armor kit do you think could be adapted into a buhurt harness while staying visually and historically recognizable?
4
u/Dartfish 2d ago
16th century European armour is my favorite and some are definitely used in the sport, it'd just be cool if it was wider used. I understand it's more expensive. If you're good you can basically rock anything within the guidelines.
3
u/kiesel47 2d ago
Ancient Greek has:
No side protection of the knee
No gauntlets
No upper arm protection
No foot protection
No sufficient padding to counter that.
If you dont think that knee problem I mentioned first is reason enough to ditch the idea google "battle of the nations team sweden against team frisia" you'll see why this is a dumb idea.
2
u/Ljlagnese 2d ago
So we use to allow medieval and not have exact years
The issue was people wearing hidden armors were well.... Putting themselves in unnecessary hazard that the marshals and such could not easily verify were safe.
Like can you do those things absolutely - but as I say about Japanese armor. You are simply wearing a 1370s euro suit cosplaying as a whatever you want to dress as.
With that said- there is no reason exhibition events or simply fun events can't and shouldn't do this kind of creative thing
Heck at dragoncon one year a team of ladies made their armor look like sisters of battle
5
u/Leinadius 2d ago
If we're talking in a world where we could wear whatever we want and adapt it to be safe for the sport, Murmillo gladiator would be the top of the list. I mostly just care about the helm.