Useful links
Japanese Armor information
- https://sengokudaimyo.com/ – The original Japanese Armor Manual. Contains everything you need to get started.
- https://www.facebook.com/wwwsengokudaimyo – Facebook page for Sengoku Daimyo
- https://tousando.proboards.com/board/2/katchu – The author, Anthony J. Bryant, frequented this forum, but these days is largely unused. However, there is still a wealth of information to be found.
- https://nihon-no-katchu.proboards.com/ – Another armor forum. No longer being used.
- http://www.nihonto-yoroi.com/forum/ – Collector forum.
- https://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/ – Japanese arms and armor forum.
- https://www.facebook.com/groups/DIYsamuraiarmour – Facebook for DIY Japanese Armor
- https://www.facebook.com/groups/japanesearmourstudygroup – Another group for discussions of real armor. No DIY posting allowed.
- https://www.facebook.com/groups/Samuraiarmour – Page for Dave Thatcher – A leading armor restorer
- https://yoroi.uk/ – His website
- https://gunbai-militaryhistory.blogspot.com/ – Absolutely fantastic blog. My go to source for historically accurate information concerning medieval Japan
- https://issuu.com/davethatcher/docs/the_samurai_armour_glossary_2013_v2 – Glossary of armor related terms.
- http://www.wodefordhall.com/ – Resource for Japanese clothing
- https://www.facebook.com/RokuTonboYoroi/ – Amateur armorer that takes commissions.
- The Shogunate – Youtube channel focused on the history of feudal Japan
Medieval Armor in General
- http://www.armourarchive.org/ – Primarily a discussion board these days, but the site has been around for ages has a number of European Patterns.
- http://allenantiques.com/Armour-Collection.html – Fantastic studies of extant European armor pieces.
- Errant Knight – In-depth discussions on the history and functions of 14th century armor
- Greenleaf Armory – Excellent armoring tutorials.
- World of armor. ArmorSmith – Ukrainian armorer that produces great tutorials and armor studies
- Armure Dubé – Master armorsmith Eric Dubé.
- https://www.facebook.com/groups/unitedleagueofarmourers – Large and very active armoring group
- Man Sewing – Great resource for learning how to sew.
- Eastwood – A car channel, but all of their metalworking tutorials apply directly to armoring
- https://www.powdercoatguide.com/ – Just as the url says; the guide for powder coating
Books
Materials
- https://shop.samurai-armor.com/ – Professionally made suits of armor. Sells DIY materials as well.
- https://www.onlinemetals.com/ – My go to for ordering steel online
- https://theringlord.com/ – Best all around supplier of chainmail rings and tools
- Lacrosse Lacing – Popular lacing material for DIY armor
- https://shoelacesexpress.com/ – Another popular source for lacing.
- https://ricebraid.com/ – Offers a variety of wholesale laces. Can be a bit difficult to order from.
- https://www.kimoyes.com/ – Source of antique Japanese clothing and fabrics.