Custom Leather Armour
We provide a bespoke leather armour creation and optional fitting service, making armour for LARP, Cosplay and reenactment designed to fit you perfectly, no matter your size or shape.
As two plus size, body positive people; my wife and I are constantly dismayed at the lack of range when it comes to armour for anyone who doesn't fit the "industry standard" so decided to do something about it!
We use Black Raven Armoury patterns and are B.R.A. Ambassadors as well as designing our own Armour from scratch. This creates the starting point for your armour which is then customised with shape, design, colour and more to fit as required.
Sizing and fitting
We have two methods of getting the best fit for you.
The most accurate is to make a mould which we can add to our dress makers mannequins. This involves wrapping you in clingflim then tape to create a 'body shell' that can then be sketched on to, cut up and made into a pattern. You are welcome to bring someone with you as we know this can be a strange process to go through with strangers! We do everything we can to make sure you feel comfortable.
If you are unable to get to us then no problem, we can make your armour based off your measurements.
Design and artwork
As part of the process, you have complete control over all design and artwork.
We will work with you to add texturing, stamping, carving and other design work to your armour.
The Cornish Valkyrie has 15 years experience in art and design and can produce amazingly detailed pieces to add to your gear.
Options include hand-tooling and painted designs, as well as laser cut or laser etched designs.
Leather options, colours and stitching
We have a wide variety of leathers to choose from, lightweight costume leather up to thick protective hides.
Most can be dyed and finished to any desired colour as you require.
We stock dozens of colours of waxed thread as well as different coloured cap and solid metal rivets.
Construction
Starting from a paper pattern, we rough out the panels of your armour in soft thin leather, matching each piece to your specifications on the mannequin before moving on to thicker veg tan leather for the final plates.
Tooling
Tooling is the process of adding textures, details, borders and artwork to your armour. We specialise in Celtic and Norse knotwork but can do anything from pet portraits to barroque floral designs and much more!
We will work with you to give your armour the look and feel you need and to tie it in with the rest of your kit.
Finish and fitting
All of our armour is finished to a high standard, stitching is double or triple saddle or cross stitched, edges are burnished and the whole piece is rubbed with our own handmade leather balm.
To protect against the weather a coat of resoline or clear acrylic varnish is applied. This helps to seal in the dyes and gives the leather a measure of protection.
Finally we fit the armour to you, adjusting straps, buckles and cords as needed.
