http://bokalosarmoury.com/express.htm

I just ordered several items for steel fighting from the above link (Bokalo's Armoury). The pieces came quickly and are of good quality.

I've found that Otto's armory makes decent steel pieces, but they're not stainless. I've only purchased their steel gorget (and painted it black), but it tends to rust around the edges. Gad purchased the metal shoulders and he says that he has to keep cleaning them to keep the rust off. But again, the pieces are sturdy, inexpensive, and do a fine job in protecting what they were made to protect.

As for leather, I find that the Hide House in Napa has the best selection thus far. I recommend Tandy Leather for all your hardware.

Every time I try to look up armor, there is either a plethora of options, or none at all, and it is difficult to decide what is quality and what is not, etc. To this end, I am hoping that the various members of the WCoS (and other modern martial organizations) can put forth their experiences, both good and bad, with the available vendors, styles, and so forth including likely prices, time from placing of order to arrival of product, and other pertinent details.

All armor is up for comment, but from personal experience I am particularly eager to hear about gauntlets and gorgets as these are things that ever seem in short supply.

-Taage

It looks like I will be able to attend. Did you post the address of the event in your email? I don't remember seeing it.

I just added a few more themes (as if there weren't enough choices). Most likely the "Blood and Black" theme will be retired as it lacks usability.

Due to the Best of the Best being scheduled for the end of June, I am looking at May 30/31 for this event, otherwise I'll postpone it until later in the year. How many would be interested in that date?

I am looking at hosting a day of combat in June somewhere in the Redding area. I am looking at two weekends and asking for feedback on preference. The two likely dates are June 13/14 or June 27/28. Depending on the location I get, this may be a camping (optional) event, otherwise my home will be open to any that wish to stay. On that note, how many would be interested in camping (think campfires, hide-the-belt, marshmallows, sneak attacks, stories and tales, and so forth)?

Thanks in advance for your feedback.

-Taage

So many thanks for Sharain and Kaiden Gad for arranging and running this event. The lodgings and area were beautiful and I was very happy to again meet and train with fellow swords men and women and friends. Also, congratulations again to Ryan, Brennan and Sabrina on their achievements.

-Taage

(for usability and still looking nice, I think I actually prefer the "Ancient and Rusted" theme, FYI)

Just a note to everyone, if you don't like the default "Blood and Black" theme, go to your profile and select "Look and Layout Preferences" in the left-hand menu, then click "Change" next to Current Theme. There are several loaded with a variety of looks. Some may be more usable than others.