Post by Saiaiko on Feb 3, 2005 9:52:51 GMT -5
Konnichiwa,
Please forgive me if a thread of this sort has begun elsewhere previously. I could not find it if it existed.
My name is Minamoto no Taikawa Saiaiko and I belong to Lady Muirgen Sideach of Clan Yama Kaminari. In an attempt to enhance my fighting experience and bring a little authenticity to the mostly SCA-modern fight practices I go to, I have constructed of a pair of Heian period kegutsu (fighting boots).
Taking about 30 - 35 hours of work between two people, the kegutsu are a reproduction of boots seen in the Heian romance, Onmyoji, and the book Samurai, Recreated in Colour Photographs. As soon as I have some pictures, I'll put one up here for viewing.
Having never worked with leather before, I have to say that this was a daunting project. However, I feel that the next pair, one I make for my Boss, will go much smoother due to lessons learned this time around:
I fought in the boots for the first time last night at the Rhydderich Hael fight practice, and I don't think I am ever going to fight in anything else. The grounding feel of the boots is fantastic. I never felt so sure of my footing, and I was able to practice my footwork with greater ease and less thought. I am at home in bare feet, so the boots gave good stability while allowing for natural movement. And, my feet sure weren't cold. Gel insoles provided enough supplemental support, but I can see someone with an actual arch needing a bit more.
Besides my Daimyo, who provided the instruction for this project, I have not seen anyone else in this kind of footwear. Has anyone here fought in period footwear, and if so, what was your take on it?
Domo arigato,
Saiaiko
Please forgive me if a thread of this sort has begun elsewhere previously. I could not find it if it existed.
My name is Minamoto no Taikawa Saiaiko and I belong to Lady Muirgen Sideach of Clan Yama Kaminari. In an attempt to enhance my fighting experience and bring a little authenticity to the mostly SCA-modern fight practices I go to, I have constructed of a pair of Heian period kegutsu (fighting boots).
Taking about 30 - 35 hours of work between two people, the kegutsu are a reproduction of boots seen in the Heian romance, Onmyoji, and the book Samurai, Recreated in Colour Photographs. As soon as I have some pictures, I'll put one up here for viewing.
Having never worked with leather before, I have to say that this was a daunting project. However, I feel that the next pair, one I make for my Boss, will go much smoother due to lessons learned this time around:
- Once Duall (DNA-altering rubber cement) dries and sticks to something... it's stuck.
- A leather palm protector is a good thing, as even the blunt end of a leather sewing needle can pierce flesh... repeatedly.
- Measure and fit your boots with socks on.
- Try not to spend the hour before practice sniffing rubber cement.
- And, don't worry if your project starts to look mildly rabid. Scissors and a dog brush fix everything.
I fought in the boots for the first time last night at the Rhydderich Hael fight practice, and I don't think I am ever going to fight in anything else. The grounding feel of the boots is fantastic. I never felt so sure of my footing, and I was able to practice my footwork with greater ease and less thought. I am at home in bare feet, so the boots gave good stability while allowing for natural movement. And, my feet sure weren't cold. Gel insoles provided enough supplemental support, but I can see someone with an actual arch needing a bit more.
Besides my Daimyo, who provided the instruction for this project, I have not seen anyone else in this kind of footwear. Has anyone here fought in period footwear, and if so, what was your take on it?
Domo arigato,
Saiaiko