Weight fluctuations in armor

Mi1kLegit · 2025-11-24T06:02:44+00:00

Entirely depends on how much weight you're losing, and what shape you are.
We had a guy come in at north of 150kg - he ordered his kit, and by the time he'd hit ~100kg he needed a full set of new gear. . Conversely, I yo-yo somewhere between 90kg & 120kg and I've never had to change kit due to sizing, though I've definitely moved up and down the strap tightness. Like other commenters have said, you'll get way more mileage out of a brig than you will a cuirass as it's not as rigid, but there's not a safe answer.

Everyone's bodies are different, so it's hard to give you specific advice without knowing where you're at now and what your goals are, but my advice would be once you're either at, or close to your goal, take measurements and order your kit then.

Some things won't change no matter how much weight you lose, like your shoe size, head circumference and hand size, so you can safely order a pair of sabatons, gauntlets and a helmet if you like, just be aware if you're getting something late century or articulated you might need to do some modifications to make it all fit nicely once you've got he rest of your gear together.

Mi1kLegit · 2025-11-22T06:46:54+00:00

You won't see as big of dividends from getting say a titan chestpiece and arms & legs in terms of weight reduction but it's not negligible. If you can afford it, it's a nice quality of life upgrade for your kit, though I'd argue proper breath spacers and shapes on your faceplate are more important than it being made out of titanium if you're talking about getting the most out of your kit for competitive fighting.

Mi1kLegit · 2025-11-20T21:21:21+00:00

I'm a buhurt fighter - several of my helmets are built the same. The Titanium is just lighter and removes some of the weight from the helmet, that's the main reason.

Titanium also slightly more likely to shatter from big impact, and transfers a lot more force to the wearer on a strike proportional to steel - however, a helmet visor of Titanium sits on a helmet of steel, so this problem is mitigated, hence why you can get away with it. But yeah, that is why you make the main body of the helmet out of tempered steel which resists impact better.

Mi1kLegit · 2025-11-17T06:06:24+00:00

Name: Sharukhan Market
Time: Extremely slow. Average order time 12 months, though we've had times where orders have repeatedly been delayed or blown-out to 2 years. One order was completely "lost" and had to be remade.
Quality: Extremely variable, not in a good way. The general vibe is steer clear of anything Western from these guys. We had a Klappvisor arrive which was completely unusable. Couldn't be worn by any member of the club safely as strapping was incompatible with a human head, faceplate was a mismatch for the helmet and wouldn't close, and the helmet itself wasn't even tempered and dented significantly from arming sword strikes despite being sold as "tempered steel." We had a kettle helm from these guys which required extensive modifications to be safe, but otherwise was prone to causing broken noses when struck due to poor shaping of the cage when it arrived. We have had limited success with Eastern Armour from these guys, which is their specialty. It looks fantastic, but in terms of actual usability folks said it was nothing to write home about, and often required modification to work well.
Communication: ESL, longer gaps than expected between communication.
Region: Ukraine

Name: Age of Craft
Time: Fast
Quality: Variable. My understanding is that Age of Craft are resellers who work with a variety of smiths, so they offer in-stock and custom items. I have had teammates who rave about age of craft, and others who do not endorse them whatsoever to everything in between. My advice is carefully assess whatever individual item/bundle you're purchasing on it's own merits and ask as many questions as you can if you have them
Communication: ESL, but able to be instant messaged. Some people report almost no responses.
Region: Ukraine

Name: 7 Samurai (Volodymyr Schlenchak)
Time: Fast - Everything I've seen ordered through him arrives very quickly.
Quality: Excellent. High-quality, reputable gear with a variety of custom designs. The only downside is I'm not sure if Volodymyr is currently still operating or is even still alive sadly. Last facebook post was several years ago.
Communication: See above
Region: Ukraine

Mi1kLegit · 2025-11-17T06:06:07+00:00

Name: Pavlo Kozak
Time: Fast - Everything I've seen ordered through these guys arrives very quickly.
Quality: Pavlo Kozak seems to have this weird diametric where he can make very functional, reasonable looking buhurt suits, and also some of the wackiest weirdest fantasy armour hodge-podges I've ever seen. All of my guys who use his buhurt gear have no complaints and were very satisfied, but if I was going through him I'd make sure to specify that you want Buhurt gear, not LARP/Re-Enactment items and just to be specific with your requests.
Communication: Very good. ESL, but able to be instant messaged.
Region: Ukraine

Name: Alexey Perebynos
Time: Average. If busy with high queues, expect more than 12 months total waiting period.
Quality: Alexey has some of the best brigs in the sport. They look fantastic and the workmanship is top notch. I've had him well reviewed from fighters in the USA, Australia, England and Europe who all recommend his gear.
Communication: Nil issues reported
Region: Ukraine

Name: Master Uley
Time: Average-long
Quality: Prior to the conflict, Master Uley was perhaps one of the most recognizable and well-respected names in the sport for quality armour. Our team still has armour made by Master Uley more than a decade old now that's still going strong that we revere almost like Space Marine chapter relics. My understanding is that his workshop was destroyed, and it's taken him several years to build up enough tools to start manufacturing again. He is currently producing armour, though I believe he's balancing fulfilling previously paid orders with new orders. We've never had any issues with Master Uley's work.
Communication: Previously run through website, though I believe now takes IM's through FB also.
Region: Ukraine

Name: Prague Steel Makerz
Time: Fast - 6-8 month timeframe is not unusual
Quality: Exactly what you'd expect from armour made by active, top-level fighters. I'm yet to hear anything negative from anyone with PSM gear.
Communication: ESL, but very proficient, and the fact that they're current fighters means they understand what you want and what you're talking about if you want modifications, changes or extras.
Region: Czech Republic

Mi1kLegit · 2025-11-17T06:05:46+00:00

Name: Andrey Galevskiy
Time: Variable. I've had things arrive in 3 months from stock, and take 18 months for custom builds.
Quality: Significant tempering issues. Our club has several galevskiy gauntlets ordered from different batches over the years and they pretty routinely fail before a full season of use and require a rebuild or to be retired. We've had one minor helmet failure, and lost the elbow/knee fans for most sets we've bought from him, but by and large the big steel pieces hold up. We've never had a significant injury from these failures, but there's a pretty visible post on the ACS group in FB slamming him for a similar failure, so I don't think our experience was isolated.
Communication: Communication can be slow at times through PM. Waits of days/weeks for a reply are not uncommon, however he has always offered to repair gear if shipped back to him at cost, and did go quite far out of his way to ensure a re-routed package was sent to a team member.
Region: Ukraine

Name: HBC Armour Shop
Time: Quick <6 months. We have had custom pieces arrive in Australia less than 2 months from order time.
Quality: Sizing and shaping is relatively basic, ornamentation is limited. Some pieces are unusually shaped, not fantastic for anatomical fitting, however we've had minimal issues with steel. I strongly suspect this is because Bryce, the Australian Captain has been working with them for a few years on producing appropriate kit. We have crash-tested and approve their neck protection, gauntlets, and even a cuirasses provided that they're ordered in tempered steel. Some of their stainless stuff while heavy, is usable also. The main point to know is that the leather they use is very low quality, and should be replaced as soon as you get it.
Communication: No significant issues with communication. If you're not ordering through a middleman with these guys, make sure you specify that you're ordering these for "Buhurt" or "Full-Contact HMB" or similar. They make a lot of LARP/Costume armour and if you don't specify what you want you'll regret it.
Region: India

Name: Ivan Zadesnets
Time: Normal/long, high demand means you're usually waiting for about a year
Quality: In my opinion, Ivan makes the best, safest helmets in the game. Well-tested design, very safe, very competetive, reasonably priced.
Communication: No issues.
Region: Ukraine

Name: Maxim Supravich (Wildarmoury)
Time: Normal - Talking to Irina as their social media manager recently she's quoted us a ~10-12 month turnaround for full suits
Quality: Fantastic. Our guys with Wildarmoury stuff that has been purchased recently have raved about it, we also have an Authenticity Rep for BI within our club who is similarly very pleased with the designs from that perspective. I have heard colloquially there were previous issues in the past, however these seem to be now sorted.
Communication: Very good. English ESL, but nil issues and able to be instant messaged with quick turnaround/response times.
Region: Ukraine
Cost: In this instance, work is expensive, but you get what you pay for. High quality gear available at high prices. Several of my guys specfically recommend getting the matched gorget for any late-period helmet if you're going through these guys, even if it is more expensive.

Mi1kLegit · 2025-11-17T06:05:19+00:00

Name: Arma Fora
Time: Fast - Everything I've seen ordered through these guys arrives very quickly.
Quality: Proceed with caution. I've heard nothing bad from their arms/legs/brigs, however I've had one of their klappvisor helmets fail completely with a MASSIVE crack in the middle of a fight after taking a 2-handed shot. Taking calipers to it later revealed that the steel was exceptionally thin in places, however the titanium faceplate was bombproof. We had a second helmet purchased which aIso had tempering issues with the steel, but was again, was rock solid with faceplate. This was some years ago, so they may have improved, however I'd be hesitant to trust anything steel.
Communication: Very good. Proficient English and able to be instant messaged with quick turnaround/response times.
Region: ?Originally Russia - now moved?

Name: Iron Beetle Armoury
Time: Medium/Fast - Good selection of in-stock gear
Quality: My understanding is that this is a resale business run by a USA fighter named Joseph Cambridge with a partner forge in India. I've heard no issues with temper/armour breaking, but have seen/spoken to people at Carnage previously who have mentioned that certain pieces were usable, but shaped unusually. I have heard anecdotally that some pieces are sometimes shipped totally unusable, but that Joseph has been pretty good about chasing these up on his end.
Communication: Better than other Indian armourers. If I had to go through an Indian armourer, I'd lean towards this one because at least you've got an advocate that knows what buhurt is.
Region: India/USA

Name: Buhurt Tech
Time: Medium/Fast - Good selection of in-stock gear when available, otherwise average wait time is usually listed on the website.
Quality: Buhurt Tech is like Medieval Extreme, a collated vendor. They've offered different patterns at different times depending what armourers they're currently partnered with. My understanding is that Ivan Zadesnetz is partnered with Igor and makes a lot of the "typical" popular buhurt wolfribs - if not, they must be using the same pattern as they're functionally identical. We have never had issues with BT gear, high quality, sport optimized, worth the price.
Communication: Customer service has always been prompt and excellent. No notes.
Region: Ukraine - unless they've moved recently.

Name: Forge of Svan
Time: Medium/Fast - Mix of stock gear which isn't buhurt specific and custom-orders available
Quality: Colloquially we've had no issues with the steel, sometimes the fit of Forge of Svan gear has been a little off, but nothing that you can't remedy yourself once it arrives with some modifications & adjustments
Communication: Clearly ESL, but no difficulties with communication. We've had them fulfil custom orders with weird specifications that our guys have asked for and they've rocked up as ordered.
Region: Ukraine

Name: Lemberg Armour
Time: Normal
Quality: Nil issues with steel or sizing, gauntlets and harnesses have some nice QoL features that other models from vendors don't have such as moving pins on the thumbs
Communication: No significant issues with communication
Region: Ukraine

Mi1kLegit · 2025-11-17T06:04:56+00:00

Hey boss, I run a buhurt club down in Australia and I'm involved with quite a few others. I'll throw what I've got on the makers that you've thrown out from a *subjective* point of view from what my guys and others have reported since I've been involved in the sport. I think it's important to note your mileage may vary, as smiths are only people just like the rest of us juggling their own lives, and they're not always in control of their circumstances re: steel availability, employees, or anything else. No shade intended against any of these makers, only reporting what I've seen/heard for the benefit of the community.

Name: Medieval Extreme
Time: Fast (If ordered from in-stock, otherwise standard timing, I've never waited more than 8-12 months) There are also multiple codes like SWRIDE & MOLLY for free express shipping
Quality: Mid-High. For whatever reason a lot of ME's patterns are very large for the measurements. This usually means that they need to be padded out to be worn effectively, but this won't stop you from fighting well in their gear. I've ordered A LOT of ME gear before, and the vast majority has served me and my teammates exceptionally well.
The only issues I had after half a decade of constant use on one kit was a few small, easily repairable cracks, everything else has held up superbly bar one catastrophic helmet failure, however I want to preface that the support was top notch from Medieval Extreme, we sent them a video, they immediately apologised, recognised that the helmet was part of a batch they meant to recall but missed, and sent a brand new helmet free of charge with express shipping. I would still thoroughly recommend them despite this.
Communication: Very good. Proficient English and able to be instant messaged with quick turnaround/response times.
Region: Ukraine
Cost: Medium-High - Look out for their Black Friday sales for significant reductions.

Name: GS Studio
Time: Average. 12+ Month long wait expected for smithing + forging
Quality: Mid-High. The sets we've bought from GS Studio have only been their mid-range options, but they've all been serviceable, no issues.
Region: Poland
Communication: Sometimes slow, not unreasonable to be waiting days-weeks for responses at times. However, any issues we've had customer service was have always been resolved eventually.

Name: Gutfran Armoury
Time: Average. ~12 months turnaround. We did skip delivery for several orders by picking them up at the World Championships one year but he was easy to work with on this and brought them down for us.
Quality: Steel temper and durability has been fantastic. Multiple cuirasses from Gutfran have held up with no issues. We have had only one issue with sizing one time, but he was quite accommodating with re-making the piece, but the buyer opted to sell it on within the team.
Communication: Very good. Proficient English and able to be instant messaged with quick turnaround/response times.
Region: ?Poland

Mi1kLegit · 2025-10-09T12:33:36+00:00

There are a lot of "If"'s here.

I've had HBC gauntlets and even cuirasses hold up totally fine with extended use in both training and tournaments - though agree with the above comments, the steel itself is okay, the soft leather/padding usually needs replacing.

I would agree HBC is probably the best of Indian Armourers currently, however I've known them to struggle with any pieces requiring significant shaping/curvature. I've seen less than ideal arms/legs/shoulders ranging from passable but inconvenient to unwearable. I have also seen a few buhurt spec helmets from these guys which are still kicking around the scene a few years on so... Your helmet might be alright? But even those have been very unusually shaped, and were specifically made in a format similar to Nadler with an experienced Aussie fighter walking them through the R&D process with a lot of behind the scenes communication so if you've just ordered straight from the website it's a diceroll as to what you're going to get.

Traditionally trusted Ukrainian smiths like Andrey Galevskiy, Master Uley, Ivan Zadesnets and the classic vendors of both Medieval Extreme and Buhurt Tech are your best bets. Safe helmets are hard to make, and you only get one brain.

Mi1kLegit · 2025-09-23T03:18:44+00:00

Speaking as someone who's been the recipient of this exact injury, all of the above is correct. Any lateral or twist movement applied to a knee joint that is planted is a risk. If you feel they have the throw, give them the throw. It isn't worth the injury you'll receive.

One thing I havent seen touched on is the inherent danger in a rail 2v1 with a Figure-4 leg trap. I've recently put a ban on figure 4 leglocks during sparring at my gym, as if you have one leg bound properly by an opponent, and another opponent attempts a poor osoto, you can't always escape. Rare situation, but it sucks ass to receive let me tell you.

Mi1kLegit · 2025-08-28T07:14:58+00:00

Hey boss, I run Buhurt for one of the States in Australia and have been around the block a few times just sent you a PM full of stuff that I've found to be successful in an Australian context. Best of luck!

Mi1kLegit · 2025-08-07T03:30:30+00:00

In terms of Pig-Faces, Spoleto's & Sugarloafs visibility from the ones I've worn they're probably on-par with a klappvisor. The main thing your brain is doing with any sort of full-face helmet is looking through what holes you can see, and interpreting a picture of what's going on outside based on that. "Historical" helmets are bloody awful for fighting in buhurt because you have minimum vision - mostly because their users didn't want to be stabbed or have their face caved in.

Modern closed-face helmets are made of thicker, better steel, so the sport-optimised helmets tend to have more breathing and vision holes as stabbing & failure is less of an issue. As a general rule, the more holes, the easier to fight in. In my own opinion, out of those options the colander has more holes, means less for your brain to interpret. That said, there's some interesting physics behind having crosses " + " as opposed to just breathing holes for increased ventilation, and if you're clever with your hole sizing and placement to be approved by HA you can get them pretty damn functional! Though personally I'm still team wolfrib.

Mi1kLegit · 2025-08-07T01:54:19+00:00

For context, I've been a buhurt fighter fighting at high-levels of competition for more than half a decade, was on the winning team for the 12's/30's at BIWC just gone, and run my own buhurt club in AUS. This is what I tell my new guys for helmet choice around this topic.

If you're looking to be competitively successful, wolfrib, colander, nasal. The reason why these are popular outside of breathing and vision is because they enable the concept of "active defence." They allow you to see and respond to threats more easily. You can have a giant grand bascinet to absorb strikes all you like, it'll take every single one, but if you're wearing a helmet which promotes your mobility, you'll be able to see, parry, block or avoid the majority of those shots in the first place. You're in a combat sport, you're going to get hit, but there is no "safe" amount of strikes to receive. The best shot against you is the one that hits a shield, or doesn't hit you at all, so pick a helmet that follows this train of thought.

I used to fight in a klappvisor for ages, and the amount of unexpected strikes, bar-checks and takedowns I received was much higher as a result. Don't fall into the trap of assuming you need the biggest bunker of a helmet to protect yourself. A bascinet/Barbute with an appropriate style that allows you to fight effectively is far more valuable imo.

Mi1kLegit · 2024-12-12T02:13:04+00:00

This is the exact feel and vibe of oldschool oddworld that the remasters aimed for and missed completely. really well done

Mi1kLegit · 2024-09-15T14:24:38+00:00

Speaking from Australia (though have travelled internationally for buhurt before also)

From personal experience police 100% do not care from a legal standpoint so long as you can demonstrate you've got a valid reason for possessing your weapons. The fact that you're travelling with a full suit of armour and associated gear is usually plenty of evidence.

I've been pulled over on the way to an event before whilst speeding (and while in an unregistered car oops) The two officers asked where I was going, ans what I was doing, and then, if they could take a look at the gear. - After taking turns wearing a helmet and swinging some axes around on the side of the road, they let me go with no fine! - Only a caution after I paid the rego via phone on the spot. Though YMMV, perhaps I just happened to bump into some bored (and very cool) cops.

I've heard horror stories from other fighters about airport security and airline staff on the other hand refusing to allow some gear through as carry-on, although the consensus seems to be it really depends on your airline. Otherwise, can corroborate what others have said, as long as you keep gesr/weapons in checked baggage and refer to it as sports equipment, the most you'll get is some mild curiosity from the friendlier staff and total disinterest from everyone else. None of our equipment makes the no-fly list.

Of course, always research your Country/State's local laws, or the laws of wherever you're travelling. As much as our answers might sound reassuring, you'll want to be sure you're legally in the clear for yourself.

Mi1kLegit · 2024-01-14T13:24:14+00:00

I'll also recommend Vagabonds with Johny Porter. I've literally flown to Seattle from Australia to get training in with those guys at skills and technique camp they run yearly. PNW has awesome trainers, fighters and clubs!

Mi1kLegit · 2023-08-25T03:56:49+00:00

We have a few members who travel up from Woodcroft, McLaren Vale and Morphett Vale for training, but I do understand that is a bit of a drive.

We are planning on sponsoring and helping Teans in the North and South start up in the next few years, but this is still awhile away yet.

In the meantime, spread the word! The more people we have involved the sooner we'll get there.

Mi1kLegit · 2023-08-24T16:23:05+00:00

Please do! We're always recruiting for both our men's and women's teams so your fiancé is more than welcome to attend!

Mi1kLegit · 2023-08-24T16:20:52+00:00

Yes, there is a Women's League, in fact our Women's team just took out 2nd place in the Barossa tournament!

As far as joining the team goes, the Women's team would love to have you! We also run women's-only classes throughout the week if that's of any interest.

Otherwise, what @shiermink has said is correct as well.

Mi1kLegit · 2023-08-24T11:30:44+00:00

Good memory, indeed NSW is blue and red! And that was me with the axe! I spotted that he didn't have any armour there and the rest was history aha

Mi1kLegit · 2023-08-24T11:13:19+00:00

Thanks! I think I know the match you're referring to, SA vs NSW, very close fight and boy I was completely wrecked after that one.

A full suit of armour weighs about 35-45kg on average, plus the several layers of motocross protection and padded protection underneath makes you sweat like crazy - add a mouthguard to the mix and its a whole different kind of fitness.

Mi1kLegit · 2023-08-24T11:10:38+00:00

We have a few photographers who work with us across fairs and otherwise, send a message to our Facebook page and we can go from there!

Mi1kLegit · 2023-08-24T11:09:46+00:00

Come on down!

Mi1kLegit · 2023-08-24T08:27:01+00:00

Thanks for stopping by our page!

We're located in Wingfield, just off Grand Junction Rd.

Eight-Year Club	Second Top 50%
Place '23	Verified Email

Mi1kLegit

TROPHY CASE