RE: Renaissance Fayres

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Aneirin -> RE: Renaissance Fayres (6/7/2008 2:51:19 PM)
quote: Authenticity, what do think, authentic to six feet, or six inches ? I have done authentic to six inches, but limited myself purposefully, as I did not want to make chain maille from hand drawn half round section rivetted iron quote: ORIGINAL: IronBear We're pretty lucky here with the SCA being at a reasonable level and mostly smokers having their smokos in defined areas or in pavilions so as not to up[set the authenticity and leather tankards holding cans of coke or what ever.. A lot though don't these days seem to be interested in medieval speak which I love. We also have a few more professional fairs about the country which do insist in reasonably accurate garb but don't get their knickers in a knot if it is machiine stitched and not hand sewn as my 10thC Norse garb is. Personally i like a good cross between the SCA (I was a member for 20 years) and the metal weapons and was a founding member of one such company (dark Ages mewdieval group). I used to enjoy the combat with the SCA stick jocks but nothing beats full on steel blade on blade of a good metal weapons tourney. Been promising myself than on my next trip to the US I will attend both SCA events and the ren fairs.. Iron Bear Master of Bruin Cottage (A Victorian Lifestyle poly home) "I judge a Man by what I see him do and not by what others tell me he does." (Captain Sir Edward Pellew of the HMS Indefatigable to Midshipman Hornblower ~ C.S. Forrester) Yep, steel weapons, despite the two mill safety edge, they still break bones on contact, am wondering if my present arthritis of the fingers is because of this. Yeah, I know about pulling blows, but often in set battles people become over exuberant, their ego takes precedence. My last venture into this stuff, I refrained from fighting with sword and went for spear, now that is a safer option. But should I start this again, I think a role of a craftsman would be a better option, as then at least I might cover my expenses. The party at night, I hope will be much easier grasping a drinking horn without bloodied and broken fingers, and that sword, it's weight definately drags at the hip, drunk, well you wear a trippable hazard, and I have tangled with it before!

Irishknight -> RE: Renaissance Fayres (6/7/2008 3:01:24 PM)
Umm ... take the sword off before the party? Just a thought. I have always fought live steel. I tried fighting with big sticks and could probably have enjoyed it if the guys weren't jerkoffs when I went to the first meeting. In every steel fighting group I've ever worked with, swords got put away before the drinking started. That has been a rule that I have only broken once and it nearly got me. I keep my sliced (as in with a sharpened blade even) surcoat as a reminder of that night.

Aneirin -> RE: Renaissance Fayres (6/7/2008 3:14:51 PM)
Yes, I suppose that would have been a good idea in hindsight, but I was young and the consensus was, if you are wearing kit to the party, one must not go undressed. Yes, lock weapons in the car, but often after a session of mead and ale, remembering where one put the car keys was often a problem when a battle was due. At least fighting with a raging hang over could possibly be authentic.

Irishknight -> RE: Renaissance Fayres (6/7/2008 3:16:17 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Aneirin . At least fighting with a raging hang over could possibly be authentic. Probably the most authentic thing we did.

DiurnalVampire -> RE: Renaissance Fayres (6/7/2008 3:20:15 PM)
When I go, I go as a Pirate. I love the period in history, the romanticism of the era even if the real history is nothing like the stories, and the clothes are fun. Renn Faires are more about the fun and the entertainment than they are the history, where from what I understand the British equivaent is all about the history. DV

IronBear -> RE: Renaissance Fayres (6/7/2008 4:22:37 PM)
I'd have to say that I've never experienced a situation where people were injured by any metal weapons due to excessive drinking. However I mind the time when some silly bugger got a tad to engrossed with a battle and put a spear through a planked wood Norse shield and through the arm breaking it. Rules were changed after that. I used to fight wither witha 10lb broad sword I hand forged from damascus steel or a bastard sword made from spring steel when I tool a Crusader persona or in my Norse persons I used either a Viking sword and a double bladed axe. However in my SCA days I do mind the time then fighting the Prince Regent and he was excufing a tip toes spin shot and my rattan sword managed to get 1 inch anal penetration. he walked all funny off the field commenting he was done fighting that day. Moisty I fouyght bace and round shield. The mace was the heavy cork ball innner from a softball afixed to a ratan haft. because I used to get shots into the ass or hip which was classed as a kill shot (mass weapon crushing injuries in thar area), and due to the anal penetration shot with a sword I named the mace "Ennema" . People spend more time watching their ass so they last thing they saw was the red coloured bace head landing with force on their visor or faceplate. Even used at one time a full role of dunny paper (Toilet paper) heavly duc taped on a haft. It delivered a souprisingly heavy blow too... Prefered to fight earth on Earth and get in close then delived a blow with a step through with my 135kg of body weight. Armour was mostly either ornate carved sole leather or hand made chain (I make the links individually, flatten nboth ends and hand rivet them together. For me making the arms and armour is more than half the fun.. I turn 63 this year and am in the process of making new chain and leather armour (Even designed leag armour to act like my knee brace I wear on my screwed left leg to keep the authenticity) with a Sutton Hoo replica hlm and forging a new sword from damascus steel. Looking forward to literally having a great birthday bash.I'll even have a goodly supply of my home made meade ready too. Iron Bear Master of Bruin Cottage (A Victorian Lifestyle poly home) "I judge a Man by what I see him do and not by what others tell me he does." (Captain Sir Edward Pellew of the HMS Indefatigable to Midshipman Hornblower ~ C.S. Forrester)

sophia37 -> RE: Renaissance Fayres (6/7/2008 5:05:36 PM)
long ago and far away, I drempt of sailing across the sea and experiencing the life of merchant at a UK Ren Faire. I went on line and looked and looked and looked, thinking UK Ren faires would be that much more wonderful than US Ren Faires. Sadly, tariffs and money got in my way. I'd have to come over there and bring nothing with me in order to avoid all the costs with travel. So while I am a true artisan, and can make my own stuff, this dream never could bring itself to life. Bummer. On the other hand, this is my 23rd year working in the themed entertainment industry. And Im pretty sick to death of Ren Faires and all the politics that go along with them. I wouldnt even want to go to one on a weekend off. So dont kid yourself on the authenticity factor. Sure the big shows have a pre-weekend you could go to, to learn to speak the speak. But anyone can speak the speak without classes. Aye. Good sir! How go-est thee, this fine day? I mean really. Like duh. lolololol Foresooth! Ye protest-ith on my speak? Yea are welcome to it. Yet Hardly madam/sir, do I see such fine manners as thee in this fine kingdom! I thank thee for sharing your day with me! lolol Yup. Difficult. A regular chore. lol And I dont love SCA-ers either. They give most artisans a pain. Or at least that's what most artisans say about them when they arent around. Im sure SCA-ers are good people when not dressed in garb, but most SCA-er's...you can spot a mile away. Theres something about them. Maybe its the lack of artisanship in their dress and riggings. I prefer people who leave the craft to the crafters quite frankly. I find the endless perusing of my wares, in order to go make their own in an inferior manner,..well...somewhat trying. You guys take up peoples time sometimes, without thinking that maybe thats kind of crappy. Give the artisans a break and dont stand around for 30 minutes being obvious about the fact that you could make it better, which in fact when you come back a year later, proves to us with your items..that you cant. Not that Im so awful I cant love mankind. I do appreciate those who come out and visit a Ren Faire, in order to actually appreciate what it is I do. I have some wonderful memories along with the hardships of life on a road for pretty much most of my lifetime. I raised four ren rats on the circuit as well. Certainly it isnt for the faint of heart. So hey, go to a Ren Faire. Please do. Especially if you can this year. Times are tight. If possible...share the wealth. But dont be fooled that all items are handcrafted, no matter what you're told. Ren Faires are filled with Chinese imports, like every other venue. It gets worse every year. And more and more crafters are pretty much calling it quits what with show fees, travel expenses and like I said, competition from cheaper priced imports. Especially the weapons. My experience has told me, nobody cares if its imported. Its all abut the price point. So I graciously accept my defeat in that area. Im creative, I'll survive.

Irishknight -> RE: Renaissance Fayres (6/7/2008 5:24:46 PM)
My wife left the circuit and will not make so much as a chainmaille keychain anymore. At her last show, she was guaranteed to be the only chainmaille merchant. There were three booked. All had the same promise. One of the others sent his child over to buy one of my wife's jewelry pieces and made a dozen copies to sell. That really pissed her off. The last straw hit when I nearly ripped our tent down trying to restrain myself when someone asked her with me standing five feet away to come back to his tent and screw. She says her merchant days are over.

Aneirin -> RE: Renaissance Fayres (6/7/2008 5:53:16 PM)
Yep, I know what you mean about cheap imports, have you seen the maille hauberks on ebay, just over $100 a shirt, like forget making that stuff, it is not worth it. Mind looking closely at the maille, it is of a poor quality, Euro 4:1, where in some places it is 5:1. I did years ago make the re-enactor type wares, things that break or go missing easily, like fibulas,penannulars and belt buckles, mostly out of silicon bronze brazing rods, beaten about a bit to disguise the fact that they were originally round and uniform. Not my best efforts, but then I did sell at what would equate to $ 8. The stuff that I made which was museum quality, rarely I could sell that, just too expensive, re enactors were known for being either tight or skint, or money reserved for ale. Bravo to Iron Bear for the Damascus steel, I am only just experimenting with making that stuff now, band saw blades and mild steel.

Irishknight -> RE: Renaissance Fayres (6/7/2008 5:58:38 PM)
A friend of mine uses the bearing races from rail cars. They make excellent blades if you have the equipment to work them.

CruelDesires -> RE: Renaissance Fayres (6/7/2008 6:01:58 PM)
Our local faire is celebrating its 10 year anniversary. Tomorrow is the last day. I almost missed it. I think I will go as a mundane and just take pics. :) CD

Irishknight -> RE: Renaissance Fayres (6/7/2008 6:04:36 PM)
Can you get me some pics of the joust? We sold a grey gelding to the guys doing that show. I would dearly love to see how he looks in action.

Aneirin -> RE: Renaissance Fayres (6/7/2008 6:13:14 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Irishknight A friend of mine uses the bearing races from rail cars. They make excellent blades if you have the equipment to work them. I would think given the composition of the steel, they would make excellent blades, we used to straighten out car leaf springs in a yard fire for blades, which was funny, as we always knew when a new sword was needed, as the blade would start to remember it's initial shape. Now I have a blade made out fully heat treated and case hardened EN45, the last time I used it, it did an excalibur job on a mild steel sword, without so much as a ding in the edge. That sword just sits in the corner of my room as I have not done any battling for ten years.

Irishknight -> RE: Renaissance Fayres (6/7/2008 6:16:40 PM)
Here is one of my favorite memories of performing at faire. Tell me who the guy staring at my staff is for extra credit. [image]http://images.onesite.com/irishknight.renspace.com/larryandslipknot.jpg[/image]

CruelDesires -> RE: Renaissance Fayres (6/7/2008 6:30:24 PM)
Sure thing. I will hollar at you tomorrow night if I get some good pics. :) CD

abcbsex -> RE: Renaissance Fayres (6/7/2008 6:36:31 PM)
I've always loved Ren Faires and have never bothered with authenticity, sorry folks. I went as an elf one year, a steampunk pirate the other... and I'm currently looking around this area for a good one because I just love the atmosphere. My favorite actress at the Gig Harbor, WA faire was always the girl who played the blue fairy. She'd stay in character all day and would only chirp... looked like fun. There was also a dwarf who played the troll under the bridge. So I guess they should have called it the fantasy rennassaince faire, but what-ev. It was fun and plenty of people came without worrying about where exactly they got their clothes. Alpha is currently working on getting a pirate outfit together, it's a slow process but he's enjoying finding just the right pieces.

Irishknight -> RE: Renaissance Fayres (6/7/2008 6:38:26 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: CruelDesires Sure thing. I will hollar at you tomorrow night if I get some good pics. :) CD Thanks.

hizgeorgiapeach -> RE: Renaissance Fayres (6/7/2008 6:56:21 PM)
Feel free to contact me at any point on the other side of CM, Irish! I'm ALWAYS open to sales outlets of such a nature - and the party that goes on after the shops close for the night! I can understand the Lady's hesitation to continue merchanting as a Mailler, considering what she went through - it would piss me off no end as well. (Fortunately, it's not so simple to turn out a piece of soap or bottle of Good lotion on the spot, and my recipes are closely guarded secrets!) I don't worry much about getting propositioned - I'm single, and will either say yes or no depending on my whim. Aneirin, the folks I know who make Chain do no Less than 6:1, and a couple of them prefer doing more complicated things like 10:1 and 12:1. They would be embarassed to show something that was only 4:1, and won't even teach it. Bear - I spent 6 years doing forgework with an ex (now dead, may he finally find the peace he couldn't during life). Did the whole merchant thing with him in our home Kingdom and several of the various Wars - primarily Lillies since it was close to home, and about every other year we'd go set up as merchants at Estrella War. He and I went our seperate ways years ago, but I still love doing forge welded knives when I get the opportunity! We were primarily working with Spring stock, though I had started experimenting with Mokume - ex simply didn't have a light enough touch to work with the finer metals, but did some positively Astounding work with high/low carbon steel blends. There are still times that I miss having easy ready access to the gas forge, tempering oven, and quench tank we had set up in his shop. (Btw - care to send that Meade recipe? I'm always looking for such to make new batches with in hopes of finding THE perfect recipe. Pretty please? Or you could simply ship me a bottle - my birthday is a week from now, after all! LOL)

IronBear -> RE: Renaissance Fayres (6/7/2008 7:19:13 PM)
Perhaps because we have a smaller population, we don't appear to have the same issues with SCA members as I'm reading here. here when I was involved it was very family oriented with the knights and squires running pages schools where the youngns learned chivelary and other such things so sadly missing in today's society. I know the varfious Artesians Guilds such as Costuming, Scribes, Armorours and of course the ever popular Brewers Guiuld has always beenpopular with some top class people who have researched their crafts and who are happy to teach new commers. I do know that my own calligraphy got a huge boost when in the SCA and through the people I met there and still are friends today, I was able to take my 9thC Irish Calligraphy & Illumination (a-la Book of Kells) to a national level (outside the SCA). However I also agree that there is often some disgusting armour and garb about. I looked at a shirt made by a maching in the USA, it looked reasonable untill I looked closely and there is no way known to mankind I'd want to do combat in chain like that. On the other hand, I like many others love a good Medieval Feast. rarely have I worn finery to Court as in my personas I would probably and thus do feast in chain, sword strapped. For such social occasions and especially if the bought stuff looks ok and I'm not fighting I have found it more convienent to wear a coat of chain factory made. It also stops the problems of oiled chain messing up other gear... However, each to his or her own. Iron Bear Master of Bruin Cottage (A Victorian Lifestyle poly home) "I judge a Man by what I see him do and not by what others tell me he does." (Captain Sir Edward Pellew of the HMS Indefatigable to Midshipman Hornblower ~ C.S. Forrester)

Leatherist -> RE: Renaissance Fayres (6/7/2008 7:26:10 PM)
I got tired of the sca and left it behind. It was fun when it was college kids 24 years ago, and they at least made a passing attempt at something historical. Over the years it seems to have degenerated into a bunch of egotistical red neck stick jocks...who's main after hours hobby is getting drunk,banging on bongos-and chasing skirt. I might have stuck around for the merchanting, but they are all broke.

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