The percussive effect and plate armour

[katana]

Originally Posted by Pukka Bundook

Hello David.

In a topic like this, it always must come down to what we "think' might happen, without first hand accounts....so I would 'think' that with the padding layers under the armour, shock waves would be minimised, and damage would be caused more by concussion on skull, or from crushing, as caused by mace, flail or war hammer....or as Jim has stated, sharp things piercing the weak spots.
I suppose with crushing weapons, the results could be fatal but could take a lengthy time to become so, through resulting infections.

just my two pennorth worth!

Richard.

Hi Richard ,
thanks for your input. I think you have to ask yourself why the war hammer became very popular (in Europe) during the 15th C ...and why it was improved at that time. I believe, in a way... I do have 'first hand' knowledge due to this. Weapons and armour are intrinsically linked, if one improved...the other had to evolve to compensate. The 'hammer' evolved to counter the improvements in the armour. You could 'thicken' the padded under-garments ...to help compensate...but then you would loose movement. The armour would also have to be a number of sizes 'larger' to accomodate the extra thickness of 'padding' .. not only would movement be more restricted.....heat build up would be increased.

Kind Regards David