Attached to this document are templates for strong leather training gauntlets. They aren't based on any authentic pattern, but will serve a beginning spearman well. The idea is to protect the top of the hand, thumb and forearm all the way up to & including the elbow.

 You should use cow hide, perhaps 3.2 to 4.5mm shoulder. When cutting it out, use a decent sharp knife, and score multiple times rather than putting excess weight on the knife. You can use cheap, inauthentic but easy pop-rivets, though I recommend making the effort and buying copper roof nails and small washers; they make excellent authentic looking rivets. If you can't get good washers, you can drill holes in any light metal, and cut it up into small squares.

 I usually use thonging to tie it around the wrist & underarm. However, keep simplicity in mind; the fewer holes to be tied up, the quicker you will prep for training.

 

Copyright 2008, John Looney.

This work is licenced under a Creative Commons Licence.