Make Witcher Bracers! | Can Geralt Armor stop a sword? | Skill Tree

[@ZenDoggie]

I had the same reaction when I first heard about brig armor. Ah, the heady days of my youth, when putting on some pads and beating my friends with kendo shinai seemed like a good idea. Those bracers would have been super useful. My hands are pretty pissed at me now, especially during the winter. Yay, youth and enthusiasm! Have you considered learning/showing how to make articulated leather gauntlets? Mittens would be amazing, full fingers is...ambitious. I think you could do an amazing job either way. Keep up the awesome work, you're inspiring!

[@ordnaelshideout]

This is such a cool project, brigandine bracers! I had never thought about sticking metal bars inside pockets in my bracers 😁

[@SkillTree]

Glad you liked! Thes transform my arms into mauls 🤣. I am like a windmill of destruction now. Thank you for watching.

[@ordnaelshideout]

@@SkillTree thank you for making such video tutorials, they're greatly appreciated! 😁

[@tylerdavis6389]

Excellent Brigandine call out. Cool historical/fantasy thing: there's very little historical text that describe leather or studded leather armor. That most likely came from writers seeing historical illustration of Brigandine and assuming what it was.

[@ZenDoggie]

History teacher (and former medieval reenactor) here, and you are totally correct. Studded leather makes no sense, Brig is AMAZING. Flexible, light, and super protective. I love the stuff. It doesn't look quite as badass as good scale armor...well, maybe it does, but I think protects better. Cheaper to make, too.

[@Glorfindel_117]

As an entry level medievalist, I'm pretty sure that style of armour would be called Lamellar, not Brigandine. As I understand it, Lamellar is strips of metal attached to some sort of cloth or material to provide better protection than a Gambeson would. Brigandine is made of many many smaller rectangular plates that attach to eachother(?) as well as the material that houses them, and are open to the eye from the back. If anyone who properly knows their stuff wants to correct me, I'd happily learn my mistakes on this, though! These do look incredible and this type of project has been added to my list once I actually start leatherworking later this week.. And maybe after a ton of practice.

[@Saurawr]

You got it backwards, leather/cloth outside with inner metal pockets is brigandine. Lamellar is the real world version of the fantasy scale mail, lots and lots of metal (or sometimes boiled leather, which is extremely hard and brittle) stitched together.

[@Glorfindel_117]

@@Saurawr Right that's what I said. Brigandine has metal plates covered by a material, lamellar has metal plates covering a material.

[@Saurawr]

@@Glorfindel_117 Brigandine is metal inside pockets. Lamellar is armor made of stitched together lamellae, which are small plates layered on top of each other. Which one is covering the other isn't really important or the point, they're far more distinct than that and this armor is very, very clearly brigandine and not lamellar.

[@dragonscaskentertainment5139]

This has quickly become one of my favorite channels I have ever come across. Time to make some assassin's armor and necromantic priestess armor.

[@JnJShiffler]

Awesome job. That stitching was crazy. I never would have come up with pinching the spots. I love tossing a coin to any witcher I see at Ren Faires.

[@KaelaMensha]

You could just rivet steel plates onto the inside of leather, as brigandines were actually made. And not bother about pockets.

[@remingtonlayne3644]

I'm going to need you to make the rest of his armor too, please! I looked and looked and studied how to make these bracers and always was left with that same question about what the raised sewing was about. I got stuck and then saw this video tonight! Thank you so much!

[@SkillTree]

Glad I could help! Been researching the rest if the set too. From what the designer said, the shoulders and Cuirass has strips of leather to make the raised areas and still let them be mobile, FYI 😁

[@shredmancer]

@@SkillTree I was wondering if you could use a bunch of old leather belts and put studs. I feel like his studs are a bit smaller and more randomized in location. Also why not dye the leather before crafting with it? Is there a particular reason for that?

[@TheMariusDarkwolf]

Really nice video. I might make a couple of suggestions to make things easier. If you're going to be stitching leather regularly, a stitching pony is fairly inexpensive on amazon, and will hold the leather in place easily giving you a bit more security an the ability to use both hands in stitching. Second, it's usually better to do the dyeing before installing any of the hardware like eyelets, snaps, or rivets, but after you punch the holes. That way if something happens to the hardware, the uncovered leather is still coloured. Thirdly, from the picture you showed, it looked like the tops and bottoms were grooved, and stitched with a closer saddle stitch instead of having a leather cap put on. Fourthly, after the dye dries, adding a finish will protect the leather and dye, keeping it looking good for a long time. Overall however, this was an amazing video, and I can't wait to see more.

[@SkillTree]

Thanks! I definitely will be getting a stitching pony. On my list of things to buy. The reason I dye last is a camera issue. With black items, my camera tends to search for focus as it has troubke identifying detail in a field of black. I was afraid between that and the black stitch on black leather, it would be tricky for the audience to clearly see what's happening. I agree with you, though. That is a better order of operations. Do you think those top and bottom bits are grooved? They looked separate to me, especially if you look at the area closer to the laces. Not sure though. I am still very new to leather working 🤣. Maybe you can tell me this though. Looking at the image, it looks like a single "running stitch" rather than a saddle. I just don't know how to make that as strong as the saddle. Thoughts? Thanks for watching!

[@TheMariusDarkwolf]

@@SkillTree valid point regarding the camera issue, which I free admit I hadn't considered. I usually stitch before dying. I was more meaning dyeing before installing the eyelets (or rivets when they're used). From the brief flash of the images I saw, it looks like they'd cemented the edges, then ran a groover around and stitched the whole way around. Mind you I'm watching on my phone, so resolution is pretty low. Usually when joining leather for armour a saddle stitch is going to be stronger, hence the suggestion. I'll try to look on a bigger screen, if I can pause correctly.

[@ericrylands2860]

Thanks!

[@SkillTree]

Thank you!!!! Means a lot to us😁

[@kylegolinski2233]

This totally insired me to make me and my son a pair of bracers! Love it man!

[@jonathanjones3611]

Dude! I love this channel! Don't stop making videos. I'm digging this

[@SkillTree]

Thanks for the love and for watching! More vids to come!

[@codycole2684]

My Brig for my torso for competition is wool backed with kevlar over titanium plates

[@littlebittycustoms923]

Well done! With all the armor,helmets,swords and bows i guess you will need to craft a cross bow next.....or a mace or a battle hammer. :)

[@SkillTree]

I want to craft ALL OF THOSE 😁. Need to start planning! Thank you so much for watching!

[@The_Nailsmith]

Little bitty customs please call it a war hammer, those were a real thing, battle hammers are an incorrect term

[@rockinrswoodshop]

Dude! Nice job, especially about adding in the metal to make brigantine! And it really looks like your wife enjoyed hitting you with a sword...

[@SkillTree]

She really did... 🤣

[@skyguy95]

What you did was more of a splint armor that was sandwich between hardened leather but it's functional armor so no complaints it's just not actually brigantine

[@tasiatyler4662]

New subscriber on Simon’s recommendation! He’s right very well done! Let’s get the word out shall we?

[@SkillTree]

Lets! 😁 Thank you so much and welcome to the Fam!

[@porkchopulator]

Gonna have to make some of these! The metal seems like it'll be a pain. Tiny workshop and not much room for cutting. May have to be lower on the list.

[@RainMakeR_Workshop]

Brigandine armour is also what "Studded Leather" armour in Dnd was based on. But the designers didn't realised that its NOT the leather providing the protection, rather its the steel plates riveted under the leather. A Brigandine is is also an advancement over the Coat of Plates, which is what Dnd Splint armour is based on. Yet "Splint" armour in Dnd is 17 and "Studded Leather" is 12+Dex modifier. In reality a the protection afforded from a Brigandine is superior to that of a Coat of Plates.

[@Scalesthelizardwizard]

You should try gold leafing

[@vortex514]

Those turned out awesome man!

[@SkillTree]

Thanks! They were super fun to build.

[@jangax9349]

If you can handle brigandine bracers, I'd like to see you tackle splinted bracers. Same concept, just with the metal exposed on the outside. Tackle that old Viking/ Rus warrior vibe.

[@craftingoutofscratch2980]

all the time I'm really looking forward to the next part of the series production of the witcher armor :)

[@bullzebub]

great vid! two things though... maybe you should have made the metal a bit shorter closer to the wrist and the bracers a bit longer so you get a bit of lacing where the arm tapers off at the elbow. but yeah. bracers are trickier than you think to get a great fit.

[@SkillTree]

Good point! Have you seen the bloopers in toe 2019 recap video? I REALLY could have used them to be a hair longer 🤣. Cheers and thank you for watching!

[@bullzebub]

@@SkillTree i havent! i think i have to watch it now! thank you for doing these great vids!

[@Scalesthelizardwizard]

For your Tome of Magic, you should look at the grimoires from Black Clover for inspiration love you videos

[@SkillTree]

Will do! Thanks for the tip!

[@Scalesthelizardwizard]

@@SkillTree Your welcome if you haven't seen Black Clover I highly recommend it the manga is way better then the anime.

[@SirPalandar]

Another great video! Those bracers look great! Never thought of squishing the spots with pliers to make them ovals. Great tip! Was it Tim from Tandy that you spoke with? He is quite knowledgeable! Known him for years.

[@SkillTree]

Oh! Are you in the boston area? What tandy do you go to? Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@SirPalandar]

Yes, I live about 45 Minutes south of Boston. I typically go the Chelmsford Tandy and work with Lauren or Evan. But I know Tim from the Connecticut Tandy from ren Faires. Which Tandy do you use?

[@JacobOphir]

That’s amazing just imagine what it would be like if you did that to all of your armor

[@PatinaLeathercraft]

Great work! Love how you made it real and not just for the looks =D

[@TKNPaintings]

You deserve a lot more subs! :D

[@nicholastalley6096]

Amazing work. I am hope you decide to make wooden replica swords from the show next.

[@SkillTree]

Oooh. That sounds pretty cool. I need to break down and get myself a table saw and a dust collection system🤣. STILL cleaning up the sawdust from my pipe video. Thanks for the idea!

[@Scalesthelizardwizard]

Hope had you Marry Christmas I got some leather one-piece is a reddish-purple and I'm gonna convert a 600-page sketchbook in it to make badass Tome of Magic and when it's done I'm gonna share it on Discord.

[@SkillTree]

Sweeeeeeeet! I can't wait to see it! Thanks for watching!

[@Scalesthelizardwizard]

@@SkillTree your welcome

[@JoseMartinez-xd6de]

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻AWESOME WORK MAN 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@SkillTree]

Thanks! And thanks again for watching!

[@tonsonbloodaxe2605]

oh hell yeah!!!!!! was this the one you were talking about?! also if tou get wool socks and just cut the toes off they're good for arm padding under vambraces

[@SkillTree]

Great tip! I have JUST the socks too! Thanks for watching 😁

[@tonsonbloodaxe2605]

for sure keep up the great work!!!

[@approblade]

Fun fact: studded leather was likely a mis interpretation of the rivets in brigandine

[@jacquesvanderwesthuizen8723]

Thanks, you helped me a lot

[@CorsoWorkshop]

Duuuuuuuuuuuude!! This is sooo awesome!! :O I really wanna make LOADS OF LEATHER ARMOR NOW!! :D

[@SkillTree]

Thanks, bro! Glad you liked it! Here's to a new year of making for us both!😁👍

[@remingtonlayne3644]

What size eyelet setter and beveler do you typically use?

[@minimalmike1410]

Heck yeah! love it You're awesome!

[@SkillTree]

Thanks! Glad you liked it. I loved making these😁

[@shtaqmkatoriz9827]

Nice video!

[@SkillTree]

Thanks! And thank you for watching😁

[@ianmccrimmon387]

Did you apply a top coat to both sides of the leather after the dye finished drying? I'd worry about the color bleeding off while you wore it.

[@SkillTree]

I did indeed!😁

[@JnJShiffler]

Any sealant used after dying? Any color rub off issues?

[@MobyBrickFlicks]

Im working on this project right now. Damn I did not realize how much stitching there is haha

[@jaliaaura7208]

How heavy is the brigantine bracers? Are you able to put in on a scale and compare it to your other bracer? I have never worked on a leather and I am learning alot for you. Thank you and its a beautiful bracer.

[@mohryfire15]

Hows about some leather boots to help complete the ensemble

[@SkillTree]

I am actively looking to either buy or make lasts to do exactly this! 😁 Thanks for watching!

[@mohryfire15]

@@SkillTree you should make one for sure. It would be more custom if you did and it would for sure fit. Not all last are created equal.

[@revolvershalashaskaocelot5495]

Lets do full armor❤🖤⚔

[@dryluss2998]

i am waiting for another witchers projects

[@MakerCuisine]

Those bracers are so awesome, the piece is solid and the stitching is great! I think your wife maybe enjoyed hitting you with a sword a little too much though haha, badass bro 🤘

[@powerarmorpatriot2068]

How many pieces of metal does this require?

[@tymartinez3166]

I'm using 8-9oz leather but my bracers are always floppy and weak, what am I doing wrong?

[@adlerdec2425]

you should make the Witcher leather paudrons aswell

[@mikeg4365]

0:40 did she just attack with the Flat

[@SkillTree]

Nah. It looks like she let her wrist loose and the blade turned on her. Probably a bit gun shy after nailing me in the arm the first time 😅

[@beardedgremlin8117]

Sweetness

[@EarthMunky66]

Looks sick! Now make the rest :)\ Also, what is the reason for the three rows of holes between each metal insert? Why not just have one row of stitching?

[@SkillTree]

One row of sitiching would have been WAY easier, I agree. It just wouldn't have looked like the one in the show and I was trying to stay as close as possible to that one. Pretty much just me being a stickler for the detail. That's the tricky bit with the rest of the armor. SIGNIFICANTLY more stitching. On the bright side, you can see that he is able to bend and flex so I imagine the it is made from hardened leather. That stitching might be a little easier as I won't need to make pockets but rather can sew through the stacks of leather.

[@powerarmorpatriot2068]

Where did you get the metal from?

[@eddiemilner5344]

4:25 did you mean mold the wet LEATHER around the METAL?

[@ricardorodriguez8469]

More functional pieces

[@donaldmcdaniel1773]

👍👍👍👍

[@CashelOConnolly]

Hi again I’ve been reading about the importance of having a distinctive thumbnail for your channel. I was trying to find you in my subscription list. I looked and looked then realized what I thought was defunct channel was yours! Your thumbnail looks almost exactly like what you see when a channel no longer exists,just a white blob. I hope you don’t think I’m being rude or cheeky saying this after all I’m below being a novice

[@SkillTree]

Not at all! I appreciate the feedback. I heard the same thing but always in relation to each new video's thumbnail. I honestly never even thought of it regarding my channel icon, which is what I think you are referring to. Super good point! I will have to ponder a solution🤔. Thank you!

[@FunkBallGX]

Simon Whistler sent me!

[@SkillTree]

Welcome! Hope you enjoy the channel!

[@Beamer1969]

The rivets should not be decorative they should hold the leather to the steel.

[@temurnariashvili7526]

1) like video. 2) watch video. 3) wow wow!

[@SkillTree]

1) thank you for the like. 2) thank you for watching. 3) thank you for making my day! Glad you enjoyed the vid!😁

[@craftingoutofscratch2980]

you do complete armor Witcher, Geralt?

[@SkillTree]

I would love to. Just need to get enough ahead with my videos. Each is shot in a weekend because I have a full time job during the week. The amount of stitching in his armor will take me quite a bit longer. I will try though!

[@craftingoutofscratch2980]

@@SkillTree it will be nice :) because then I go to LARP's and it would be nice to have some good gear

[@codycole2684]

Cosplay Chris has a good set of tutorials for those who want a Con set as opposed to this

[@EMPOR5615]

Can I order these from you ?

[@craftingoutofscratch2980]

I'd love to see complete armor from the witcher

[@SkillTree]

I will be returning to this soon. Each item is so intricate that it takes a few days to complete. I need to set aside a good chunk of time to do it But I am in love with the overall look so I will absolutely get it done.

[@craftingoutofscratch2980]

@@SkillTree that's good :) I'm looking forward to it.

[@blasbrothers4089]

😯😮🤩

[@michaelbrubaker201]

Seal and burnish

[@SkillTree]

Done and done. I wasn't sure if I was actually "done" as I sometimes like to toy with the design after the fact and wanted to leave some options open. But now it has that lovely atom wax shine and a gum trag edge😁. Thanks for watching.

[@michaelbrubaker201]

@@SkillTree Bevel, burnish, and sealing add a level of professionalism to your work. I enjoy your vids, keep on keepin on.