Forming Steel Plates for Samurai Armored Gauntlets by Beating.　Japanese Samurai Armor Channel

【Forming Steel Plates for Samurai Armored Gauntlets by Beating.】
Japanese Samurai Armor Channel

This video showcases the process of hammering and shaping the iron plates for the namako-tekko gohon-shino kote (sleeve armor with five splints and cucumber-shaped hand protection) of a tosei-gusoku (modern armor), under the guidance of master armorer Shindo Atsuta.

In Japanese armor, the kote (gauntlets or sleeves) are crucial pieces of equipment for protecting the arms. Beyond mere defense, various shapes and structures were developed in consideration of ease of movement and harmony with other armor components.

[Main Work Processes in this Video]
① Gently bending the shino (splint plates) using an inner round anvil.
② Deepening the bend of the gently curved shino using a round bar.
③ Shaping the shino to conform to the body.
④ Gently bending the iron plate for the tekko (hand guard) using a round dished anvil.
⑤ Deepening the bend at the fingertip area of the gently curved tekko.
⑥ Bending the parts of the tekko that will be connected with chainmail.
⑦ Gently bending the iron plate for the thumb using an inner round anvil.
⑧ Deepening the bend of the gently curved thumb piece using a round bar.
⑨ Curving the fingertip of the thumb piece using a round bar.
⑩ Adding a bulge at the base of the thumb piece using a round hollow in a wooden block.
⑪ Bending the parts of the thumb piece that will be connected with chainmail.