Stopping the sword
 

I will be having a lot of free time at work during the summer and plan on starting a new ambitious project. I am going to try to make a set of Samurai armor. I have found a lot of pictures and descriptions of some of the pieces. What I am in need of is any guides that describe the processes of making these. Such as weaving the cords, lacing patterns, etc. I have done a few google searches and have only come up with a few broken links and un-updated works in progress. If you have any reference sites to share it would be much appreciated. Thanks.

I haven't found any sites, but I've seen books (yeah, the ones with paper) that have basic descriptions of the design and process. Try looking at your local library. Even if you can't find something you like there, they'll usually be able to order it from another library for you for a very minimal charge.

I wish I had some names to give you, but I really can't remember any of them.

Here a good site
 

I believe this is the best site for what you're looking for.

http://www.sengokudaimyo.com/katchu/

Many thanks to you. That will be of much help. Again thank you.

good luck with that!

Cool project. It sure beats getting fat whilst watching TV. Go for it.

I saw a doco years ago about this. Their armourwas pretty crap. They got big heavy circles of metal and then tied them in front of their chest and behind their back. That part should be pretty easy anyway. I dont know if Im remembering right or not

Best of luck to you on that. Let us all know how it goes.

You may also wish to try this link too:

http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Olympus/3505/index.html

I found it to be quite fascinating. Each page has a description of different types of armor as well as how they are made.

wow, awesome project... take pictures! :D

Well after reading those sites and some other materials I was able to find I have come the the conclusion that samurai armor is not in the budget of someone in college ;)
I have instead decided just to put my efforts into making this outfit which is within reason.
http://www.koei.com/SamuraiWarriors/...ery_pop07l.htm

i assume by the link that you are making a costume and not actual armor, i would suggest a few things to bring down the cost of such a venture. metal can be attained cheaply in sheet form from junkyards or, as i like to do, strip metal from old washing machines. you would be surprised what you can do with that stuff and a few tools. leather on the other hand is always expensive as far as ive seen. cloth can be attained through goodwills and garage sales. the toughest part of all this is the hours you will invest and the tools you will need. i wish you luck.

The costume is something that I've been wanting to make since I saw the previews for the game. The samurai armor was a bug thats been up my ass for a while but got sparked again when I saw Last Samurai, go figure. Tools and time I have, even with my resourcefulness for materials this still would seem to be a budget topping project at this time. It will eventually be done but at the moment its on hold. I'll continue to satisfy my armor habits with chainmail while I'm on the phone at work :)

Found something you may have a use for.
http://wakagashira.com/make/materials/index.htm