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Silk Fencing Garb by Lady Meadhbh ní Dhubhthaigh
Recently there was a lengthy discussion on the ladyrapier e-mail list about using silk for fencing garb. These are the key points:
For fencing, Atenveldt requires that the main part of the body (chest) be covered with 4 layers of trigger or "an equivalent that will pass the puncture test." An additional requirement that will necessitate having 4 layers of trigger etc. under the arms is expected to be passed soon. It is possible that with certain high-quality silks, only two layers will be needed to pass the test. As always, materials should be tested before being made into garb and worn at a tourney or war.
Silks deteriorate rapidly in the sun. For those who fence indoors this is not a problem, but in Atenveldt we usually fence in the sun. So consider this when looking for silk for garb.
The presence of salts (as in sweat) further deteriorates silks.
On the positive side, silk breathes even when wet, is beautiful, and is a period fiber.
Silk blended with linen or cotton may have a longer life than 100% silk, and may be more usable for garb, both fencing and dress.
A web site was given for a store called "Silk Road" www.srfabrics.com. This store is physically located in Austin, Texas, but it also sells fabric via the Internet and will ship the goods. They have quite a large selection of 100% silk, silk/linen, silk/cotton, silk/rayon ... you get the picture.
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