Makeshift Unorthodox Costume (In Progress)

[SirLiftaLot]

I hate all new looking parts as it looks like it was just picked up at galactic mart. Star wars always has a very lived in worn look and each scratch and dent has a story of the character's adventures. FOR ME new looks more costume-y…just my preference

You're not wrong. I guess I just never really thought about it because it's not as much of an issue for CLOTHING as it is for ARMOR, and up until now I've been mostly working with clothing, with the exception of the fencing mask (which I think is a pretty clear exception to the rule) and the forearm/elbow pads, and I'd imagine that black pieces on the limbs would be less obviously "new" visually, especially considering that the forearm pads are already layered and a matte color, which sometimes looks less costumey.

But looking at actual body armor, even Anakin and Obi-Wan's Clone Wars armor had visible wear, so you do have a point there:


Although Vader was fairly clean and shiny from what I recall of him. But Boba Fett was really worn in the OT. Jango maybe had a little wear? But Mando is super clean and shiny so far.

I saw the weathering and texturing techniques used in Musashi's video, but do you have any suggestions for a simple weathering process?

[DarthProdigal]

Well Vader has a serious "can't touch this" kind of vibe... I don't think from Ep3-5/6 people really had much opportunity to "land blows" on him. And I bet the Empire has a pretty good armor replacement ideology/armorer for such a high ranking individual. I mean if the "Might of the Empire" goes around looking all dinged up it looks like rebels are making headway or some such... He's more of a symbol than just a man so similarly he must be all spit and polish in appearance theoretically. Again, the power scale on things, who is going to have much of a chance to scar or ding up his armor in that time period as well...? So Darth Vader's armor may very well be considered an anomaly or exception to the rule in SW universe. I cant comment on Mando since I haven't watched and therefore cannot form a first hand opinion of relating events.

But all other examples fit the wearer in time period and related struggles. Hard jobs, war, combat, these things provide wear and tear on armor for sure. And unless the structural integrity is compromised, most tend not to (or are unable due to supply lines/shortages or not having skilled armorers or smiths available to) replace pieces, whole sets, or even remove damage from armor. Especially if it's specifically crafted to be out of hard to find/work with lightsaber resistant materials or even blaster resistant weaves/finishes. So I could find reason to agree if you want to look "seasoned" a personally preferable amount of weathering wouldn't be a bad bet.

Although I am less helpful in that department because I prefer looking more or less spotless if I can manage it. Possibly counterintuitive toward realism but also stating "none can land a blow upon me" in it's own way. Or so I like my armor to represent at any rate... when purely for show.

It's also like the military ideology of dress uniforms vs combat uniforms. And gear for presentation vs actual deployment. You want to look your best around bases for ceremony, VIP events, and other functions. But when you go to actually wreck shop, blow up things, or just do some training in the mud/sand/forest you break out the "worn in" or dirtier stuff that is more function than form. Since you plan on getting it a little messed up anyway in theory or practice. Anyway that's just my take on it.

[mrg149]

the simplest method for some light weathering is some dry brushing. Take a brush and put paint on it then wipe it on a rag to get most off then lightly go over edges where you would expect rubbing and high wear and tear would occur. You can do some chipping using the same technique with a natural sponge and doing some light dabs. Do some scuffing and scratching in areas that might get high battle impacts.

I like adding grime to creases by applying dark browns and black over an entire surface and then wiping most of it away. Let it stick in the cracks, scratches and dents where dirt and gunk would collect.

There are literally hundreds of ways to add some wear to pieces…heck go outside and roll around on various surfaces or just beat it up yourself. Enhance with a little strategic painting and ddon't orget to seal with some clear matte or flat to lock it in.

If you want to go super nuts and put in a blaster hole or a lightsaber gash…well you'd use the same techniques as creating shattering effects on a lightsaber…rotary tools and soldering irons 

[SirLiftaLot]

Thank you for the suggestions and ideas.

As usual, good thoughts from both DarthProdigal and mrg149. One one hand, a worn look gives pieces, and an outfit, character, and makes it look truer to what it would in-universe on a hardened and experienced warrior. On the other hand, so long as it's done well enough to hopefully not look cheap, a clean piece hopefully wouldn't look costume-y, but just like an unworn, new piece. Maybe for someone who just obtained or made it, or maybe for someone who replaced their old piece for it. Perhaps I can just let actual wear and tear and weathering do its thing from sparring and whatnot. That way it can get its own authentic character and story over time. I know I've dropped my sabers a few times, and gotten a scuff or two on them, which adds actual character in a way. Decisions decisions!

Also, I just ordered these shin and knee guards for under $30. Being designed for catchers, who move a lot, and squat a lot, they should allow for good mobility, while still providing solid protection, as they're meant to take impact from very close-range foul balls and things of that nature. Plus they look pretty armor-like I'd say. I think I'll probably leave them black to match my black forearm and elbow pads. Maybe just do some accents here and there with the main focus of covering up the logo and text by the knee area.

[SirLiftaLot]

LIGHTSABER UPDATES:

After seeing that in some traditional form movements, the blades close to the emitter hit under my arms, which is fine with practice sabers, but would be disastrous with an in-universe lightsaber. So I picked up 2 3" extensions, to add 3" to each side of the hilt, or 6" overall. I took some actual measurements:

Blade (tip to where it meets the emitter, or "exposed blade"): 24"
Single Hilt: From where "exposed blade" ends to where QR coupler begins: 12"
Single Hilt with Extension: 15.25"

Double hilt w/o extensions (using QR coupler): 26"
Full saberstaff (blade tip to blade tip): 69" (or 5'9")

Double hilt w/ 2x extensions (using QR coupler): 32.5"
Full saberstaff w/ 2 extension (tip to tip): 75" (or 6'3")
 
Single hilt with 2x extensions and Yari extension: 34"
Single hilt w/ 2 extension and Yari, pommel to blade tip: 55.5" (or ~4-7")

Single hilt with 1x PVC extension: 33"
Single hilt w/ PVC extension, pommel to blalde tip: 54.4" (or ~4'-6")

I can still spin and maneuver the 6'3" staff well so far, and it solves the underarm blade issue well.

Photos (please excuse my feet in one photo):





I also practiced some of the two-handed under-arm spin, which Maul (Park) seems to use a lot, particularly when preparing to fight to get into a combat stance, or to change stances with some flourish.

Shorter hilt:
https://i.imgur.com/SLzpQQN.mp4

Longer hilt:
https://i.imgur.com/M1t0O1x.mp4

[DarthProdigal]

If you want to go super nuts and put in a blaster hole or a lightsaber gash…well you'd use the same techniques as creating shattering effects on a lightsaber…rotary tools and soldering irons  

Ok, I've got to admit blaster impacts or lightsaber scarring sounds pretty epic if placed strategically on armor. Obviously thinking more near sides of torso, on shoulders/arms or even leg/shin armor... like you were fighting so many opponents you couldn't help but get lightly grazed deflecting a flurry of blaster bolts or tactically using the armor to soak up a slash that otherwise could have maimed... Even a good way to sell the "lightsaber resistance" of certain armor by showing it was actively used to directly block/deflect an attack. You make a good case with those nice examples MrG!

And Sir, as always you find some dang cool armor options. It's pretty sleek and stylish, but I really like the partial continuation over the foot for some reason! I respect the idea of letting the armor gain it's own weathering through use, though you'd likely REALLY have to put it through the wringer to achieve terribly noticeable results that way I fear... who knows. You could always just mix it into a training opportunity by having 4-5 opponents attack simultaneously for like 45 minutes. You can practice surviving and retaliating while getting dinged up. Although, I did notice that potentially some of MrG's or other various weathering options may be a dual purpose solution to your "problem" of covering/removing some logos. Depending on the type of surface they occupy? Well, good luck with your decision process and attempts if you don't go the natural route.

As far as the lightsaber extension goes, I couldn't see it at first, I had to look really hard. They did solve your unfavorable situation, and it looks nice/practical. Welcome back to a longer lightsaber lol. You have so much space for gripping and modifying hand positions that it has to be a great feeling. I love falling back on Maul for several movements because, lets be honest he was the double bladed lightsaber "role model" for a generation, but his movements are sometimes so fluid and practical they just feel good too or just look awesome. Also with that much hilt and wider grips you can manage some nasty force in blows and advantage in blade locks.

[SirLiftaLot]

Ok, I've got to admit blaster impacts or lightsaber scarring sounds pretty epic if placed strategically on armor. Obviously thinking more near sides of torso, on shoulders/arms or even leg/shin armor... like you were fighting so many opponents you couldn't help but get lightly grazed deflecting a flurry of blaster bolts or tactically using the armor to soak up a slash that otherwise could have maimed... Even a good way to sell the "lightsaber resistance" of certain armor by showing it was actively used to directly block/deflect an attack. You make a good case with those nice examples MrG!

And Sir, as always you find some dang cool armor options. It's pretty sleek and stylish, but I really like the partial continuation over the foot for some reason! I respect the idea of letting the armor gain it's own weathering through use, though you'd likely REALLY have to put it through the wringer to achieve terribly noticeable results that way I fear... who knows. You could always just mix it into a training opportunity by having 4-5 opponents attack simultaneously for like 45 minutes. You can practice surviving and retaliating while getting dinged up. Although, I did notice that potentially some of MrG's or other various weathering options may be a dual purpose solution to your "problem" of covering/removing some logos. Depending on the type of surface they occupy? Well, good luck with your decision process and attempts if you don't go the natural route.

Thanks. I do also like the partial foot covering. From a martial arts perspective, it's not out of place eithe.

Mrg has some solid options for sure, and his work on the gauntlets is top-notch.  I suppose I could let it weather from practice, or I can just hang it somewhere and beat on it myself with some of my wooden staffs, or even metal nunchucks, like a training dummy to accelerate the process significantly, and also give me a cool improvised target of realistic proportions.

I mean, it's a $40 torso armor, so if I end up eventually finding out I want something different, or more advanced aesthetic improvements, I can always pick up another one, or something different, an then have a backup, or one to lend someone else to spar with. So I think I'll just go with the normal metallic paint, after some scuffing to remove any top-layer on the armor as-is, which maybe will give it a little bit of texture too.

[SirLiftaLot]

Also, what exactly constitutes "shoulder protection" under Saber Legion's definition for heavy sparring? What I have covers the top of the shoulders from hard downward impact (the bony part of the shoulders), but not the deltoids from lateral strikes, which, while they would still likely hurt like hell, probably wouldn't pose quite the same level of damage to bone. IRC kendo armor sets don't cover the delts either. I'm set for medium sparring, but for heavy I'll need:

1: back of head protection (attaches to fencing mask), like this one:

2: neck protection (gorget), this one gets good reviews:

3: MAYBE deltoid protection, depending on the rules, but I'd rather not have to wear shoulder armor under my shoulder armor (insert Zzibit "yo dawg, I heard you like shoulder armor, so I put shoulder armor under your shoulder armor so you can wear shoulder armor while you wear shoulder armor.")

[DarthProdigal]

I'd suppose shoulder armor by definition should cover what they consider to be a "valid target" if indeed you can strike that zone specifically to score a point. I mean if it's not valid and is only to protect against incidental impacts then maybe it's a bit more flexible in definition? I'd search or inquire for clarification from someone here who has actually had some experience in competition/sparring within some of the competition format rule structures. They'd likely be able to outline what their individual associations define as adequate or recommended under separate conditions. I'd bet the various organizations differ a little but have somewhat similar overall "top tier" standardization.

When I think shoulder armor I tend to think that Jedi looking partial arm coverage, pauldrons or something similar without going full on medieval. But in reality they could just want to make sure your collar bone isn't getting broken and shoulder joint isn't easy to fracture. I'd assume it's more practical than anything else in simply soaking up those downward blows that slide off or miss a helmet more so than worrying about sideways impacts into the region. I mean I could be wrong, but I know from experience how much force the previous category can bring to bear. Man am I surprised I haven't broken bones doing the savage things I've done. If I were less cautious, gifted, or reactive I'd probably look like Darth Sion by now.

[SirLiftaLot]

I'd suppose shoulder armor by definition should cover what they consider to be a "valid target" if indeed you can strike that zone specifically to score a point. I mean if it's not valid and is only to protect against incidental impacts then maybe it's a bit more flexible in definition? I'd search or inquire for clarification from someone here who has actually had some experience in competition/sparring within some of the competition format rule structures. They'd likely be able to outline what their individual associations define as adequate or recommended under separate conditions. I'd bet the various organizations differ a little but have somewhat similar overall "top tier" standardization.

When I think shoulder armor I tend to think that Jedi looking partial arm coverage, pauldrons or something similar without going full on medieval. But in reality they could just want to make sure your collar bone isn't getting broken and shoulder joint isn't easy to fracture. I'd assume it's more practical than anything else in simply soaking up those downward blows that slide off or miss a helmet more so than worrying about sideways impacts into the region. I mean I could be wrong, but I know from experience how much force the previous category can bring to bear. Man am I surprised I haven't broken bones doing the savage things I've done. If I were less cautious, gifted, or reactive I'd probably look like Darth Sion by now.

What you say makes sense. And I did read in one Reddit write-up that said:

Padded chest protection is key, thrusts hurt, cuts to the shoulder can easily break collar bones, hits to the ribs can crack a rib. Hockey pads are the top recommendation as they cover the necessary bits, have hard shoulder protection, and don't limit mobility. Lacrosse is a good second choice, though they lack shoulder protection. Baseball catchers gear or lacrosse goalie gear are not recommended as they have no shoulder or back protection without modifications. Even outside Saber Legion, it is highly recommended for women to have chest protection.

This does seem to be talking about downward blows, and strikes to the collarbone and top of the shoulder. I'd imagine the deltoids are valid targets, so would of course ideally also want to be covered up, but I'd imagine that they're not quite as vulnerable to serious damage from a single strike as the collarbone and top of the shoulders are. What you say of pauldrons or spaulders would be optimal for sure though. That said, I probably won't actually be doing "heavy" organized sparring in the immediate future, and I'm more than covered for "medium" sparring, so it is all good for now.

[DarthProdigal]

Good stuff, though I'll still eagerly await the day you wear shoulder pads under your shoulder pads. Or even better shoulder pads over your shoulder pads! You can never be too safe.

[SirLiftaLot]

So no Shoulder-ception yet, but I did paint the front and back of the armor, but not the shoulders yet. I didn't really weather it, just sort of used a stripping pad to prepare the armor to be painted from whatever they had on it from the factory. I am happy with the results, and I think it matches the rest of my outfit well enough, which is pretty new in appearance. I'll let it gain its own story and wear over time and practice. Would it have looked a bit better right now if I had applied some weathering? Probably, but I am still happy with the results, and I am sure it will continue to evolve over time and gain character. I will likely always be wearing SOMETHING over it, either the long grey robe/cardigan for aesthetic/visual purposes that obscures all but part of the chest, or the dark grey hooded shirt, which covers the entire armor, etc. so it's probably not going to be super noticeable either way a bit of wear and weathering unless I do with the left option where there is nothing over the armor at all.

[DarthProdigal]

The fact that paint is metallic makes it look more like metal plated or coated armor now, it looks more "resistant" now. And it makes sense not wanting to modify it heavily with weathering or scarring if it wont be purely outer-wear styled armor. I get the intent, and yes it does blend into the other grey well; I'm sure it'll now go very well with your helmet too so it's a good outcome in that respect as well.

[SirLiftaLot]

The fact that paint is metallic makes it look more like metal plated or coated armor now, it looks more "resistant" now. And it makes sense not wanting to modify it heavily with weathering or scarring if it wont be purely outer-wear styled armor. I get the intent, and yes it does blend into the other grey well; I'm sure it'll now go very well with your helmet too so it's a good outcome in that respect as well.

Thanks. Agreed, if it wasn't a metallic paint, it would probably look too cheap. As you said, it matches the colors I have, and should go very well with the mask, as it's the same exact can of paint I used. You can see a closeup of the paint with light shining on it here:



I think that this particular piece works better partially covered. Partially because of the straps and clips and all that, and partially because an over-layer may help keep it perfectly snug and in place better, not that it doesn't fit well standalone.

I ordered a gorget, so I can try to complete my "heavy sparring" outfit. I ordered this one for $27, with lots of good reviews from various sources, and the bib that covers the collarbone/clavicle is something I think will go well with the armor I have, since the chest piece doesn't start at the neckline. I may have to cover the text with some black tape or something though, depending on where it sits I suppose.

[SirLiftaLot]

Good stuff, though I'll still eagerly await the day you wear shoulder pads under your shoulder pads. Or even better shoulder pads over your shoulder pads! You can never be too safe.

This covers the delts, and upper arms, and forearms (inner and outer), and shouldn’t interfere with the torso armor I have at all. It would mean the forearm and elbow protectors I already have would become an alternate pair, perhaps for lighter combat, and the $70 price tag isn’t cheap by any means, but man are they cool. And those shoulder/delt pieces are begging for a Temple Guard logo to be painted on them.