[MR] A Question of armor and armor smiths

[Robin Hood Dial II]

Greetings and salutations!

         As work's eternal toil has briefly paused... I turn my eye toward 
a long sought after prize. A fine suite of stainless armor! (yumy x2)

         Now that I have secured the funds, I am searching amidst the 
various armorer web-pages and was hoping to get some advise from you... 
those people who have ordered custom suits and either been pleased or less 
than pleased.

         Please, oh please tell me your story... what you did right, and 
perhaps what you would change if you were ordering your suit over again. I 
wish to fight (SCA) in this armor, perhaps there are things I am not 
considering about 'period' armor.

         What I am after is a highly stylized fitted suit of either 16th C. 
or High Gothic plate armor. I am looking for this in stainless steel and 
hope for professional results. Okay, I cannot spend $20k and commission a 
suit from Robert Macpherson or from Chris Dobson in London... but I do have 
a healthy budget.

         Places on-line which I have found such as Illusion Armory in AZ 
charge $3,800 for such a suit. Anyone have experience with this armory?

         Anyone have any experience in *any* armory?

         I live in the Kingdom of the West (Cloondara -San Francisco) but 
can travel a bit for fittings... and can naturally send all the pertinent 
info. I am originally from the splendid kingdom of Atlantia and shall be 
returning in six months to live for good. (very happy indeed!)

         Many thanks to everyone and have a happy solstice!
                                                  In the Bonds,
                                                            ~Robin