[MR] The Cost to armor a New fighter?

[David Wendelken]

>IMO heavy fighting is probably the most expensive hobby in the SCA; if
>not then at least in the top "3". 

You obviously haven't priced craft tools or art materials lately (as in the
last hundred years or so)!

Ask an armorer how much their tools cost.  One or two hammers or stakes can
cost more than a starter set of armor.

Or a potter.  Kilns are expensive.  Just bricks to build your own can be
pricey.  Clay adds up, too.

Or a leatherworker.  One hide is enough for armor that will last a decade.
They have to keep buying leather all the time.

Or a silversmith.  Those tools aren't cheap!  Silver's $16 an ounce. You can
use up a couple pounds (32 ounces) of silver really fast.

Or try being a goldsmith at $1000 an ounce for raw materials.  

I could go on through a much longer list of crafts, but I think the point is
made.

Armoured combat is very cheap in comparison to a host of crafts even if you
buy a starter set for $300.

Given that you can make a harness (with borrowed tools) for $100, it's not
even in the ballpark of top 3 for expense (when it comes to getting
started).

Andras Salamandra