Introduction
Purpose and relevance of this article
Explains which steel thicknesses are often used in reenactment and historical reproductions
Clarifies the difference between mm and gauge
Helps users weigh safety and comfort when purchasing armor or a helmet
Commonly used steel thicknesses
For battle-ready helmets and armor, steel is generally used with the following thicknesses:
1.2 mm (18 Gauge)
1.3 mm (17 Gauge)
1.4 mm (17 Gauge)
1.5 mm (16 Gauge)
1.6 mm (16 Gauge)
1.8 mm (14 Gauge)
2.0 mm (14 Gauge)
2.5 mm (13 Gauge)
Note: some suppliers indicate the gauge and millimeters separately. Sometimes you see double indications like 1.6 mm (16 Gauge), which is the same.
Difference between millimeters (mm) and gauge
-
Millimeters (mm): the direct actual thickness of the steel in millimeters.
Example: 1.6 mm steel is literally 1.6 millimeters thick.
-
Gauge (G): an American system that indicates the thickness of steel with a number.
The lower the gauge number, the thicker the steel.
Example: 14 Gauge is thicker than 16 Gauge.
Conversion: the gauge system is not linear, but there are tables that convert the gauge to mm. This helps in comparing different suppliers who use mm or Gauge.
Practical tips / inspiration
For helmets and light armor pieces, 1.2 mm is often used, these are ideal for decorative use, LARP or to be worn at festivals.
For more protective armor pieces, 1.6 mm steel is often used, armor parts with this steel thickness are often considered battle-ready.
For Battle-ready helmets 2 – 2.5 mm is used
Choose thickness depending on usage
Summary
Steel thicknesses are expressed in mm or Gauge
Millimeters indicate the actual thickness
Gauge is an American system: the lower the number, the thicker the steel
Commonly used thicknesses range from 1.2 mm (18G) to 2.5 mm (13G)
The choice depends on safety, comfort, and intended use
Safety in mock combat begins with the user themselves. No equipment is safe without proper use and maintenance.
