Introduction
When choosing battle-ready armour or helmets, the thickness of the steel is crucial for both safety and comfort. Steel thicknesses are often indicated in millimeters (mm) and in the American gauge system. This article explains what these values mean and how they relate to each other.
Purpose and relevance of this article
Explains which steel thicknesses are commonly used in re-enactment and historical reproductions
Clarifies the difference between mm and gauge
Helps users weigh safety and comfort when purchasing armour or helmets
Commonly used steel thicknesses
Battle-ready helmets and armour typically use steel 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 list gauge and millimeters separately. Sometimes you'll see double listings like 1.6 mm (16 Gauge) – these are the same thing.
Difference between millimeters (mm) and gauge
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Millimeters (mm): the direct actual thickness of the steel in millimeters.
Example: 1.6 mm steel is literally 1.6 millimeters thick.
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Gauge (G): an American system that indicates steel thickness 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 gauge to mm. This helps when comparing different suppliers who use mm or Gauge.
Practical tips / inspiration
For helmets and light armour pieces, 1.2 mm is often used – these are ideal for decorative use, LARP, or to wear at festivals.
For more protective armour pieces, 1.6 mm steel is often used – armour parts with this steel thickness are often considered battle-ready.
For battle-ready helmets, 2–2.5 mm is used
Choose thickness depending on use
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 during mock combat starts with the user. No equipment is safe without proper use and maintenance.
Internal links
- Why is steel thickness important for armour and helmets?
- When is plate armour and mail battle-ready?
- What is articulation in armour?
