How intersted would you be in purchasing REAL Armor grade chainmail?

Question

I want to take up selling chainmail armor.
It would be made of 1/4 hard stainless steel in ring sizes ranging from 3/8", 5/16", to 1/4".
For a standard Chainmail shirt, 3/8" rings and abust size of 50", 4 in 1 Eurpoean (standard), I was going to sell fro $500.00.

For intricate weaves, like 8 in 1 Eurpoean (twice as strong as 4 -1, and maybe even possibly bullet resitant) aroun $700.00.

This would be the real stuff, nothing like galvanized (smelly I might add) big ring (1/2" rings) suits. Custom made for the individual too.

I have already tested the armor with real 1095 High Carbon swords, not the stage sword stuff, these swords were sharp.

What do you guys/gals think?

Here is a link to some armor made. I am the guy in the middle with th green leather tunic.

http://www.haynesfam.com/images/knights.jpg

Please also keep in mind that these are stainles steel. I am not in the market to sell weak armor. I am going by specs on the ringlord webs ite as far as armor grades. For example 4 in 1 stainless rings would have to 5/16" for armor grade. My current prjects are 8 in 1 3/8", 4in 1 1/4", and 4 in 1 5/16".
This ain't stage steel armor, I want to provide real protection.

I was kind of hoping someone would answer based on the material and weave. A 8 in 1 suit protects better than riveted by a long shot. My focus is on weaves that are not offered anywhere from what I can see on the internet.
India suits are all galvanized an 1/2" rings. People looking into my suits will know better.

Answer 1

I'd suggest you check some websites for prices. There are lots of people selling armor and jewelry and I think your price might be a little high. Also, remember, many people in SCA and Amtgard (and I presume others) like to make their own armor, so your market is going to be pretty small. You might consider offering leather as well, or selling the rings if you have a good system for making them. I'd also suggest considering aluminum rings. They come in a lot of colors and are a LOT lighter to fight in--a big consideration now that summer is here.

Answer 2

As a chainmail maker I can guarantee you that you will never get the prices you want. The competion from the imported Indian made stuff drives the prices of what we want to get down. Why would anyone pay $500 for a shirt when they can get one of equal quality for $150? I don't really make any stuff anymore because the time to money ratio is crap. Also, you might want to reconsider your phrase "real armor grade". Real mail has its ring ends individually riveted together, not butted up together.
Now if you were actually doing riveted, then $500 might be reasonable.

Answer 3

You might try stunt people and live steel actors to sell it to. They may use soft steel swords but you know they want the best protection in case one of the swords misses it's mark and hits them. SCA people usually don't need that kind of protection since they use rattan swords. Also try scuba divers and universities that do shark studies. I don't think your prices are out of line at all.

Answer 4

Have you heard people say they want it? That would be the best way to tell if it would sell.

Another good way is to make some and wear it to an event, and see how people react.

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Answer 5

I bet that is heavy, do you have any websites with your stuff on it. It is hard to give you any advice without seeing the finished product.