Testing the Effectiveness of a Spear Throw Against Padded Armor
10,206Could a thrown spear penetrate thick clothing or padded armor far enough to cause a potentially lethal wound in a historical duel? And how well would a gambeson / aketon / arming doublet protect on a medieval battlefield?
To get a rough idea I set up a target made of folded cardboard, ballistic gel and a foam mat. The armor stand-in is 8 layers of burlap wrapped in leather. Not historically accurate material (which would be linen), but I'd say it's an acceptable approximation and definitely tough material.
The amount of protection that multiple layers of cloth offer is often underestimated. Especially against cloth such simple armor does very well, and it offers pretty good resistance against sword or knife / dagger thrusts as well.
The video I'm referring to (sudden spear throw in sparring):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XyaB6KQbksM
The spears used in this test:
Javelin by Arms & Armor
https://www.kultofathena.com/product/arms-armor-javelin/?koa=259
Broad spear by Baltimore Knife & Sword
https://www.kultofathena.com/product/bks-medieval-spearhead/BKS219/?koa=259
Viking hewing spear by Windlass
https://www.kultofathena.com/product/long-bladed-hewing-spear-head/?koa=259
Bowie knife by Sharp Blades
http://www.shopsharpblades.com/
Ballistic gel:
http://store.clearballistics.com/20-percent-Ballistic-Gelatin-Blocks-s/1835.htm
Music (used with permission of the artist):
"Kage Darkwings" and "Willow Wind" by Fenrir
https://soundcloud.com/mr-fenrir
Intro by Heidaz
https://www.youtube.com/user/heidaz/
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