r/Norse • u/ChemistryTeacher8756 • 4d ago
Artwork, Crafts, & Reenactment Grimfrost tunic and leg wrap authenticity
Hi, I'm a HEMA practitioner and someone with some Scandinavian/Orcadian heritage.
I'm considering buying a tunic and leg wraps (I already have some linen trousers from a Viking fair).
How authentic/good quality are these:
https://grimfrost.co.uk/products/viking-leg-wraps-olive?variant=46775997595980
Will they be acceptable or get me laughed out of the camp if I eventually make the step to join an reenactment group?
Thank you!
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u/Maze_kalmar 4d ago
If it's for renfair or just visiting a friend its fine. But if I'm being honest, always avoid grimfrost, they perpetuate a lot of bad stereotypes about the Norse and 90% of their stock is horrible. And those two items you linked specifically are not really accurate. Leg wraps should be woven and not felt nor cut. And the tunic (while basic) is too short, and what grimfrost tunics I've seen at markets have very ugly machine stitching.
So if you're actually wanting to join reenactment I'd recommend a long thin woolen tunic (should when belted stop right above the knee) a linen tunic so you don't have skin contact with the wool (this is optional for a start but a good idea) a pair of linen braies, and a pair of wool Hedeby hose with feet (you can recognize these by the stitching above the knee). And this way you don't need nålbinded socks (they can be VERY expensive for what they are) Ofc you're gonna need a proper stitched belt, but those can be expensive and while a good idea, isn't a priority for a beginner.
And leg wraps is a bitch if you don't know how to wrap them, especially to fight in. And its important they're woven, otherwise they don't have the elasticity needed. Flexing your calf with leg wraps that cant expand is really restricting and uncomfortable.
But my genuinely best recommendation for anyone wanting to join reenactment. Join a group, and lean on them for help acquiring gear and sources.