Landsknecht Gorget - Polished Steel

To speak with authority is one thing — to protect that voice in steel is another. The Landsknecht Gorget is designed to do both. Its clean, bevor-style front plate covers the clavicle and upper sternum in a single, striking sweep of polished steel. Three articulated lames rise from the collar, forming a graceful but formidable neck guard that moves with your head while shielding the throat from glancing blows and sudden strikes.

A matching steel plate at the upper back mirrors the front, protecting the spine and shoulder area while balancing the weight of the gorget from front to back. This thoughtful construction allows the piece to sit securely and comfortably over a gambeson or arming doublet, reducing shifting and eliminating the constant need for adjustment during movement.

Crafted from durable 1 mm (19 gauge) mild steel, the gorget fastens with leather straps and sturdy steel buckles for a snug, customizable fit. It integrates seamlessly with Epic Armoury spaulders, shoulder plates, and cuirasses, including the rest of the Landsknecht line. The Polished Steel finish is bright and commanding — perfect for noble officers, heroic captains, and anyone who wants their presence felt the moment they step onto the field.

Whether worn as the finishing touch to a full harness or as a stand-alone mark of rank, this gorget commands attention. It is more than a piece of armour — it is the line between vulnerability and defiance, between speech and silence.

The design of the Landsknecht Gorget is rooted in the 16th century, when flamboyantly dressed mercenary companies — the Landsknechts — marched at the heart of European warfare. These soldiers blended bright, slashed fabrics with rugged armour pieces, creating silhouettes that were as intimidating as they were stylish.

Gorgets evolved from simple mail collars into articulated plates that protected the throat and collarbones. As full helmets became lighter and open-faced designs more common, the gorget’s role grew in importance, defending the neck while also framing the face of commanders on the battlefield and in court. Over time, the gorget became a symbol of rank and authority — often worn even when the rest of the armour was set aside.

This Landsknecht Gorget pays homage to that tradition, combining historical inspiration with the comfort and practicality demanded by modern LARP, reenactment, and stage performers.

The Landsknecht Gorget – Polished Steel is the perfect blend of historical inspiration and modern practicality. Its articulated collar, balanced front-and-back plates, and gleaming finish make it an ideal choice for commanders, nobles, mercenary captains, or any character who leads from the front — or plots from the shadows. Wear it as a stand-alone statement of rank or as the keystone of a full plate harness and let your presence be felt long before the first blow is struck.

Chin up. Stand tall.

Gorget only: Other items not included.

Maintenance
Metal Works Products
Epic Armoury metal works products should be treated with wax or quality acid-free vegetable oil and stored in a dry place. Metal armor with leather parts requires separate maintenance for the leather.

Degreasing and Preparing Your Armour
When you first receive your armor, it may be covered in grease and oil used to protect it during storage and transport. Use a degreasing product or mineral spirits with a dry cloth or paper towels to remove the oil. For chainmail, which is harder to clean, use mineral spirits or another solvent, spraying it on the links or fully submerging the chainmail in a degreasing solution. After removing the oil, thoroughly dry your armor. Strong, warm sunlight is ideal, but a hairdryer or heat gun can also be used. Avoid overheating any leather parts.

Cleaning
Moisture is the enemy of armor and chainmail. If your armor gets wet, dry it thoroughly as soon as possible. After handling, wearing, or every six months of storage or display, wipe all metal surfaces with a clean cloth. Lightly oil the clean surface with a quality acid-free vegetable oil or apply a coating of wax. Allow the wax to dry for a couple of hours, then buff it lightly with a soft cloth.

Rust Prevention and Removal
Store your armor in a dry place and check it regularly for signs of rust. If rust appears, gently rub the affected area with a mildly abrasive pad dipped in wax or quality acid-free vegetable oil. Although Epic Dark products are specially treated to resist rust, they should still be treated with oil and kept in dry storage.

Leather Straps and Fittings
Clean leather parts by removing dirt with a hard brush, then gently rub leather soap with a clean, damp cloth until the leather appears clean. Remove soap residue with a separate damp cloth, then dry the leather with a dry cloth. After cleaning, condition the leather with mink oil, olive oil, or beeswax polish. Apply a small amount of oil or polish with a clean cloth, rubbing in circles, and allow it to soak in before wiping away any excess with a final clean cloth.