Gauntlets

Gauntlets

Gauntlets are the piece that completes a hand. In combat, the hands are among the most exposed targets on the body: constantly in motion, extended toward the opponent, and carrying the weapon that makes everything else possible. Steel gauntlets protect the fingers, knuckles, and wrist while maintaining enough dexterity to grip, parry, and strike effectively. Visually, a gauntleted fist reads as armored from across a field in a way that almost nothing else does.

This range covers steel hand armor across a wide spread of historical traditions and fantasy aesthetics, including a handful of companion pieces that approach hand protection from different angles entirely.

What Are Gauntlets?

A gauntlet is an armored glove covering the back of the hand, the fingers, and typically the wrist. The form evolved from simple leather gloves reinforced with metal plates into sophisticated articulated assemblies protecting every joint of the hand while still allowing a fighter to grip a weapon effectively.

Two distinct construction approaches appear across the history of gauntlets, and both are represented in this range.

Articulated finger gauntlets protect each finger individually via overlapping steel plates called lames, riveted to allow the finger joints to flex. This is the more complete and historically accurate form, offering maximum coverage while maintaining the dexterity needed for weapon handling. They require a short adjustment period as you learn to grip and release with the plates in place, but the result is the most convincing hand protection available.

Mitten gauntlets group the fingers together under a single broad plate, separating only the thumb. They sacrifice individual finger articulation for a simpler construction that is generally easier to fight in from the first session. Mitten gauntlets have genuine historical grounding, particularly in northern European fighting traditions, and remain a practical and popular choice for active LARP combat.

From Historical Reproductions to Dark Fantasy

The Hourglass Gauntlets are the most historically grounded articulated finger gauntlets in the range, taking their name from the distinctive hourglass silhouette of late medieval hand armor. The Hourglass Demi Gauntlets offer a shorter cuff version of the same form, sitting closer to the wrist for a lighter and slightly less restrictive fit. Both are strong choices for historical builds and period-accurate kits.

The Steel Mittens are the mitten-style alternative: broad hand coverage with the thumb separated, practical for combat and a historically honest choice for Viking-adjacent and northern European character builds.

The Scout Gauntlets offer a lighter steel hand defense suited to characters who need convincing hand armor without the full weight of a complete articulated gauntlet, pairing naturally with the Scout Shoulder Plates and Scout Torso from the wider armor range.

The Gauntlets are the clean, versatile option: a solid articulated design that works across the broadest range of character types and kit combinations without committing to a specific historical period or fantasy aesthetic.

The CQ Undead Gauntlets commit fully to a dark fantasy aesthetic, suited to necromancer and dark knight builds where the hand armor is as much a character statement as a piece of protection. The Dreki Armguards bring the Norse dragon aesthetic of the Dreki line to the wrist and lower hand, pairing naturally with the Dreki Pauldrons and Cuirass for a cohesive fantasy harness.

The Rondel Hand Protection and Bazuband sit apart from the standard gauntlet form. The Rondel is a disc-based hand defense historically associated with close-quarters fighting, a compact and distinctive alternative for the right character build. The Bazuband draws on Persian and Ottoman armor traditions, offering a forearm and hand defense with an entirely different visual language that suits any build where standard European plate aesthetics are not the goal.

Choosing the Right Gauntlets

Articulated or mitten. Articulated gauntlets offer more complete coverage but require some adjustment in grip. Mitten gauntlets are more forgiving from the first session. If you are new to gauntlets, mittens are the practical starting point.

Combat system requirements. Some LARP systems have specific rules around hand protection. Check your event requirements before purchasing, particularly for fully articulated designs where finger plates may affect grip on specific weapon types.

Matching your harness. Gauntlets are the last piece of the arm harness and the most visible at close range. Match them in finish and aesthetic with your vambraces for a coherent result.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fight effectively in articulated gauntlets? Yes, with a short learning curve. Most fighters adjust their grip and weapon handling within a session or two. Hourglass and similar historical designs are built with active weapon use in mind.

Are steel gauntlets allowed at most LARP events? Most systems allow steel gauntlets, though some require a safety check or have rules around finger articulation. Always confirm with your event organizers before first use.

How do I maintain steel gauntlets? Wipe down after use, apply a light coat of oil periodically to prevent rust, and condition any leather strap components with leather balm once or twice a year.