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Before getting to the ordering information, I'd like to take a moment to explain how I do business and put my pricing into context:
Time is the most expensive part of any armour project - the materials are
usually inexpensive unless something exotic is called for - but my time in
the shop is irreplaceable and precious to me. Most people just want to get
on the field and don't care all that much about the art that is possible in armour, or they can't afford for me to be an artist. My shop rate is $60 an hour - that's what it currently costs me to stay in the business of building armour. It sometimes hurts to have to
let a piece go before it's finished as well as I'd like it to be - but I can't afford to devote the 60+ hours necessary to do a real piece of art when I'm only being paid for 10 hours - so I have to cut corners and rush through things that should get more attention. No matter how good I get, no matter how many spiffy tools I own - some things will always have to be done slowly and by hand in order to look right.
After many years of struggling with the aforementioned facts, I've come to the conclusion (reinforced by the realities of raising a
family) that I have to separate my artistic instincts from the business, and
since then, I've been much happier, and my work has never been better.
Note that the material costs mentioned below are only for exotic metals
and/or parts that I have to sub-contract for - I don't charge extra for
things that I ordinarily use in the shop and have in stock.
Note also that what follows was originally written to answer an email query about a Face Helm, and the numbers mentioned are specific to that type of armour. Obviously, I wouldn't be spending the length of time mentioned or charging these amounts for a demi-gauntlet or gorget :-)
I can build you a stunning work of art - the Sistine Chapel (or the Mona
Lisa, or whatever your favorite great work of art is) of armour for you. A
piece of workmanship that will cause your opponents to feel really bad about
hitting it - it'll take the abuse just fine - and will make you the envy of
the knowne world - That takes around 60+ hours and costs $3600 or so plus materials.
Or - I can spend less time on it, cut a few corners and rush a few
processes, and build you a beautiful piece of armour that you'll be proud to own and
will still make you the envy of just about everybody - That will take 40
hours or so and cost you $2400 or so + materials.
Or - I can make a piece better and more detailed than any of the ones
pictured on my website - cut a lot of corners and rush like a madman to get
as much art into as possible before I have to call it quits - That will take
around 20 hours and cost $1200 + materials.
Or - I can build one very similar to the best of the ones I've made before -
and that would take 10 to 14 hours of work in the shop and cost upwards of $600 +
materials.
Clients for Face Helms lately have been investing anywhere between $600 and $2000. Be aware that payment plans are available and also be advised that I love building the 'less expensive' helms as much as the 'big ticket' ones, so don't think you're going to get short changed if you go that route.
I typically make the skulls out of 12ga mild steel, and the face and
backplate of 14ga mild steel. That makes it a bit heavier than some folks
like - but it is pretty much dent-proof. If you'd like it entirely out of
14ga, I can do that too. Body armour, legs, arms, gorgets, etc. are made of 16 and 18ga mild steel. I'm doing more work in stainless (and not hating it as much as I used to) and am also still looking forward to working with hardenable steels, but haven't done anything with them yet.
If you're buying a helm, I'll need measurements:
Circumference of head at brow- Generally speaking, my terms are as follows: Nothing Down. 100% due on completion. Satisfaction guaranteed. Shipping via USPS will be about $40 - let me know if you'd prefer I use another carrier and I'll get a quote for you on that. Delivery will be after it's done - and it'll be done when it's done and not a minute before!
I take credit cards via Paypal - and prefer that method as it simplifies bookkeeping. Checks and Money Orders can be sent to:
Steve Belden Any questions, comments, etc. can be addressed to me via email - click on the Email! button over there on the left hand menu bar to do that. You're also welcome to call me - but I'm going to be in the shop or on the phone (computer uses it a lot) - so leave a message on voice mail and I'll get back to you as quick as may be. That number again...
(907) 567-3848
Thanks for visiting, I hope to hear from you soon - and I can't wait to see pics of you wearing your new armour!
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Email!