Adam Savage Tries on Some Beautiful Armor

Last month, Adam Savage shared a couple of videos on his “Tested” YouTube channel in which he discussed historical armor with Chris Gilman, who has designed and created costumes for a number of Hollywood movies. I could watch Gilman talk about armor all day long; he’s clearly passionate and well-versed in the subject. And in the above video, he walks Savage through his pride and joy, a suit of armor made in the 16th-century Greenwich style.

To call the armor “ornate” would be a gross understatement. Gilman goes in-depth about its 20-year-long creation: the processes used to make it, its intricate mechanisms, and the incredible effort required for its elaborate designs and motifs. Along the way, he offers up historical context, dispels some common myths about armor (e.g., decorative suits like this weren’t intended for combat, plate armor was bulky and restrictive), and makes very clear that 16th-century armorers were quite advanced in their craft and possessed some truly mind-boggling skills.

Of course, Savage’s own enthusiasm and sense of awe are infectious, especially when Gilman offers to let him try on the armor for himself. Can’t say I blame the man; I’d love to try on a suit like that myself.