These greaves are an interpretation of the greaves similar to those worn by Sir Miles Stapleton at Norfolk (c1364) or Sir Thomas Cheney (c1368). The leather foundation for these were made about 3 years ago when I was first getting into combat archery and have since been re-built 3 or 4 times. Originally water and glue hardened and painted gloss white (as part of my Joe Namath armour kit). In 2008, I had covered the painted leather with blue suede and 18 ga mild steel splints. Keeping up with maintenance on the mild steel was a problem. And each time I tried to buff out rust or shine up the steel, I would dirty the leather. Also, the rivets I had used to hold the splints in place were domed speed rivets which are poor for any piece you plan on using for combat. In February of 2009 I disassembled and preped the greaves for their new treatment of blue silk velvet 20 ga stainless splints ans solid brass rivets. I also adjusted the location of straps to hold them more comfortably on the leg.