This page was created by Zachary Barney. The last update was by Amanda Luyster.
Composite Stechzeug - Why was This Object Made, How was It Used?
Jousting armor, like the WAM's Stechzeug, was made to protect the wearer in the jousting tournament. In tournaments, squires would begin the process of preparing the knight for the joust by brushing his hair, in order to protect it from getting caught in the helmet. Then the knight would put on leather boots, steel shin guards, and a chainmail shirt to protect him if his main armor plate was broken. Underneath the armor plates, knights would wear padding, extra gloves, elbow and shin guards, and an extra pair of shoes. Knights even donned smaller helmets to cushion their heads within their metal helmets. As a joust of peace, the safety of the rider was a primary concern, and jousting suits were made to be used by anyone, so they had to be made with room to move and to make room for extra protection. During the joust, both knights would charge at each other with their lances in an attempt to knock their opponent off of their horse. Lances were 11 feet long, and they bore steel heads spread out to disperse the impact.