Okegawa Gashira Samurai Armor is our first and more popular reproduction yoroi in our Gashira Samurai Armor series. This Okegawa Gashira Samurai Armor is crafted by our senior katchû-shi (Japanese armor smith), at the Iron Mountain Armory using one of the most iconic armor designs called “Tosei Yokohagi Okegawa Ni-Mai Do,” which loosely translates to a “Modern” Two Section Cuirass with Horizontal Plating Joined by a Pin Hinge.
“Tosei” is a term used to describe “modern” styles of samurai armor, but modern is also defined as being post 1500 A.D. It is stylized by the time period when the katchû-shi started using ito-mono plating, which are long single plates, overlapped and riveted or laced together, instead of the thousands of single iron “scale” plates, or kozan. This made the crafting of the armor faster and more efficient, as well as more durable in the evolving weapons & tactics of war – introduced by the arrival of the Europeans.
The Okegawa Ni-Mai Do had become one of the most common armor designs used during the last 100 years of the Sengoku Era. This Do is crafted from overlapping individual lames (metal strips) that are smoothed over, then painted and laced with your choice of color. The kabuto (helmet), menpo (mask) and suneate (shin guards) armor style can be changed or customized upon your request.
Features: Gashira Class crafting.
- Full sized and fully functional.
- Variation of paint, high quality cotton odoshi colors and traditional features.
- Includes display box and stand.
Our skilled katchû-shi (armorers) at the Iron Mountain Armory will need at least 2 to 4 weeks, depending on options selected, and other scheduled orders, for the custom handcrafting of your samurai armor set. |
To see the class differences, please view Kachi Vs. Gashira.
For more information, please review our Order Options Explained, Glossary Terms or FAQ Pages. You can also Contact Us directly. We are always happy to be of service. |
Great Armor But….
This is my very first suit of armor I’ve ever owned, so I never really knew what to expect. When I received the armor, I began to put it on. At first it was heavy, almost like two sacks of potatoes. However I was surprised to how quickly I endured and got used to the weight of the armor. It fits very well, the sleeves fit fine, the shin guards are nice. There are a few problems with it which is why I don’t completely give it 5 stars. First problem is the ‘Do’, or the chest piece. On your website I see the suit of armor with the rings on the chest piece, although mine didn’t have those rings. Also, there is a problem with the Menpo. Your pictures online provide photographic references of the iron hooks attached to the menpo, although I didn’t get any, making it more difficult for me to put it on. Those are my complaints, with my product not matching up to the pictures you’ve provided.
The armor fit my grandson perfectly and was better than I thought. It was wonderful watching him put it on and wear it. He is overjoyed to finally own his own set and have it be of authentic and good quality. Thank you.
The craftsmanship of this armor was immaculate, every piece was flawless. The pictures definitely do not do the armor justice, when it’s fully on display it has a commanding presence that draws all eyes in the room its in directly to it. There truly is nothing else like it.