Description
Our Gashira Class Suneate (shin guards) are one of the Sangu, or three the principle parts of Samurai armor. The sangu were originally designed to protect the extremities, with the armor protecting the shins. These shin guards tie comfortably above and below the calf, providing protection for the samurai warrior. There were many styles. Many of which have been replicated by Iron Mountain Armory in Gashira Class quality, for the modern warrior.
Kyahan Suneate – Simple cloth shin guards with splint plates. These come without the hiza (knee pad).
Shino Suneate (Light) – Shin guards that consist of splint plates and are connected by Kisari (chainmail), with a cloth backing. The cloth hiza (knee) would often have some padding and kikko (hexagon plates) for added protection. The shino suneate (light) where typically worn by light cavalry and would have featured leather padding on the inside calf to avoid chafing the horse (Ichi Hiza). Foot soldier samurai, would have used the straight splints without the leather, affording them a little more protection (Light Mittsu Hiza Suneate).
Tsutsu-Suneate or Bishamon-Suneate (Medium) – Plate shin guards were preferred over the shin. They consisted of three or more plates, joined with an odoshi (lace) or chotsugai (hinge), and with extensions to cover the front of the hiza (knee). The cloth hiza, would often have some padding and kikko (hexagon plates) for added protection. The tsutu-suneate (medium) where favored by all cavalry, and would have had leather padding on the inside calf, to avoid chafing the horse (Medium Uma Suneate). Foot soldier samurai favored this style of shin guard without the leather, affording them extra protection (Medium Naka Suneate).
O-Tateage no Suneate (Heavy) – This style is crafted from a single plate or three plates, laced or riveted together with a large standing cup shaped knee plate for added protection (Heavy Katai Hiza Suneate).
To learn more about the unique history and development of Sangu armor like the Suneate, you can read more in our blog article “About Sangu and Sode Armor Parts.”
Features: Gashira Class Suneate
- Traditional design.
- Sold as a set of 2.
- Variety of different colors, styles and options.
| Our skilled katchû-shi (armorers) at the Iron Mountain Armory will need at least 1 to 2 weeks, depending on options selected, and other scheduled orders, for the custom handcrafting of this item. |
| 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. |
References: The Samurai Armour Glossary by Ian Bottomley & David Thatcher
After a good amount of use in combat oriented larps, the light suneate I ordered didn’t fare as good as I had hoped, some of the ring chains broke especially on the inner and outer plates with the sewing breaking off in some places. I had to sew the plates back on or they’d just tear off at some point.
Otherwise, they look as good as I wanted them to although I’d probably go for the mediums if I could rewind time as most of the issues I’ve encountered stem from the design of the light suneate.
Thank you for your detailed review. The traditional kusari (iron mail) are butted and tend to open when stressed. With the Taisho quality yoroi, the kusari is double looped which prevents the kusari from opening. The threading is also stronger, to support the plating. We are always working to address issues such as this within the classes and will put some more focus on the threading of the plates in the future. 😀 Thank you again.
wonderfully done
I love mine, well made and great looking!