Medieval Armour for Modern Times

Think the only time you’ll see someone wearing medieval armour is at a renaissance festival?  We know one UPM customer who may change your mind.

John Gruber creates custom armour forged from steel in his shop, The Surly Anvil, Key Largo, FL.  John first began this line of work after experiencing an injury during a medieval style jousting tournament.  He realized how critical it was to wear the proper equipment and decided to make it himself.  What began as a weekend obsession has grown into a full time passion.  Two years later, John has a steady following of fellow jousting enthusiasts eager to don their own armour, made by hand in his shop.

“My armour is built to fit the body as the body is; flowing and without straight or flat surfaces. I am proud to say that my armour is heated with a coal forge and shaped with hammers, stakes, and anvil.”

Battle of Nations

Some of John’s customers put their armour to the ultimate test in The Battle of Nations, an international historical medieval battles world championship.  The Fifth Jubilee will be held in Croatia June 12-14. This is a full contact competition; no stage reenactment battles. Participants of the festival are ordinary people, teachers, managers, doctors, drivers, etc. who have a passion for the clashing of swords and the desire to win.

Whatever the use for his armour, John believes in crafting quality products that provide safety to the wearer in any arena.  Visit Facebook to learn more about The Surly Anvil.