This is more or less my mail armour page.  I have been making mail armour for almost a year now. I have completed a full hauberk, and a coif. I am currently working on a set of open-handed gauntlets.

The way I cut links very different from what I have seen on the internet. I use a channellock no. 85 fenceman’s pliers. In using these pliers to cut the links, I get a diaginal cut as oppossed to a straight one used by SAE. Though there is the potential of getting stabbed if the link was to come apart. I have done some testing using this type of cut. I find  that the link stays togeather better than the other kind of cut.

I have also made a very heavy keychain (using the King’s mail pattern). With this keychain I have used wood and metal bars to test the strength of the links. I have found it takes quite a bit before the links do come apart.

If you decide to use this type of cutting, I would recommend to you not to use it for combat situations. There is still a chance that the links will come apart. If it does, I am sure you will probably need situates. This type of cut, though strong, should by used for projects that will not see heavy abuse (like keychains and display armor). It is a fast, easy on the hands, method for cutting links.

I cannot be held accountable for any damage done to you or anyone else, if you cut your links this way.