Kusari (Chapter)

Intro
(It is recommended to familiarize yourself with standard European mail before proceeding)
Kusari is the Japanese term for 'mail', that translates literally to 'chain'. Samurai armors often utilize kusari to span areas that need to retain high maneuverability. Unlike European mail, kusari never exists alone; it is always stitched to a fabric/leather or connected to metal plates.
Kusari is also unique in the fact that it uses two different shaped rings: round (standard among all European mail) and oval. In traditional armors, these weaves were very tight, using tiny 1/8" ID rings with fine 1mm wire. The oval rings would be even smaller. The armors were heavily lacquered and this gave them added strength and rigidity. For the Empire, we have chosen to instead use heavier grade metals to achieve the same strength properties. We have chosen to use stainless steel as our default material choice due to its strength and corrosion resistance.
Weave Types
In traditional armors there were dozens of weave styles, with corresponding names that refereed to the completed piece of armor. It can be very confusing so I've simplified it into 3 easy to digest terms: Hana Weave, Standard Kusari, and European (Nanban Kusari).
These three weaves can be made out of multiple ring sizes, but 16g 3/8" and 16g 1/4" are the most common for the round rings. The ovals tend to be 18g 5mm x 7mm.
49581050 973489702862152 1705577465096699904 n.jpg|Hana Weave
29748254_10155864077339064_920421145_o.jpg|Standard Kusari
nbgusari.png|European
==== Hana Weave ====
The hana weave is one of the strongest kusari styles. Each round ring is connected with 6 oval rings, giving it a tight and strong build (see above).
Even though it is more expensive, It is highly recommended to utilize this weave style for your armors. It is dense enough to pass the 3/8" rod test without having to be heavily sewn into a fabric base.
 If you're a bit of a gusoku buff, hana weave (hana-gusari) actually refers to a different type of weave. This one is actually called fusa-gusari!
==== Standard Kusari ====
Standard kusari is a lot like the hana weave, but instead of a 6-in-1 construction, it utilizes a 4-in-1 construction. A major advantage of this weave is that it is easier/cheaper to construct and it is the lightest weave offered.
While this weave is less expensive to produce, you'll have to sew it into a fabric base to pass armor standards that are common on the local foam-fighting games. If this weave hangs open without a base, a 3/8" rod can penetrate it. However utilizing smaller round rings can alleviate this issue.
 Traditionally this weave is called kagomegata-gusari
==== European ====
Traditional European four-in-one is called nanban-gusari. Unlike European mail, which runs side to side, in Japan it hangs open. This weave style can be used, but it always seems to look a bit out of place if not done properly. European weaves are strong and reliable. They will have no problems passing the 3/8" rod test.