Frequently Asked Questions
Q: DO YOU SELL RETAIL?
A: The Iron Mountain Armory does not sell retail. If you would like to purchase one of our suits of armor, please visit our “ONLINE STORES” page for a list of authorized dealers.
Q: HOW CAN I BECOME A DISTRIBUTOR OF YOUR ARMOR?
A: The Iron Mountain Armory is always on the lookout for new dealers. Please Contact Us with any inquiries.
Q: DO YOU SELL YOUR ARMOR ON AUCTION SITES, SUCH AS EBAY?
A: No, Iron Mountain Armory nor any of Our Dealers sell armor on eBay or any other auction websites. There are many fakes and frauds on the internet claiming to distribute our armor at a cheaper price because they are the factory or "sell direct." This isn’t true, nor is it possible to produce a reasonable quality suit of armor for under $1,000 USD. Feel free to double check with us first, as some retail clients might be re-selling our armor.
Q: IS YOUR ARMOR REAL?
A: Iron Mountain Armory uses the same crafting methods as 16th century skilled samurai armor makers. We have integrated some modern techniques, tools and materials to decrease crafting time. As a result we have also increased safety, durability and longevity of our armor. Traditionally the iron plates were only riveted together and would break over time or due to use. We rivet AND spot weld our iron armor plates together so the iron plates will not separate while you are rolling around or taking impacts with your armor. We do use some modern glue so our clients do not need to maintenance their armor as much either. We use modern paints instead of the original lacquer, which was found to be quite toxic.
Q: IS THE ARMOR BATTLE READY?
A: Along with our traditional armor crafting, we also believe in traditional armor testing. Although we do not recommend our armor be used in any form of combat, it is very capable of being used and withstanding the rigors of training and full contact sparring. Our armor has been tested with great success, not only in and out of the dojo for full contact martial arts training, but using fully functional, live samurai swords and blunted training weapons as well.
Q: WHAT GAUGE STEEL DO YOU USE?
A: We use traditional 0.8 mm - 1.2 mm iron and steel plates to craft our samurai armor. While some might believe that this might not be thick enough, please understand that our plates are layered together which makes them twice as thick in the overlapping sections, plus more flexible and shock absorbing than the other, thicker armor armor styles. The layered plating method has been used in samurai armor for more than 500 years. It is also used today in modern body armor. The result is a much more effective armor than thick, or heavy single plates.
Q: WILL THIS ARMOR FIT ME?
A: The Iron Mountain Armory tries to accommodate all body types when crafting a standard suit of armor. From our 10+ years of experience we will craft our standard samurai armor to fit our average client of 5’ 7” tall with a 41 inch chest. It should e noted that our standard samurai armor size can fit most adults from 5' 4” up to 5' 10” tall with no customization needed for height. The front and back of the armor can be easily adjusted or opened to fit up to a 46" chest size. Aside from our standard sizes there are different body types. Just like 1 shirt or pair of pants will fit you well, they may not fit someone else of an equal size in the same way or comfort. We do offer custom sizing to help with this situation. Please contact your local Dealer for more details.
Q: DO YOU OFFER ANY CUSTOMIZATIONS?
A: The Iron Mountain Armory would be more than happy to customize your armor. We offer custom sizing, armor paint and lace coloring. Family crest, name, kanji or symbols on the armor or yoroi bitsu (armor box) are also available. Please contact your local Dealer for more information.
Q: WHAT MATERIALS ARE USED IN YOUR SAMURAI ARMOR?
A: In general, our samurai armor is crafted using wrought iron plates, silk brocade, animal hair, leather, cotton and hemp. It is our desire to stay true to authenticity and original design intent. Please take into account that we will use different materials for the different levels of quality armor that we offer. Our economic “Kachi” class armor uses more synthetic materials than our “Gashira” or “Taisho” class samurai armor; which offer more traditional or authentic materials. For example the “Kachi” class samurai armor uses a faux fur for the moustache, where the “Gashira” and “Taisho” class use goat hair. The “Gashira” and “Taisho” class samurai armor use more traditional materials similar or duplicate to what the armor craftsman used in the 16th and 17th century.
Q: IS THIS ARMOR MADE IN JAPAN?
A: No, our armor is hand crafted in Mainland, China. However, the armory is Japanese owned and managed. China offers a more economical labor force and product availability then Japan. The workers at the Iron Mountain Armory are apprenticed under skilled craftsman and artisans who have over 124 years of combined experience in armor crafting. We originally made samurai armor exclusively under a private label in Japan. But recently the Chinese armory has also started producing the same level of quality samurai armor for the European and American markets through the name of the Iron Mountain Armory. We are committed to making great quality at reasonable prices.