Hello!
I'm quite excited to share some photos and thoughts on some of my newer cosplay additions. Today, in particular I will be providing feedback on the "Knight of the West" Archer's Bracer from ArmStreet.
Before we begin, a big 'thank you' goes out to my family and boyfriend, who support my costume collecting. Many of the pieces form my cosplay closet are their generous gifts.
And now, let's get the photos and review.
The bracer I received was with the brown leather and stainless steel accents options, sized to the measurements of my arm. In a way, because of its long and treacherous journey this was the most anticipated of my costume pieces. (*Feel free to skip to the paragraph directly below, if you're more keen on the review itself)
The order was placed on November 23, 2016 and the piece was dispatched from the creation studio in Ukraine on December 13. Understandably, due to the custom and + hand made nature of the order, the holiday season, and the distance it needed to travel, it wasn't an expectation for the parcel to arrive before Christmas or New Year. However, when January 25, 2017 rolled around and there was no sign of the parcel or a tracking updates, we started to get a little worried and contacted ArmStreet. The customer service staff were very nice and talked through what could be done next.
When my boyfriend went to a Canada Post office with the tracking information we've previously had no luck with on the Canada Post website, the lady working was able to find some updates through her computer system. It seemed the parcel arrived in Ontario on January 9th, then at the British Columbia, Richmond facility on the 13th. Then, for some reason, the parcel was back in Ontario on February 2nd. There was no record of attempted delivery, or further information. Calling the national Canada Post number didn't help, and the representative on the telephone was far less informed and helpful than the lady at the local office.
But then, somehow the bracer arrived a few days later, and exactly why it had so much trouble being delivered is still unknown. All the address information on the parcel was legible and correct. Maybe some things just need to happen to keep us on our toes?
Next, of course, the question is whether after the anticipation the piece met my hopes and expectations. The short answer is - yes.
The long answer - I was very happy with the piece, but there were a couple of small things I thought could have been even better. Please find a detailed breakdown below:
1. Product likeness: The photo representation on the website is definitely in line with the product I received. Just like in the official images, the material quality was high and everything looked like it had been carefully made; from the design on the metal to the lacing and stitching. The biggest difference was the visual definition in the etched design on my bracer versus the one in the website photos, but this was a result of the material selected. As is indicated in the product description section - if this item ordered with the stainless steel option - the stainless steel accents will be non-blackened, as blackening cannot be performed on stainless steel.
That is absolutely fair enough and something I was expecting. But in that case, I think it would be nice to see images of this steel variant on the website for utmost transparency and to help with the decision of which metal is better for the purchaser's vision.
2. Size and Comfort: The bracer was of excellent size and comfortable fit, with the right layering underneath. It became a little loose fitting and less comfortable if worn on a bare arm, but technically that's not the right way to wear this bracer anyway, as it should be worn with a gambeson or other under-armour gear. Nonetheless, I have worn it on bare skin a few times, without any resulting chafing or bruising.
3. Authenticity: Though, I'm certainly not an expert on what makes historically accurate weapons or armour, I'll say that for me this bracer had a solid medieval/fantasy inspired aesthetic, and I think it is great for various re-enactments, LARP events, costume contests, and cosplay. The piece also feels very durable - both in the sense that it could protect from some real-life force and that it could serve for many years of modern-day enjoyment, without much deterioration.
My only small concern was that the thread on the inner side of the bracer (the one used for lacing the bracer tighter) had a bit too much of a satin finish. Thought not particularly notable in the photos, in person it takes away from the realism of the ensemble. However, for anyone with this concern, it's not terribly difficult to go to a fabric or craft store and get alternative thread or leather which is sturdy and replace that portion of the bracer.
Summary: Yes, there is a little room for improvement. Honestly, where is there not? But I definitely think the product is good and the value for the customized, handcrafted work is certainly worth it. I definitely wish to acquire for more creations from ArmStreet in the future.
Also seen in the photos from this post:
-Wig: by Wig Is Fashion (WIF). It's the "26 Inch, Straight Light Blonde Lace Front Synthetic Hair Wig LF772" style.
-Daggers: "Daggers of Tauriel" prop replicas by Weta Workshop. (with DIY customization by me).
-Green Ring: by Badali Jewelry called "Lady's Elven Earth Band" in silver.
-Top: "Alexa Brown Brocade Steampunk Overbust Corset" by Corset Deal.
Thanks for reading!
More costume pieces + props will be reviewed soon.
I'm quite excited to share some photos and thoughts on some of my newer cosplay additions. Today, in particular I will be providing feedback on the "Knight of the West" Archer's Bracer from ArmStreet.
Before we begin, a big 'thank you' goes out to my family and boyfriend, who support my costume collecting. Many of the pieces form my cosplay closet are their generous gifts.
And now, let's get the photos and review.
The bracer I received was with the brown leather and stainless steel accents options, sized to the measurements of my arm. In a way, because of its long and treacherous journey this was the most anticipated of my costume pieces. (*Feel free to skip to the paragraph directly below, if you're more keen on the review itself)
The order was placed on November 23, 2016 and the piece was dispatched from the creation studio in Ukraine on December 13. Understandably, due to the custom and + hand made nature of the order, the holiday season, and the distance it needed to travel, it wasn't an expectation for the parcel to arrive before Christmas or New Year. However, when January 25, 2017 rolled around and there was no sign of the parcel or a tracking updates, we started to get a little worried and contacted ArmStreet. The customer service staff were very nice and talked through what could be done next.
When my boyfriend went to a Canada Post office with the tracking information we've previously had no luck with on the Canada Post website, the lady working was able to find some updates through her computer system. It seemed the parcel arrived in Ontario on January 9th, then at the British Columbia, Richmond facility on the 13th. Then, for some reason, the parcel was back in Ontario on February 2nd. There was no record of attempted delivery, or further information. Calling the national Canada Post number didn't help, and the representative on the telephone was far less informed and helpful than the lady at the local office.
But then, somehow the bracer arrived a few days later, and exactly why it had so much trouble being delivered is still unknown. All the address information on the parcel was legible and correct. Maybe some things just need to happen to keep us on our toes?
Next, of course, the question is whether after the anticipation the piece met my hopes and expectations. The short answer is - yes.
The long answer - I was very happy with the piece, but there were a couple of small things I thought could have been even better. Please find a detailed breakdown below:
1. Product likeness: The photo representation on the website is definitely in line with the product I received. Just like in the official images, the material quality was high and everything looked like it had been carefully made; from the design on the metal to the lacing and stitching. The biggest difference was the visual definition in the etched design on my bracer versus the one in the website photos, but this was a result of the material selected. As is indicated in the product description section - if this item ordered with the stainless steel option - the stainless steel accents will be non-blackened, as blackening cannot be performed on stainless steel.
That is absolutely fair enough and something I was expecting. But in that case, I think it would be nice to see images of this steel variant on the website for utmost transparency and to help with the decision of which metal is better for the purchaser's vision.
 |
| At work, where there are the most enemies. |
3. Authenticity: Though, I'm certainly not an expert on what makes historically accurate weapons or armour, I'll say that for me this bracer had a solid medieval/fantasy inspired aesthetic, and I think it is great for various re-enactments, LARP events, costume contests, and cosplay. The piece also feels very durable - both in the sense that it could protect from some real-life force and that it could serve for many years of modern-day enjoyment, without much deterioration.
My only small concern was that the thread on the inner side of the bracer (the one used for lacing the bracer tighter) had a bit too much of a satin finish. Thought not particularly notable in the photos, in person it takes away from the realism of the ensemble. However, for anyone with this concern, it's not terribly difficult to go to a fabric or craft store and get alternative thread or leather which is sturdy and replace that portion of the bracer.
Also seen in the photos from this post:
-Wig: by Wig Is Fashion (WIF). It's the "26 Inch, Straight Light Blonde Lace Front Synthetic Hair Wig LF772" style.
-Daggers: "Daggers of Tauriel" prop replicas by Weta Workshop. (with DIY customization by me).
-Green Ring: by Badali Jewelry called "Lady's Elven Earth Band" in silver.
-Top: "Alexa Brown Brocade Steampunk Overbust Corset" by Corset Deal.
Thanks for reading!
More costume pieces + props will be reviewed soon.
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