M. Dem\'s Calceus

[Martin Moser]

I think that slight curve might do the job, but the stitch lines run more or less at a 90 degree angle to the edge of the sole, not along the long axis, don't they? Or did I misinterpret the photo?

The picture shows an outer sole, that's why. You are right with the 90 degrees in case of the inner sole of course.

Yep, stropping with polishing compound once a smooth tip is on an awl makes it much sharper and easier to penetrate whatever, including your finger. I know about that one. Ow.

Welcome to the Order of the Pierced Fingertips :-) )

[Theodosius the Great]

Ave Demetrius,

Sewing begins today.

I don't know what thread you're using but you may want to consider hemp. Last week I found some at my local fabric store for about five bucks. It's shown here on the manufacturer's website. It's a cheap and (afaik) authentic material to use as an alternative to expensive leather lacing. And it's probably cheaper than artificial or natural sinew.

Good luck with your project.
I'm eager to see the end result. \\

~Theo

[M. Demetrius]

That's a good suggestion. I have three spools of artificial sinew, though, so I'll probably use up a lot of that before I buy more thread. I split the strands as they come off the spool into 3 or 4 sewing-weight threads. It goes a long way, and is more than plenty strong, and since I melt the knots, it rarely comes untied.

Not authentic. Agreed.

Thanks for the link!

[Sutoris]

Hi Dem,

can we see some pictures of the calceus

[M. Demetrius]

Well, that project never got finished. To make things work, I'll have to remake the lasts, as the toe section was too small, top to bottom. I'll probably just add a wedge to the underside, adding more height to the toe, and tapering to no increase at the heel, then trim the perimeter, but it got bumped way back down on the list of things to do. I have more leather, though, so it may work better on the second attempt. Couldn't work much worse.

Had a major system failure on the main computer, however, and can't get photos from the camera to the laptop (doesn't have a photo card port) just yet. If it's not one thing, it's two, right? The failure won't require a new hard drive, but a new OS setup. Format. Reinstall. Major proctological discomfort.

[Sutoris]

Is it much too small?
You can make it bigger by glueing some layers of leather on the last untill you have the correct dimention.
Skive the edges so you have a smooth transition.
I do this all the time.
I have customers who have two different feet so I have to adjust one of the lasts.

[M. Demetrius]

I'll prob ably have to add about 1/2 inch to the toe end, so I'll probably use a block of wood, but the leather is a good idea, to be sure. Also, the pattern will need adjusting so there is more leather to shape over the toe. Probably in a month or so, if other projects go well. Hey, sometimes they do!

[Sutoris]

So good luck with the other projects, and I hope to see some pic's soon :wink:

And use the tape method to check the size of the last, it's quick and easy.

[Lunico]

Just a quick question about the boots in the link below - were these worn by legionairs or auxiliary? Would they be fine for portraying a legionair under Trajan during the dacian campaign?

http://www.armamentaria.com/store/index ... cts_id=398

[jvrjenivs]

Just a quick question about the boots in the link below - were these worn by legionairs or auxiliary? Would they be fine for portraying a legionair under Trajan during the dacian campaign?

http://www.armamentaria.com/store/index ... cts_id=398

As they were found in Vindolanda, which was an auxilia fortress, we can be sure they were worn by auxilia. But I don't see a point why legionairies wouldn't wear them, too. So I think you're fine using these when portraying a legionair under Trajan.