Welcome to my Web site in
which I present my skills!
My name is
Grzegorz Kulig.
In 2000 I graduated from art school and became a
professional wood-carver.
Then in
2001 I made my first helmet, but at this time it was
just my hobby.
Over the past few years there
has been a significant evolution in my armouring skills
and craftsmanship.
Now making armour is a
real great passion of mine and it has also become my
profession. I consider myself a very lucky guy, as I can
now join these two things together.
I am continually learning
new armouring techniques,
because I believe in continual personal development and growth.
I always search for new challenges and love making new
pieces. Experimenting in making new pieces allows me to
learn more and more about historical armouring techniques.
My dream is to
make armour and helmets using only historical techniques in
the future. But for now, I am also very happy to accept less
challenging orders, like for example welded helmets. However,
I mostly suggest to my customers to order a helmet made in
one piece, because raising and hot forging are the things I
like to do most in my work.
I make my
replicas for re-enactors and collectors, as well as for
museums.
Main rules in my
work are:
1)
Hand-forging.
Every element of
my armour is made using only high quality materials. I
forge every piece by hand, using only the strength of my
arms, for no machines are used. I never use a press or
other machines to form and shape the steel. To use
modern forming machines would certainly speed up the process,
but I believe that to use such modern tools and techniques
in it's production deprives the piece of it's individual
attributes, historical characteristics and it's soul.
2) Historical
authenticity.
I make my armour
and helmets based purely on historical finds, extant
original pieces or depictions from period sources.
3) Durability.
I have been a
Viking fighter for a few years. In Poland our viking and
medieval 'fights' include head shots, so the importance of
both safety and durability of my products is very important to
me. The materials and techniques I use in crafting my
products, makes my armour very durable. Even if my customers
do not necessarily live in Poland, they often visit Polish
historical events and battles.
4) Attention
to detail.
I take as long
as necessary to ensure, that my armour is as close as
possible in appearance to the original pieces in
construction, shape, detail and decoration.
For more
information, please take a look at my recently updated
"F.A.Q" section.
Raising a helmet in open air
experimental center in Lejre, Denmark:
I also conduct demonstrations
on authentic armouring techniques in open air
museums and at historical events. Please, take a look at
my "experiments
and shows"
page. I am also an historical re-enactor. Together with
my wife, Gracjana, we portray wealthy people from Birka,
Sweden. (Xth cent.)
Both in our
re-enacting and in my armouring craft I do everything I
can to stay at the highest level of authenticity.
My web site is not a
catalogue as such and does not contain mass-produced
items, as I
work purely from commissioned orders.
But occassionally I have some items for sale, so we have created
a page "for
sale"
showing items we have currently in stock.
Every product that is
documented on this site was produced solely by me. Also,
all types of jewellery, belt ornaments, which I make
sometimes and decorative parts of the helmets and armour I
produce are 'hand-made' by me. I only ever commission
the moulding of parts in a professional foundry.
The only exception to
this rule are the hand-forged blades which I order
mainly from my friend - Robert Kapusta.
If you do not seek
mass-produced armour, but appreciate true craftsmanship
and aspire to own a high quality replica, then you have
come to the right place.
I now invite you to
peruse the rest of my site, which I hope you will enjoy.
Please do not forget to visit my web site from time to
time, as I often have new and exciting products listed.
