A maille hauberk only provides an excellent protection against cuts. If stabbing weapons are used however, it is possible to stab right through the rings. Also arrows and crossbow bolts risk entering the hauberk if shot from close distances. The body's torso with its vital organs as the heart, or the belly, could use a better protection against such attacks.

Coat of Plates The coat of plates mostly consists out of a series of overlapping plates riveted onto a vest of leather. The iron plates need to overlap a bit to prevent stabbing weapons to enter in between them.

Observe that the coat of plates doesn't come down a lot. It barely passes the belly and stops above the buttocks at the back. The reason is simple. When wearing the coat of plates, the knight should be able to sit down, for instance in his saddle.

Constructie

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