I pride myself on carefully researching all the period pieces I make. Even when a piece is not copied exactly from an original, I research it to ensure it fits the style of the period well. Even without having handled many originals, I feel my experience as a sword maker, plus my experience in period combat techniques, as well as riding and jousting, allow me to make weapons and armour that are both visually and functionally correct.
It is difficult to examine originals from collections in New Zealand, so I have assembled a research library of my own. Although it reflects my special interest in medieval Europe, I have been careful to have information on other places and periods available too.