Modern Day Uses of Chainmail

     Chainmail is still used in today’s society although not to the same extent as in medieval times. During World War One, chainmail was experimented with as material used for bulletproof vests– however this did not turn out well because the rings would break, causing additional damage to the bullet wound. Instead, chainmail was used to protect the faces and necks of soldiers from shrapnel by adding a chainmail fringe onto the edges of their helmets.

     Today, Chainmail is used to protect butchers from meat packing machines. They wear chainmail gauntlets to protect their hands if they were to cut themselves. Scuba divers wear chainmail to protect themselves from shark bites. Chainmail is also said to be much better than heavy leather for protecting motorcyclists from injury, as the chainmail would prevent their skin from abrasion if they were to fall off of the motorcycle and slide on the road. Chainmail suits are also used to protect the user from high voltage shocks. The chainmail would conduct the electricity but in a way that would create a “faraday cage” preventing the user from being electrocuted.

     Chainmail is not only used for protection– it is also used for aesthetic purposes. Jewelry, such as necklaces, often utilizes precious metals and gemstones. The British Territorial army uses chainmail epaulets as part of their uniform for decorative purposes as well as ranking.