Bracers

[Water Bob]

What, really, is the practical use of bracers? I know that a leather bracer protects an archer's arm from the snap of the bow string. But, why do warriors wear bracers, especially leather bracers?

To keep the sweat off their hands? If so, then why metal bracers?

To protect their wrists in melee? If so, then why leather bracers (doesn't seem like much protection)?

 

[TarionzCousin]

To protect one's forearms from violent actions, such as sword blows, errant bowstrings, and girlfriend tantrums.

Leather isn't as much protection as metal but it is generally lighter. Armor can be very tiring in a drawn-out fight.

See also: vambrace.

 

[Aberzanzorax]

In areas of required motion (i.e. the wrists which can dictate a hit or a miss) it is both advisable to protect this asset, and advisable not to impinge this asset, hence....

the best flexible protection afforded for the time.

 

[Hand of Evil]

• Wipe / sweat band -
• Support for wrist and forearm - think shin splints, it is possible that sword use could do the same.
• Protection - even leather would keep cuts and damage down
• Grip for those warrior hand shakes - really do you want Conan crushing your forearm
• Fashion - cod pieces, fanny packs...think about it...but may have been a way to keep sleeves from getting in the way, puffy shirts and all, it tied those sleeves down even the chainmail ones