"The whole is greater than the sum of its parts" - Aristotle This is the driving principle of chain mail (that's how I'm spelling it). A small ring of metal becomes life-saving armor when properly linked together. Used in many forms and design styles over the ages, we still see chain mail in use today in both practical and ornamental ventures such as fashion or butcher's mail. Easily most recognizable is the standard European 4-in-1 style of mail. Entire suits were made in this method to protect the wearer from cuts. Also popular was the Japanese style 6-in-1 mail, which was generally not used for full suits. Japanese mail covered areas like the elbows or armpits, providing mobile, less restrictive protection and connecting the more rigid pieces of armor. Stay tuned as there is more on mail to come!