Adam Savage Takes a Deep Dive Into Authentic Samurai Helmets

Adam Savage recently spent time at the Met Museum with conservator and armorer Ted Hunter, and the experience led him to realize that identifying a true samurai helmet is far trickier than he expected.

“Adam Savage thought he knew a samurai helmet when he saw one, but ... nope. At ‪@metmuseum‬ conservator and armorer Ted Hunter takes us through the surprisingly different and strategic forms samurai helmets took, including a 58 plate masterpiece from 1472 that weighs more than the classic M1 military helmet!”

The visit turned into a fascinating deep dive into authentic samurai armor and the craftsmanship behind it, from rugged 14th century battlefield designs to the more ornate styles that emerged later.

In the video Savage explores how these helmets were engineered, the materials that shaped them and the techniques that defined their construction, giving fans of Japanese history and prop making a cool look at how these iconic pieces were built.