Usually, this small workshop in Zaporijjia (Eastern Ukraine) makes medieval armor and swords.
But since the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, Vadim Mirnichenko, passionate about medieval combat, had to adapt his activity.
The army having, according to him, refused that he enlist, he decided to use his knowledge of metallurgy to manufacture ballistic plates, melted in two small ovens and intended to be integrated into the bulletproof vests of the Ukrainian forces.
In Ukraine, medieval combat is elevated to the rank of sport.
The country even hosted its World Championships in May 2019.
"The soldier just broke a rib"
Each plate is tested on a shooting range to ensure its protection.
“I understand the responsibility I have, not only for people's health, but also for their lives.
And each time, it makes me nervous during production and testing,” says Vadim Mirnichenko.
The metal plates surrounded by rubber are then embedded in bulletproof vests.
“If something gets into the plate, it's held in by the rubber.
Usually in vests they use kevlar, but it's very expensive,” explains the blacksmith.
The first twelve ballistic plates, financed by donations from its foreign customers, were given free of charge to friends who are fighting for Ukraine.
Thirty others were then sold at 150 dollars each (142 euros), their cost price.
Feedback from the field attests to their effectiveness: “He (a friend) told us that he was under fire.
But he is alive and well.
He just broke a rib,” says employee Andrii Paliy of an acquaintance in the army who used their tags.