I had a request at this past weekend demo from a historical reinactor. He was asking if I could make a set of steel stirrups for his demos. He plays a midevil knight. He showed me a set he had made years ago, ans let me know what he didn't like about them. They look like something that I could do, so I said I would take a crack at them.

This leads to my question: What type of steel should I make them out of? I would think a36 would be too "bendy" but other than that. Have no clue. Any thought?

A36 will be FINE. Make the dimensions appropriate for the stresses that they must bear. That stuff is as STRONG as STEEL!

They were originally made from soft wrought iron. You may want to try to ILL a copy of "The Medieval Horse and its Equipment, c.1150-1450" (Medieval Finds from Excavations in London)

I do have some wrought, but the thought of cleaning, then forging to the shape needed with out a power hammer makes me shiver( and not in a good way). Besides, for safety sake I want to use known metal

I made a pair of 16th century Portugese style stirrups which folded loosely around the foot and had a pivot on the top. I used 1/8" mild steel, and it was strong enough. Make sure you measure the width of the stirrup leather, so you know that opening size. Better to make the stirrup leather hole a straight slot than an inside curve. A curve will wear the leather in an odd manner.

Here are some pics that are probably more inspirational rather than informative but are pretty cool nonetheless. The pieces are from the Greek National Military Museum. Mostly stirrups, a complicated bridle, and the most deeply etched pattern welded knife I've ever seen.

Made the pics on the bigger side to try to show detail, all pieces were behind glass. Enjoy.

oops missed the knife photo. Here you go.