Mail armour provided an effective defence against slashing blows by edged weapons and penetration by thrusting and piercing weapons; in fact, a study conducted at the Royal Armouries at Leeds concluded that "it is almost impossible to penetrate using any conventional medieval weapon."[REF][REF]
The flexibility of mail meant that a blow would often injure the wearer,[REF] potentially causing serious bruising or fractures, and it was a poor defence against head trauma.