Different Types of Knight Helmets: A Complete Guide to Medieval Headgear

This guide covers every major type of knight helmet across the medieval period. For a broader overview of all medieval helmet styles including non-knight designs, see our complete guide to types of medieval helmets. If you're ready to buy, jump to our Medieval Helmet Buying Guide 2026 for recommendations by use case and budget.

1. The Nasal Helmet (9th–12th Century)

The nasal helmet was one of the earliest and most widespread knight helmets of the early medieval period. A simple conical steel cap with a single bar protecting the nose, it offered basic protection while allowing good visibility. It was the standard helmet of Norman knights at the Battle of Hastings (1066) and remained in use through the early Crusades.

Best for: Early medieval and Norman reenactment, Viking Age LARP, entry-level cosplay.

2. The Great Helm (12th–14th Century)

The Great Helm is the most iconic knight helmet of the Crusades era — a fully enclosed steel cylinder covering the entire head and face, with narrow eye slits and ventilation holes. It became the defining helmet of the Knights Templar and Crusader knights. For the full story of how the Great Helm shaped Templar warfare, read our history of Templar helmets.

Best for: Crusader reenactment, Templar cosplay, display collections.

3. The Bascinet (14th–15th Century)

The Bascinet replaced the Great Helm as the dominant knight helmet of the late medieval period. Its rounded skull cap extended to protect the neck and cheeks, and was typically paired with a chainmail aventail. The Hounskull (Hundsgugel) variant — with its distinctive pointed visor — became one of the most recognizable medieval helmet designs.

Best for: 14th–15th century reenactment, LARP combat, display.

4. The Barbuta (15th Century)

The Barbuta is an Italian knight helmet of the 15th century, featuring a T-shaped or Y-shaped face opening. Inspired by ancient Greek designs, it offered excellent skull and cheek protection with superior visibility compared to the Great Helm. It is a favorite in LARP and cosplay for its elegant, open-face silhouette.

Best for: Italian medieval reenactment, LARP, cosplay, display.

5. The Armet (15th–16th Century)

The Armet was a fully enclosed knight helmet that fitted closely to the head, with hinged cheek pieces that locked together at the chin. Unlike the Great Helm, which rested on the shoulders, the Armet balanced on the head itself — making it far more comfortable for extended wear. It became the preferred helmet of mounted knights in the late 15th century.

Best for: Late medieval and Renaissance reenactment, mounted knight cosplay, collectors.

6. The Close Helmet (15th–17th Century)

The Close Helmet was the pinnacle of medieval knight helmet design. It fully enclosed the head with a pivoting visor and bevor (chin guard), and was the standard helmet of the fully armored knight in the 15th and 16th centuries. Gothic and Maximilian styles are particularly prized by collectors for their elaborate fluting.

Best for: Late medieval and Renaissance reenactment, full armor displays, collectors.

7. The Sallet (15th Century)

The Sallet was a popular knight helmet in Germany and England during the 15th century. It featured a distinctive swept-back tail protecting the neck, and was often worn with a separate bevor to protect the lower face. Lighter and more practical than the Great Helm, it was widely used by both mounted knights and infantry.

Best for: 15th century German and English reenactment, LARP, display.

8. The Kettle Hat (13th–15th Century)

The Kettle Hat (War Hat) was the infantryman's knight helmet of choice — a wide-brimmed steel hat that deflected blows from above while allowing excellent vision and ventilation. Practical, affordable, and widely used by foot soldiers, crossbowmen, and archers throughout the medieval period.

Best for: Infantry reenactment, Crusader and Hundred Years' War scenarios, LARP.

How to Choose the Right Knight Helmet

The right knight helmet depends on your historical period, intended use, and personal style:

• Early medieval (9th–11th c.): Nasal helmet or Viking-style cap
• Crusades era (12th–13th c.): Great Helm — see our Templar helmet guide for Crusader-specific options
• Late medieval (14th–15th c.): Bascinet, Barbuta, Sallet, or Armet

If you're looking for a wearable steel knight helmet built to historical standards, browse our complete Medieval Helmets collection — handcrafted steel knight, Roman, and Crusader helmets for LARP, reenactment, cosplay, and display.