About Cody Sortore

I was born in February of 1986, middle of 3 children born to Heather and Robert Sortore. I've been making chainmail since I was 14, starting in the summer of 1998. Originally I learned about chainmail from a church camp that I went to. A guy there that made chainmail taught me a little, but I didn't really take it to heart mostly was just something to take up time during that week. Later on that year I worked at the Kansas City Renaissance Festival. As I worked there I got to wear several pieces of chainmail that some of the Artisans there had made. The KC Ren Faire is where I fell in love with the art of chainmail, wearing a 45 pound shirt that fit so comfortably, and still allowed such great movement made me fall in love with the art.

For quite some time I worked with bulky wire and cheaper steel in my work. I spent one summer making a full vest of bright aluminum wire in the european 6 in 1 pattern for the release of the third and final Lord of the Rings - Return of the King. When I made and wore this vest it got the attention of several people, including a jeweller here in Parkville, MO. He took notice of my work and offered to help me get started working in Silver, I only partially took him up on his offer. I did pay for my first order, and all subsequent ones, only using him as a medium to purchase such materials through. I've since moved on and opened my own account with the company he purchased through and place all orders myself, though I am greatful for such people that allowed me to order without charging me anything extra.