Got questions? Excellent. Curiosity is how legendary gear is chosen.
This section covers the most common questions we get about Geek Maille chainmaille dice bags, materials, care, and craftsmanship. We believe in transparency, quality, and making sure your dice have a worthy place to rest between adventures. If you don’t see your question answered here, feel free to reach out — we’re always happy to talk shop.
Will a chainmaille dice bag scratch or damage my dice?
This is a great question, and the short answer is: very unlikely with Geek Maille bags.
Not all chainmaille is created equal. Scratching is most often associated with machine-cut rings, which can leave tiny burrs or sharp edges where the ring was clipped. Over time, those rough spots can rub against dice.
At Geek Maille, we use high-quality saw-cut rings, which have much smoother, flatter ends. Every ring is carefully closed so the edges sit flush, and then all of our rings are tumbled to further smooth and polish them before being woven into a bag. This extra finishing step helps remove micro burrs and creates a surface that’s far gentler on your dice.
Your dice are meant to roll boldly, not suffer battle damage in their bag.
Will my dice bag oxidize or need special cleaning?
Stainless Steel & Anodized Aluminum
Geek Maille dice bags made from 316L stainless steel or anodized aluminum require very little maintenance. Both materials are highly resistant to corrosion and oxidation under normal use.
For routine cleaning, all that’s needed is:
- Warm water
- Mild dish soap
- A gentle rinse and thorough drying
316L stainless steel is the same alloy used in medical and marine applications, so it holds up exceptionally well against moisture and wear. Anodized aluminum has a sealed surface that protects the color and metal beneath, making it durable and low-maintenance. No polishing compounds or harsh cleaners required.
What about copper bags and patina?
Copper is a living metal. Over time, exposure to air, moisture, and skin oils will naturally cause it to develop a patina, shifting from bright copper to deeper browns and, eventually, darker tones. This is normal and often desired by many collectors for its aged, battle-worn look.
If you enjoy the patina, no action is needed beyond basic cleaning with warm water and mild soap.
If you prefer to restore copper to a brighter finish:
- Use a soft cloth with a copper polish
- Or a natural method like lemon juice and salt, followed by a thorough rinse and drying
Avoid abrasive scrubbers, as they can scratch the surface.
Patina does not weaken the bag or affect its function — it’s purely an aesthetic evolution.
Do I need to worry about allergies?
We craft our bags from 316L stainless steel, anodized aluminum, and copper — all generally safe for skin contact.
- 316L stainless steel is hypoallergenic and widely used in medical and jewelry applications, so it’s safe for most folks.
- Anodized aluminum is also safe and non-reactive.
- Copper can occasionally cause minor reactions for people with very sensitive skin, especially if it’s in prolonged contact.
If you know you have a metal sensitivity, we recommend using your bag for dice storage rather than prolonged skin contact. Otherwise, your dice (and your hands) are in safe hands! 🛡️🎲
Is chainmaille durable?
Yes! Chainmaille is more than just eye candy — it’s a centuries-old technique designed to take a beating. Our Geek Maille bags are handcrafted using tight, secure weaves and high-quality rings that hold their shape and protect your dice. We will advise thought that some of our micro maille (18 AWG rings or thinner) won’t withstand excessive abuse the same way as our standard ring bags (16 AWG rings or thicker).
- 316L stainless steel rings are virtually impervious to bending or rusting under normal use.
- Anodized aluminum is lightweight, strong, and keeps its color without flaking.
- Copper is softer, but still robust and will age gracefully with patina.
While chainmaille is tough, remember that no metal is invincible: avoid cutting edges, sharp impacts, or crushing heavy objects on your bag. Treat it like the armor it is — a protective home for your dice, not a substitute for a blacksmith’s hammer. ⚔️🎲
