If scrap only covers one blueprint, learn the metal facemask first and leave the plate for the next research run. The two cost the same, but the plate is the hungrier craft: its eight kits take 24 ropes, and rope only comes from barrels, crates and the recycler. Have the sewing kit blueprint first, or the plate waits on whatever kits the road gives you.
Leather is the other wall. A plate eats as much leather as the mask, so a group kitting out three players hunts for days. Keep the hides from every trip in one box and don't spend them on gloves or kilts.
Tip
Short on kits? The road sign jacket takes far fewer and comes off a Level 2 bench. For the one player holding the base, a heavy plate jacket skips leather and kits entirely.
Questions
Metal Chest Plate ×10: how many resources?
High Quality Metal ×180, Leather ×500, Sewing Kit ×80.
Which workbench does Metal Chest Plate need?
Workbench level 3.
How long does Metal Chest Plate take to craft?
35 s for one, every step included.
How much scrap does researching Metal Chest Plate take?
