A guy I knew years ago used to make chainmail but he would buy the wire and cut and turn each ring by hand. Intense, time consuming stuff but it was VERY nice. He could sell a handmade chainmail body shirt for almost a grand (20 years ago). Of course it took months to make but it was cool stuff.
Mostly he sold wristbands and whatnot.
Supposedly it could turn a blade but who really wants to test that theory? lol...