: Some thoughts: I always thought that Sauron's tactics with the Orcs was basically to overwhelm the enemies with sheer numbers.
: Knowing, I would find it odd if they would be well-armored and equipped, so I believe the vast majority of Orcs would be armed with the basics of armor, a basic leather vest with a few decorations. A Orc of higher importance will have more armor, but I doubt they will take it time to paint it fully black. Instead, they will just use stolen armor, and paint a few symbols on it so it turns into a hideous mockery of the once noble armor.

: The shock units equipped by Sauron himself would probably have betterarmor andweapons, but I really have a hard time imagining a Orc wearing good quality armor and weapons.

: Orcs would also wield axes often, considering that axes are a much more simpler weapon to make than swords.

In general, I agree with you, but I was referring to soldiery, many orks would be militia and equipped as such with what they could get their hands on. However, if their arms were too crooked to use human weapons, they would also not be able to use human armour. Speaking from experience, a chainmail coat need only be made for a person of a little different build than you to be very cumbersome. I sometimes use one made for a person of similar height to me, but weighing 8-10 kilos less, however, it was made to be worn with a gambeson and a size too large. If I use it with anything heavier than a shirt under it, it gets too tight over the chest, shoulders and upper arms and I cannot use my sword and shield/sword and axe properly.
Thus, I believe that few Orks would wear human armour.
:-) palle