Talk:Olaf/@comment-24073465-20140516102055/@comment-5266525-20140523013815

There is opportunity costs to consider. Of course Thornmail 'helps' against all AD champs, but the question is what other items you could be sacrificing to get it. You do not need Thornmail to win in trades vs. these guys and you lose out on a lot of bullying potential if you do go for it.

Randuin's and Frozen Heart unquestionably beat Thornmail for tankiness. They don't need to match its armor when they both give (more or less) a 20% DPS penalty on enemy champs. Hell, Randuin's beats Thornmail for effective health against physical damage even without Cold Steel.