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I recall quite a bit of discussion on this when Ultimate Combat first came out. In many ways it boils down to Mage Armour not being on the Magus spell list, but beyond that it's perhaps best to just wear haramaki armour (no ASF) and be content that you'll be 3 AC behind a standard Magus (in a chain shirt) for a while.
Plus, remember that pretty much all low-level Magus characters have miserable AC anyway (due to not using shields and having better things to spend Feats and Ability Score points on) so like all Magi go for the 'try to kill 'em before they get to attack you' play style. As soon as you hit level two spells AC won't be your main defense anyway.
Hmm, short analysis:
Level 1: Normal magus starts with studded leather (assuming 100g for chain shirt is too much at WBL 140). Kensai gets +1 AC by Int. Net disadvantage is -2 AC. It's partially offset by Weapon Focus which slightly increases your chance to kill before being hurt.
Level 2: Normal magus likely upgrades to chain shirt. Kensai gets another +1 AC by Int. Net disadvantage stays at -2.
Level 3: Normal magus probably upgrades to chain shirt +1. Kensai can get bracers of armor +1 for pretty much the same amount of money. In case of Int 16+ the disadvantage shrinks to -1, else it stays at -2.
From now on, things become better, your AC will profit more from Int and Dex than a regular magus - items and spells are your friend. Some more thoughts to playstyle:
* Don't neglect your Dex completely because you are Str based.
* You are a dedicated damage dealer, and it's no shame to hide behind more stable mates (cleric, full martial etc.) before your first strike. Delay your action if necessary. Simply rushing in is for Int 7 barbarians.
* There is the Vanish spell to get the first strike or to escape.
* For messy situations there is always full defense (+6 AC with 3 ranks in Acrobatics).
* If you notice you are still in trouble at level 3, consider a defensive magus arcane like Flamboyant Arcana (to parry attacks) or Spell Shield.
Other low level options include the Shield Spell for a +4 shield bonus, Cat's Grace for a +2 dodge bonus, Ablative Barrier for a +2 armor bonus, and Djezet Skin (Armor Master's Handbook) for a +3 armor bonus (cost: 3410 gp).
I once played an eldritch knight and got so sick of wasting my swift on armor training, that I eventually ditched armor and went to bracers.
Unless you're casting quickened spells, you either need the swift action for Arcane Strike while attacking, or AAT while casting, with no overlap.
Yeah, either get another caster to give you Mage Armor, UMD or potion it yourself, or take the arcana to add it to your spell list.
Magi use swift actions a lot to enhance their weapons.
Gisher, cat's grace enhances dex, so it's not a dodge bonus.
You are correct. My mistake.
Armor bonuses don't stack, so you can't stack ablative armor and the skin.
I was listing a variety of options. I wasn't suggesting that they would all work simultaneously.
But most magi acquire mage armor from a party caster or learn to use the wand, potions in a pinch are affordable after level 1.
We seem to have had very different experiences playing Magi. Other than Kensai, all the Magi I am aware of, including my own, use actual armor rather than Mage Armor.