The Armour Archive

I live in an apartment,theres a home depot across the street. I have nowhere to put power tools, and probably nowhere convienent to use hand tools, but it might be possible So, making my own shield is probably out of the question. Is there a reference to any site that sells shields? Or maybe one to make a shield, and what tools are required? I am interested in a wall type shield, and if that is not practical, a kite shield. I dont like how round shields look. I'm 5'11 200 lbs.

Mandrake sells a variety of shields and shield acessories:
http://www.mandrakearmory.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=MA&Category_Code=S

Is there someone in your area who has garage space or a shed and some tools?

My first shield was a 24" (diameter) small round. you just need a piece of scrap plyood, some tubing, a boss and a handle. It taught me a very solid defense due to how often I got hit.

If you're using the shield for SCA fighting, I reccommend (sp?) using a small round or heater to start off. If you learn to fight with a barn door your defense is not going to be very good. Rounds are super simple to make. If you can't make it right there go find a high school with a shop class, or a cabinet/counter top store and ask them for help.
~Folcric

Who would rather fight people than the doors they're hiding behind.

[This message has been edited by Folcric (edited 12-18-2003).]

If you are going to use the shield for SCA combat, then I suggest that you start at fighter practice, and ask around. There should be someone (hopefully) who has some tools, and at least a garage. You supply the materials, and he helps you with getting a shield made. Many of the shields you buy still require edging, and strapping.

If it is your first shield, then I suggest that you not spend a lot of time or money on it. Especially, if you are making a kite, heater or rectangle (yuck). You will have to experiment with getting the straps in the right place for you. Making a cheap piece of plywood look like swiss cheese makes a lot more sense than a $50 shield blank.

Once you have figured out where you want the straps, then you can make an incredibly beautiful expensive shield.


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Conor
Red Dragon Armoury
I would like to say a few words. And here they are: Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak!