Msg from Atzinger Shieldworks (cross post)

[Vitus von Atzinger]

I am crossing this in different places to make sure people see it.

The shields that I am currently working on are going to get a crapload of coating. The weak place -regardless of the wood type- is behind the center of the top edge. The plan is to take all existing orders, flip them over and put a crapload of epoxy on the back all along the blocking edges. I don't see this creating any significant time delays.

But it must be done. I am now convinced that I must make my own plywood out of hardwood veneers to get a shield core that will take the abuse of SCA combat.

My own Atzinger shields seem to last and last, I think because my blocking style has changed radically over the years. I tend to displace blows instead of just catching the big kabash on them.

The shield core is what is at issue. Epoxy-coated canvas is the perfect vehicle for wood filler and Bondo-type filler repair work. Conventional plywood of all types has now been tried- poplar, oak and birch...none of them will work. I could go to an even thicker (three pieces of 1/4 oak or birch) but then we are creating a shield much heavier than it's period counterpart.

The only answer is for me to make multi-layered plywood myself from multiple layers of right-angled hardwood veneer.

The purpose of this quest was to accomplish several things-

1. Period appearance
2. Period handling (as light as medieval "disposable" shields)
3. Easy repairs/touch-ups for the working life of the shield.

Right now I plan to make whatever shield press is required to start making these new blanks. The first two shields will be given as demo-models to Duke Logan Ebonwulfe (gotta pay the guy back and give him something that will last- he worked so hard on that early model) and Count Dimitri.

I expect these demo shields to be finished by the end of the summer.

Everyone else is going to get shields with as much epoxy as I can afford to coat them with. I plan to lose money (big time) on all of my standing orders, but you gotta do wwhat you gotta do. I have come too far and worked too hard to give up now.

The only option I can see is maybe using a half-inch thick plastic that I can form with a heat gun, edge and then cover with canvas and epoxy. If anyone knows of a suitable plastic that is not insanely expensive please contact me.

It is apparent that no type of shell I can find -including fiberglass matte and epoxy- will be strong enough and light enough. My squire Eldric built one from fiberglass matte and fiberglass resin but it is too thick in the edges because of extra strips of wood that he added to the back to strengthen it. The shield is the size of a Dorito, and if it were the typical 24x36 it would weigh 10,000 pounds.


I don't care- my shields will look authentic front and back or I'm giving up.

This is the way it is. I do something different with my shields...maybe I block with the face now...I don't know. I had a shield made from cheap pine, covered in canvas and painted -no epoxy- and it lasted an entire ToC and is still usable. Maybe I changed styles to protect my shield edges...that is possible.

This is the state of things. I gotta go to the next level or quit.

[Dierick]

Have you ever considered doing a run of mid priced expendable shields? Something that could be bought in lots of ten or so, that look and handle authentically.

At some point I want to make a dozen or so for myself, that won't hold up to a severe beating and will crumble if I try to hide behind it. I'd love to see a tournament held with reinforced particle board that would take a couple of good shots but not be invincible.

I will have to order a shield from you at some point, you do such incredible work.

[Otto von Teich]

Vitus, I think your setting your goals to high. I dont think medieval shields were ever supposed to be indestructable. Thats probably part of the reason there are so few extant examples. That and the fact they are made of perishable materials ( except for the few steel examples). I think your making them quite a bit stronger than the original examples, and should be satisfied. I do applaud your tireless efforts.