How to edge a shield with leather.

[Keegan Ingrassia]

Routering a shallow groove around the edge of the shield helps keep the rope in place.

[Cedric Adolphus]

Is there any big difference to the technique when edging an aluminum shield?

[Maeryk]

Is there any big difference to the technique when edging an aluminum shield?

When I did mine (same basic idea as Vitus is using, but I went long-way round and didn't use glue), I found that putting a cap around the edge first (the trim stuff you can get for edges of auto doors.. looks like U) made a big difference, and made the leather last a LOT longer on the square, sharp edge of the shield.

[Cedric Adolphus]

That makes a fair amount of sense, otherwise the metal will just cut right through when it gets hit

[Foxman]

I should try that!

The first one I made I hot glued on the poly rope to tack it then put on the leather - I wouldn’t do that again - one section where I block the most the rope managed to roll over the edge.

If I were to do it again I would do the following:

1. Coat the face of the shield with a layer of glue.
2. attach the rope around the edge
3. apply canvas OVER the rope and glue
4. cover canvas with another layer of glue & smooth canvas out
5. Wait for glue to dry (this should lock the poly rope under)
6. Soak leather and attach (as you showed above)
7. Paint device
8. Apply a protective coat over the device

I went with poly-rope the same diameter as the thickness of my shield. I'd look at doing a slightly smaller diameter next time.

If you do try this out (using poly rope) let me know how it goes! I'd be interested in the results!

Here's my shield BTW
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=3 ... =658766577

We were short on leather so stitched 3 pieces together.