The Armour Archive

I like a rigid shield handle. What is the best combo basket/handle to save weight?

I currently have an aluminum basket that I put a 7" hex bolt in (covered with a bicycle handle over the bolt for comfort). But the bolt is rather heavy. I have to think there is a lighter option out there.

Advice?

switch out the hex bolt for somthing smaller and build up the grip with somthing else.
leather washers would probiby be significaly lighter then the hex bolt.

how light do you want it?

Honestly, the few ounces you may loose on weight probably won't make any difference in shield performance.

your body hates holding 10lbs+ and below 8lbs is too light.

the weight savings can make a huge difference in the shields balance and feel.

sometimes its easier to just build a new shiled.

if you are looking at weight savings reducing the edging weight can make the biggest difference. if you are using rubber hose should look at the vinal covered aluminum channel that one of the armouries s offering.

I am not sure about its durability if you fight twice a week or live in a harder hitting area.

mrks

I too am concerned with weight of my shield handle and hate both the looks and the balance of most bar-grill shield baskets.

For a handle I like to use 1" x 1/8" bar stock bent to shape and filled out with 2 shims of wood and some tape. The end result feels like a hammer handle and is very rigid but comfortable.

For hand protection I generally use a modified hockey glove at practice but have used an ABS shield basket or portions of a leather gauntlet to protect the fingers and inside wrist. The ABS is light, durable and obviously non-period. The leather partial gauntlet is light, less durable and also non-period but is at least a perioid-ish material.

You can build a light leather shield basket but I'm not sure how well it would survive in the bottom of a car trunk with your armor on top of it. At least a leather gauntlet (the only time I feel comfortable wearing one) can be stuffed inside your helm to keep it from getting crushed.

Good luck!

Sean

http://bokalosarmoury.com/baskethilts.htm

Item 625, aluminum shield cup, $23.

These work awesomely well, and weigh almost nothing. You need to drill a hole on either side to mount your handle. I used a piece of a cheap hammer handle. This probably saved a couple of pounds over my welded bar hilt.

The advice on reducing your shield edging to a minimum is also very good.

I don't know if he still has them but Maelgwn at http://www.strawberryfieldsarmory.com had lightweight shield baskets.

I too prefer a hardwood hammer handle mounted on a few plywood blocks and secured by two carrige bolts. you can save further weight by using a rattan cane instead of the hammer handle.