The Armour Archive

Gunthar wrote:
I'm currently using a 24" x 30" and that is considered kind of small for here. At some point I plan on cutting it down a bit more anyway. And I'm working on developing two-sword style.

You may have said this earlier, if so I missed it. Sorry.

But, have you thought about going Center Grip? I've found that center gripped smaller shields are much more effective, defensively, than smaller side strapped.

Here's mine:



and one that shows its size compared to me a little better:

Funny thing-if you look at period illustrations, most center gripped shields were wielded by infantry, while most strapped shields were wielded by cavalry.

Of course, center grips open you up to shield punches and snatches, but those seem to have fallen out of favor for some unknown reason...

I've looked at a centergrip and even ordered one a while back but it was really too heavy for me to properly use. I'd like to try to play with another one sometime.

Of course, center grips open you up to shield punches and snatches, but those seem to have fallen out of favor for some unknown reason...

I've found that I use a lot more shield hooks with the smaller shield and I've always believed in the power of the shield press.

Thanks everyone!

I've looked at a centergrip and even ordered one a while back but it was really too heavy for me to properly use. I'd like to try to play with another one sometime.

Grow stronger!

Grow stronger!

Nah, I'm old and weak and lazy.

Shield hooks and grabs are a critical part of how I use a small shield. The big advantage of the small shield is its speed and maneuverability. A centre grip just does not have the same ability as a strapped one to grab other folks shields...

Cornelius

cornelius wrote:Shield hooks and grabs are a critical part of how I use a small shield. The big advantage of the small shield is its speed and maneuverability. A centre grip just does not have the same ability as a strapped one to grab other folks shields...

Cornelius

Nope but they work great for shield punches to your opponents shield to pin it.

regards
ThorvaldR

Thorvaldr Skegglauss wrote:

cornelius wrote:Shield hooks and grabs are a critical part of how I use a small shield. The big advantage of the small shield is its speed and maneuverability. A centre grip just does not have the same ability as a strapped one to grab other folks shields...

Cornelius

Nope but they work great for shield punches to your opponents shield to pin it.

regards
ThorvaldR

AND with a center grip, the ENTIRE shield can be used for shield snatches. Even the Boss.

I've reached out and hooked the boss on the top edge of my opponent's shield and pushed it down for a head shot before.

With a heater, you can use the bottom point to punch the opponent's shield, or if they are on their knees, it is good for hooking to top corner of their shield without opening you up for a shot.

I have to agree with Corny - my strapped heater allows for shield hooks with either the front edge or the back, even with the top when I am feeling creative. My experience (for whatever it is worth) with centergrips is that they are outstanding for a press or punch, but hooking with them requires much more precise body positioning due to the change in leverage. Also, I have never been able to make a hook work with the back edge of a centergrip, let alone the top. Again, the key seems to be leverage and body position.

YMMV

Hans

The most fun you can have with a shield. Light, fast and agile.
This is my "fun" shield. My tourney shield is an 18X20, and my war shield is a 24X32.

Here is me (in red) and shield-
not the smallest out there but not that big

Cornelius

Y'alll are starting to make me feel like I'm fighting with a barn door.

I certainly feel like I'm fighting with a barn door, I tell you that much. However, my leg is really fe'd up now and I'm scared of blood clots.

Well for the area Gunthar it is a very small shield. I wish more people would follow your example and move away from the barn doors. I do agree with several people in this thread about trying a center grip shield instead of a strap. See you next Wednesday


Sven Randalson

Vitus von Atzinger wrote:I certainly feel like I'm fighting with a barn door, I tell you that much. However, my leg is really fe'd up now and I'm scared of blood clots.

You could wear leg harness.

I fight with a small center grip Norman kite, I shield hook fighters with it and it makes me all warm and fuzzy on the inside just brace the shield on your forearm works real well.

Thor.