|
Post by Kataphractos on Aug 8, 2012 0:13:11 GMT
So yeah, I'm currently looking for a Norman shield to complete a kit, but the only two sellers I'm aware of are Deepeeka (eh...) and another seller on eBay that I can't find atm, but I'm not a fan of their style of shield; the bottom is too rounded. It also doesn't help that I'm left-handed, which means I'd need to either find a right-hand shield or an 'ambidextrous' shield (one more advantage of round shields). It'd also need to be large; Deepeeka's shield is practically the exact dimensions I'm looking for, but AFAIK it's for right-handers only. I've seen Gaffer's shield press setup and am confident I could easily build my own, but I don't have the space to keep it, and I'd use it for one, maybe two shields, which to me doesn't justify the cost of materials and tools/parts needed to build one. So I'm looking for a seller or crafter who makes a decent one for a reasonable price. Anyone know any leads? And the crappy thing is, I remember there being a few Norman shields at KoA last year that were leftover movie props, leather-rimmed any everything. And not only were they cheap (like $110 each), but the straps were neutral; I was able to hold the one I examined easily in either hand. Man I've been kicking myself for not nabbing one of them when I had the chance...
|
|
jhart06
Member
Slowly coming back from the depths...
Posts: 3,292
|
Post by jhart06 on Aug 8, 2012 0:26:21 GMT
|
|
|
Post by Elheru Aran on Aug 8, 2012 13:27:03 GMT
It may be the angle of the photo, but that kite shield is a little too chubby for my taste. I'd ask if they have better photos before ordering that specific one. Probably wouldn't hurt to ask if they can do you up an custom shield, though... probably wouldn't cost much more, their prices are pretty darn reasonable.
|
|
jhart06
Member
Slowly coming back from the depths...
Posts: 3,292
|
Post by jhart06 on Aug 8, 2012 15:18:43 GMT
Their kite shield is a very early interpretation, and would be mid to early 11th century right when the Norse peoples started transitioning from their famed round shields to kite shields to protect the bare legs of an average Norseman... Read the sagas about cut off legs!!!. The very first were just round shields with a dropped bottom point. Not many people envision this kind though, as it wasn't a very popular design, and the longer, thinner one is most often seen.
|
|
Taran
Member
Posts: 2,621
|
Post by Taran on Aug 8, 2012 18:56:53 GMT
Windrose Armouries makes makes a variety of kite shields, from the Norman cavalryman's shield to the tower-sized infantryman's kite shield. And everything in between. Diamonds, coffins, and rounded tops. www.windrosearmoury.com/zc/
|
|
|
Post by Kataphractos on Aug 8, 2012 23:23:58 GMT
Love that selection, but they're all aluminum The Oakheart Norman shield is the one I've been eying, but I'm not a fan of how rounded the bottom is...otherwise the stats are perfect to me. I'll think about it some and make a decision after vacation (and I'll have to remember asking about a left-handed option). Basically, I'm looking for a design akin to this guy's shield (edging not required, but a nicety):
|
|
jhart06
Member
Slowly coming back from the depths...
Posts: 3,292
|
Post by jhart06 on Aug 9, 2012 2:41:59 GMT
Send oakheart a query.. My understanding is they should be able to accommodate a custom order. The Windrose stuff isn't bad, but metal shields aren't very prevalent in period, and especially not for the impression you are describing you want to do.
|
|
|
Post by K. Vander Linde on Aug 24, 2012 22:16:17 GMT
there is a man on Ebay who makes wounderful shields. stores.ebay.com/Medieval-Artists ... 34.c0.m322 however he curently doesn't have a norman he has in the past, try to find his contact info. I would make you one for free, but i curently do not have the time. you would just have to write a review on it for me. if i get the time i'll pm you.
|
|
|
Post by Kataphractos on Sept 14, 2012 2:35:35 GMT
It seems BKS is about to start selling shields, including Normans. They had a prototype at Ohio's Ren Faire...solidly built, but it's all-metal (stage combat and all that...). Might have to get one for sparring when they go live.
|
|
jhart06
Member
Slowly coming back from the depths...
Posts: 3,292
|
Post by jhart06 on Sept 14, 2012 3:15:29 GMT
You honestly and truly wont notice a huge difference in durability, unless you're hitting it hard 4+ hours a session 2-3 times a week.
|
|
|
Post by deMontacute on Sept 14, 2012 4:12:59 GMT
You don't have to make a shield press. I've made a couple of Norman Kit shields, and we've always used ratchet straps and either a keg or a tree. Just glue your plywood together, and before it dries strap it to the tree or keg and tighten to the curve you want. After it has dried, draw on the shield you want onto the now curved boards and cut it out.
After cutting, face the shield with whatever material you plan on using (I like linen). Edging isn't too hard, and I'd highly recommend it. Just buy some already cut raw hide strips, or buy a side of rawhide from Tandy. Get the rawhide wet and stretch it around the rim and nail or sew it down before it dries. A shield without edging will fall apart under use pretty quickly.
You don't need a shield press, just ratchet straps and a tree...
|
|