How to Make a Kite Shield

Kite shields were used by Norman Knights from roughly the 10th to 15th centuries. They went through several evolutions, the earliest being the very long and tapered teardrop shape, with the flat topped style coming later. A smaller version of the flat topped style is known as a heater shield. These shields are relatively easy to make for costume and practice purposes, and here I will show you how to put together a simple wooden kite shield.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1/2 or 3/4 inch plywood
• a handle
• a leather strap
• 4 or 6 dome topped bolts with matching nuts
• 2 washers
• a saw
• a drill
• paint

1. 
    
   Kite Shields come in different shapes.

   When choosing the thickness of plywood you want to use, consider whether or not you want the shield for a costume piece, or if someone will actually be swinging a rattan sword at you. (I hope no one will be swinging a real sword at you, if so you may prefer metal to wood.) You also need to take into account the strength of your arm. These will start to feel very heavy pretty quickly. 1/2 inch plywood will be lighter, 3/4 inch will be more durable. Next choose the shape you want to use. If you are going for an early period Norman persona you will want to use the inverted teardrop shape, for the knight-in-shining-armor look you will want the flat-topped version.

2. Before you cut, you need to measure. If you are using the teardrop shape, you will want your shield to cover from shoulder to knee, the flat topped version can be shorter. It will need to be wide enough to cover your arm, so measure from your knuckles to your elbow and add about a foot to that for the width of your shield. You might want to cut a template from cardboard or large paper so you can work on getting your shape and size right before you cut your plywood. Once you are satisfied trace your template onto the plywood and use a saw to cut it out.

3. 
    
   Use a handle similar to this.

   Next you will attach the handle and strap you will use to hold the shield up. Measure down about 10 inches or so from the top of the shield. Now lay the shield down and lay your forearm across the width of it so that you have about 6 inches of shield sticking out beyond your elbow, and six inches past your knuckles. Mark points above and below your hand to show where your handle will go. Then mark two points closer to your elbow where you want your strap to go. When you are holding the shield your left arm will go through the strap and you will grip the handle with your left hand. If you will be wearing armor make sure your strap will fit over it. Gambison and mail add quite a bit of bulk to your arm. You may want to add several folds of cloth or some foam between the handle and the shield to pad your knuckles.

4. Use your drill to make holes for the bolts in the places you marked. Use the bolts to secure the strap and handle. Make sure you use washers between the leather strap and the nuts so it doesn't tear through over time. Make sure the smooth domed heads of the bolts are on the outside of the shield and the nuts on the inside. If the extra length sticks out too far on the inside you can use a hacksaw to cut them shorter. Snug them down well, but don't tighten them too much or you could splinter the plywood.

5. 
    
   Norman Knight circa 1066

   You may now emblazon your shield with your arms. Or just paint it with a cool medieval design. The shield can also be covered with a sheet of leather. Glue the leather to the wood and add rivets around the outside edge for a studded pseudo-Gothic look. You can add foam tubing around the edges to prevent the wood from splintering during sparring practice. Simply use the black foam pipe insulation tubes you can pick up at the hardware store, cut a slit down the length and press the tube over the edge of the shield.

Tips & Warnings

• You can use another strap of leather instead of a metal handle. Fold it in half and wrap it with cord to make it easier to hold.
• Have fun storming the castle!
• If you are making a shield for the SCA, make sure you get with your kingdom's herald before you paint it. Arms are registered, and you don't want to inadvertently use someone else's.
• Always be careful when using power tools.

Resources

• Regia Anglorum - Shields in Medieval History

[tk2333]

on 12/17/2008 ill try this!!!!!