Medieval Shields
Following the traditional construction methods, our Medieval Shields are formed with thin (16) layers of wood, each individually shaped and pressed for durability. The compounded layers of poplar not only ads durability in comparison to a single, thicker layer, but also provides greater strength with lesser weight. Each layer is soaked and individually pressed to shape, eventually creating one solid defensive wall. We covered the heater shields in heavy cotton. Decorative rivets are set and topped off with a wood grip, closed cell foam backing covered in full grain leather, and adjustable forearm strap.
The evolution of the defensive shield was increasingly designed with mobility and functionality in mind. At it’s pinnacle, the geometry of the medieval shield was so versatile that they were used by mounted knights and foot soldiers. Historically, the medieval shield was typically constructed from layers of thin wood in a curved triangle shape that maximized surface area (and therefore protection), covered in leather or canvas.
