Over the last couple of years I have kind of specialized on making jousting shields, both in the historical and practical aspect of building and using them.
I have chosen to make them as historical as possible, but with modern material because it holds up better over the years.
So far I have made about 20 shields, and have the pleasure to have a couple of them hanging on some of the best jousters in modern time.
Shields I have done this year.
How I do it!
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- Shape
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The shape is up to the purpose and period. Illustration Shield bank.
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- Size
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I think that the size is individual, it's important to have a shield that protects well, but most important is that it's a good and fair target for your opponent.
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I think that a proper size is: Centre of the chest to outer arm & shoulder to elbow + 5-8 cm fore the tip.
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- Material
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I make the shield in two kind of material, a use 4mm thick plywood and use to do the shields i three layer.
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1) Plywood, pine.
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2) Plywood, oak.
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- Frontside
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The frontside is covered by least 3 layer of linen, each layer is glued on in different directons, like this.
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- Backside
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The backside can be delivered in three different ways:
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1) Paint on wood.
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2) Covered in linen.
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3) Covered in leather.
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- Strap
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The straps are made out of 3 - 3,5 mm hardened leather that's edged and polished. Of course I do them in any colour you want.
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The rivets (bolts) & washers, I use for bolting the straps, looks like this.
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- Painting
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I paint all from the most simple heraldic, to the most advansed coat of arms.
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I use three types of paint:
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1) Modern oilpaint.
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2) Modern water based colors.
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3) Boiled inseedoil with colorpigment.