Shields and Bucklers for sparring

[James Brazas]

Hello, I have recently begun training in ARMA. I know that for some time I will likely be just doing longsword so that I can really learn what Western swordsmanship is like. That is no problem for me as I like the longsword.

I have long been interested in sword and buckler and sword and shield, though. Sword and shield/buckler just seem to make intuitive sense to me. Shields are very much underappreciated by most nowadays since people (outside of ARMA) don't seem to realize that they are weapons in their own right. So I'd like to learn those styles someday and I'm curious about the equipment I might need.

What would y'all recommend for quality bucklers and shields to use in sparring?

I found a 12" leather buckler (cuir bouilli) from Purple Heart Armory, but that's about it.

The most I've found for shields are the padded "boffer" style.

Would those be acceptable for ARMA sparring or is there something else that would be preferred?

[Sal Bertucci]

I know Lowe's sells circular cut outs of wood that will serve as a "getting started" type training tool. With those I was able to build a rotella and a buckler for under $40 total.

The buckler in particular isn't perfect, but it gets the job done.

Steel is nice, but can be pricey. Size for bucklers is purely a matter of preference.

[Randall Pleasant]

James

For a number of years ARMA has had a boycot against Purple Heart Armory due bad business practices with our memebers. In additon hard leather bucklers just do not match up to wooden and steel bucklers. I would suggest the bucklers from Cresent Moon Armoury.

[James Brazas]

Thanks for the information, everyone.

[nathan featherstone]

you can make your own simple durable buckler pretty easy i think Hammaborg goes through them on their kit guide.
its pretty simple maybe only 20$ by a 2mm thick reenactment shield boss cut out plywood to the size you want front it in linen if you want for added durability and then trim the edge in leather. simple easy to make and lighter and less noisy thansome of the steel ones.

[Allen Johnson]

I have one of the steel bucklers from Albion's Mercenary's Tailor line. It's taken a solid beating over a number of years and its still good. The grip is a little narrow however and is a little uncomfortable when used barehanded. But it could be easily wrapped.
http://www.albion-swords.com/armor/merc ... uckler.htm