Hi Brian,
Well, it is first neccessary to look at all existing treatise references to these lost weapons, as none survive today (that we might know of at least).
The techniques and force of actions lend us the best working knowledge from which to construct them, as you don`t want them too light or heavy for use, but they have to stand up to abuse all the same and be practically weildable.
Like any functional weapon form, using and making them to the same specs as originals is always neccessry.
With wood, the construction form and force of actions would rule out anything around 1/4 inch or less in thickness, as this would be structurally unsound for the techniques. Conversely, anything getting over 1/2 inch thick overall is simply getting too heavy to weild.
1/2 inch plywood works well enough, though if you can source sheet stock at 3/8 thick, that would be perfect in terms of weight and strength.
Looking at the original illustrations, proportion is fairly well shown and more importantly, consistent throughout the treatises.
It is clear that the shields are around the height or just a bit taller than a man. I make mine at 6 foot high overall.
Width to proportion at 6 foot high = 2 feet wide.
The main body shape is easy to replicate from the originals, with a variety of styles out there.
To be honest, I have made the single and double hook versions and find the double hook quite versatile.
The triangular long boss section is a bit more tricky, as a good fit helps a lot. If you have woodworking experience and the right tools, it should be easy enough. If you don`t, find a mate that has!
There are two main grip styles, the long single grip and the "I" or "H" shaped grip. This stops short of the boss opening ends and terminates both sides in a perpendicular strut to create a long I shaped grip.
I find this really effective for gaining even more power in thrusting. It will even allow you to thrust through another shield, though this is not the aim with most attacks anyway.
For the grip itself, you can use pine (least expensive option) of around 1 1/2 inch round, which is strong enough and needs no central strut support within the boss.
For tips, the grip itself can be extended beyond the main face on either side and rounded off for safe contact play. Don`t go too far with these (not beyond about 6 inches) as they may easily break if too long.
Be sure to secure (screw-fix or rivet with steel washers) the grip to the main face quite close to the main face ends.
Versions of the long grip style were made for the duelling shield class at last years ISMAC event at Lansing. Pictures can be seen at -
http://www.ismac.smugmug.com/gallery/19 ... #102985644
I have used steel tips on my own versions, which means that the grip does not have to extend so far. It doesn`t extend pass the boss with the I grip anyway.
Then, paint the faces in white with a bloody big red or black Teutonic cross and present yourself at your local magistrates court to offer your services
Hope this helps.
All the Best,
Macdonald
