Buckler size for short practitioners

[Joshua Santana]

I have a single problem before I order my own buckler, which size would be appropriate for someone who stands at 5'2"?  I am aware that there are 9", 12" and 15" bucklers out there.

My question is, which size would work for me?
(I will use these as examples)


9 inch


12 inch


15 inch

[Sir Edward]

I think it's really a matter of personal preference. I own one that's somewhere in the ballpark of 16 or 18 inches, and while it works, it really gets in the way.

The one I have from MercTailor is considerably smaller. Maybe 10 inches? I can check later. I prefer this one greatly. There are also examples of ones that are much smaller, only enough to cover the hand. I think that's a little too small to do interesting things with it.

Keep in mind that it's not really a "shield" and that you'll be using it more to protect your hands. You want it big enough to protect your sword hand when you put your hands together, but not so big that it gets in the way or prevents some of the grappling moves where you shoot the buckler between or around the other guy's arms.

When they're 15+ inches, they're more like small shields. They have their place, but it's not precisely the same thing, and so you'll have to adjust your technique accordingly.

[Thorsteinn]

I'd go with the 12" ribbed one.

I have fought a guy who was 5'9" with it and he did fine. He also almost broke my arm with it by chop blocking a dagger thrust without much real effort (he wasn't trying to break my arm just stop the dagger, which he did by almost breaking my arm  ).

[Sir William]

I think it'll come down to personal preference, Sir Joshua.  Mayhap Sir Edward can bring his so you can test them out at VARF?

[Joshua Santana]

I think it's really a matter of personal preference. I own one that's somewhere in the ballpark of 16 or 18 inches, and while it works, it really gets in the way.

The one I have from MercTailor is considerably smaller. Maybe 10 inches? I can check later. I prefer this one greatly. There are also examples of ones that are much smaller, only enough to cover the hand. I think that's a little too small to do interesting things with it.

Keep in mind that it's not really a "shield" and that you'll be using it more to protect your hands. You want it big enough to protect your sword hand when you put your hands together, but not so big that it gets in the way or prevents some of the grappling moves where you shoot the buckler between or around the other guy's arms.

When they're 15+ inches, they're more like small shields. They have their place, but it's not precisely the same thing, and so you'll have to adjust your technique accordingly.

Thank you Sir Edward for your suggestions, I will keep them in mind. 

I'd go with the 12" ribbed one.

Thank you Rautt for the suggestion, that is what I went with originally until I looked at the buckler a bit closer.

I think it'll come down to personal preference, Sir Joshua.

I beginning to see that Sir William, still thank you.

[Sir William]

Apologies to the Knight Commander for volunteering his accoutrements! 

[Joshua Santana]

No need for apologies Sir William  I think I'm beginning to find my personal preference for a buckler thank to all of you Sirs.