more places, good prices, good items, especially sca approved weapons.
and if i choose to make a shield how thick and what wood should it be.
SCA specifications for armor & weapons are typically defined of their website for each kingdom or for any tournament they hold. For rattan, I would not recommend LARP stuff or latex made equipment. Make sure what you get in decent gauge of steel if you plan on SCA fighting. Head & Hands first (Most important because that is what someone like us will target).
For shield making, I would get stuff designed for a beating. Wood is more authentic and practical. Steel is preferable. If using plywood, make sure it is durable and flexible enough to form to your design of shield. Round shields and heaters are most common. Some guys like the kite shields as well. It's all preference. You want something light-weight but durable/good protection. We have some links on here for how to make a proper one.
Round shields and heaters (typically 24-36 inches) for SCA are standard. Some allow larger but I would not go smaller unless you are going for a buckler type. Make sure you have solid fittings and a good grip that's comfortable on whatever you make. Then line it with some form of canvas along the front and border it with a steel/metallic trim.
