Kite Shields

[Sir Ulrich]

Been considering getting one for quite a while, anyone know the quality of these:
http://www.kultofathena.com/product.asp?item=AH6756&name=Wooden+Kite+Shield
I been eyeing it for a while but I'm not sure if it would hold up in combat.

[Sir Rodney]

I would email KOA and ask how thick the shield is.  My guess is 1/2 inch.  If so, it would be fine for SCA combat if you add some protection to the edge (rawhide, heater hose, etc.).  Otherwise the edge would get chewed up pretty quickly.

[Thorsteinn]

What is your size? In that, what is your shoulder width, how tall are you, what is the distance from the bottom of your knee's to your eyes?

[Sir Brian]

Also beware the strapping. Some of their shields have straps that are only attached via wood screws and would not hold up
to vigorous combat of any sort for very long.

[Sir Ulrich]

I am 5 ft 8 1/2 and the length of my eyes to my knees is 46 inches and my shoulder width is 17 inches.

I assumed it was shoddy somewhat, I just don't know where to find good quality shields. My MRL shield is good quality but I don't want to mess it up for combat cause I payed a fortune for it so I assumed these ones would be cheap enough to do that with. Thats why I prefer using cheap stuff for combat, easy to replace and doesn't make me waste money.

[Sir Wolf]

as kult of athena. they are pretty good about details etc.

[Thorsteinn]

You can build them.

http://www.hightowercrossbows.com/shieldhowto.htm

http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/album/179993561rMwokb

I've built 2 Kite shields (non-curved) and am going to start on a center grip round soon.

EDIT: For a $200 fully refundable deposit, Great Basin Brewery will let me borrow some empty kegs to curve the shield on for 2 days so long as it's during the week.

-Ivan

[Sir William]

Sir Ulrich, one of the guys from SBG put together a pretty comprehensive how-to with good pictures and explanations, give it a shot if you want to build your own, including how to get the curve in it:  http://yeoldegaffers.com

Here's where I go to get mine made (as I don't have the space or tools to make my own): http://www.oakheartarmory.com/store/

You can get curved shield blanks for about $25...but they will also paint them to your spec should you desire it.  They made my Templar shield- sized and strapped to my spec.  As I'm left handed the majority of shields to be had won't suit me, these guys are easy to deal with, communicative and their work is excellent considering the price.  That shield of mine actually needed to be modified for a longer guige strap which I had done at last year's MDRF but knowing what I know now, the next shield will be even better.  Also, they can wrap the edges for you w/hose if you were so inclined...but as my shields are mostly for show I opted to not include them.

Here's a shot of the shield: