I am looking for recommendations on bucklers. The kit I am putting together is for a Wars of the Roses period foot-soldier, with padded jack (not made yet, but I have a pattern), jack chains on the sleeves, arming sword, sallet, and rondel dagger.

I'd like to add a buckler to that set. I have one by GDFB, but it is their 15" model, and is made of 14-gauge steel and HEAVY.

The 9" version of this shield is tempting, price-wise, but I do not know if 9" is too small for a decent buckler, and using 14-gauge steel would still make it heavy for its size. Making one myself is problematic unless I make it out of wood (authentic???), as there are no suppliers of sheet metal heavier than galvanized ductwork metal in my area and if I pay shipping on sheet metal I suppose I may as well buy a ready-made buckler. I am NOT looking to spend as much money for a buckler as I would for, say, a sword, if I can help it.

Anybody got any good suggestions or recommendations?

Not sure just where you are..but you might like to check this thread http://www.myArmoury.com/talk/viewtopic.php?t=27555