I'm moving forward on my wooden buckler/mini-Viking shield this summer. I just recently applied the facing and paint. Since the paint is hide glue-based, I intend to seal it with something, maybe wax, but before that I'd like to know whether it ought to have a rawhide rim. I understand bucklers often had added rims (something to do with the way the shield is used requiring reinforcement there?) and I was wondering if it would make sense as a way to protect the stitching.

The shield won't see use for the foreseeable future, but I hope to one day learn broadsword fighting when I have more time.

---

 Attachment: 209.45 KB
[ Download ]