Shield edge -- myArmoury.com

Stuart Thompson · Posted: Sun 13 Feb, 2011 2:10 am Post subject: Shield edge

My latest shield is nude around the edge-Nearly every shield i've seen has some leather, or metal around the edge to bind and make it durable.

What should I use and what tacks are best? I'm thinking of using a rough thick leather with some short nails. Problem is I have a tendency to use the shield as a weapon itself and don't want to smack someone with a loose nail. I doubt this shield will last long anyway but it's chances would be helped by having a secure rim to it.

Thanks all.

Philip Melhop · Posted: Sun 13 Feb, 2011 4:27 am Post subject:

use the trusty old rawhide doggy-chew and stitch it on.
Phil

Mark Routledge · Industry Professional

These people http://www.leprevo.co.uk/hides.htm do raw hide in 48 inch x 6 inch strips which works really well stitched on. More expensive than dog chew but pretty good stuff by all accounts.

Stuart Thompson · Posted: Sun 13 Feb, 2011 7:16 am Post subject:

Excellent, thanks guys!

Philip Melhop · Posted: Sun 13 Feb, 2011 10:11 am Post subject:

Just use the doggie chews, go to a pet store and buy the largest ones. Soak overnight, wrap in a damp towel for an hour or so and they will be ready to cut into strips and stitch on. Make sure to overlap the joins by a couple of inches as they shrink as they dry.
Phil

Lin Robinson · Posted: Sun 13 Feb, 2011 10:54 am Post subject:

You can also buy rawhide at your local Tandy Leather store or online.

Philip C. Ryan · Posted: Sun 13 Feb, 2011 8:03 pm Post subject:

Instead of stitching, you can also simply use nails, and clench them back over. I have used this method for sparring shields for years with no problems. Here is another thread discussing how to do this (with pics!).

http://www.myArmoury.com/talk/viewtopic.php?t=18074

Stuart Thompson · Posted: Mon 14 Feb, 2011 6:49 am Post subject:

Thanks Philip! I'll be trying that this afternoon.