They were able to do it back then because historical Scandinavian shields were less than a half inch thick. They used glue and sheets of hide to cover the wood for extra strength and to prevent the wood from splintering. They would also taper the edges of the shield underneath the raw hide edge, reducing the weight significantly. Historical shields only weighed approximately between 6-8 pounds.
Haha, yeah, I looked that up before I made mine, I decided to go for more of a cinematic look, just joking about the weight, that was definitely on me. Thanks for watching!!
Well, they were lighter because not only were they thinner, but they didn't use that godawful metal or iron around the edges. The used rawhide or an equivalent. This was a fantasy Viking shield.
It's way too heavy to haul around comfortably. to make it lighter, you could use 1/4" plywood for the back instead of 1/2" . You could also use thinner material for the planks on the front. If you're just going for esthetics, you could always use EVA foam pads. They can get pretty stiff when you layer them up. Thanks for watching!
.....why the hell is that thing so THICK!?!?! It's like 3x thicker than an actual viking shield! I mean, if you want to work out your left arm....or you plan on using the shield to stop Ballista Bolts......I guess it's fine!
Haha, well, I was going for more of a cinematic look, and it actually hangs on my shop wall along with some weapons I’ve made so it serves it’s purpose for me. I did a bunch of research before hand and I know Viking shields were actually super thin, usually wrapped in animal hide, but I wanted to have fun with it. More of a “cool” look than any practical use.
Yes, I did some research before building it and decided to go for more of a cinematic look and feel so this was just for fun and to look good on my shop wall. Thanks for watching!
They were able to do it back then because historical Scandinavian shields were less than a half inch thick. They used glue and sheets of hide to cover the wood for extra strength and to prevent the wood from splintering. They would also taper the edges of the shield underneath the raw hide edge, reducing the weight significantly. Historical shields only weighed approximately between 6-8 pounds.
Haha, yeah, I looked that up before I made mine, I decided to go for more of a cinematic look, just joking about the weight, that was definitely on me. Thanks for watching!!
Very cool!!
Thank you!
Looks great! Super overbuilt though which would explain the weight. No need to worry about breakage!
Haha, yeah you're right, it's way overbuilt but looks incredible on my shop wall next to the battle axe
Nice build for a man cave!!
You know it! One of my favorite things hanging on my shop wall.
Fab. Im going to do one. A bit thinner tho.
HAHA, I hear yah, This one is a beast, but I wasn't too worried about the weight since it lives on my shop wall. Have fun with yours!
Great result. Thanks!
Thanks! It was a fun project
Nice build. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for watching!!
them Vikings quite clever using plywood and green treated lumber
Haha after researching the thin, skin covered historical ones, I chose to go with more of a cinematic vibe. Bjorn Ironside anyone? 😎😎
I’m actually looking into making a shield to put my family coats of arms on, yours are very similar to ours. This video has been super helpful thanks!
That is awesome! I’m actually working on carving our coat of arms also.
Good Job!
Thanks! It was a lot of fun to build
Oh c'mon! We all know they exclusively only used Ryobi tools. They'd never use Dewalt!
HAHA, definitely from a different tribe
Well, they were lighter because not only were they thinner, but they didn't use that godawful metal or iron around the edges. The used rawhide or an equivalent. This was a fantasy Viking shield.
Yes, you're 100% right, I was going for the cinematic look. Not at all practical but looks pretty cool on my shop wall.
👍
Nice shield build! Do you happen to have the weight? I want to make one for cosplay but don't know how heavy yours was.
It's way too heavy to haul around comfortably. to make it lighter, you could use 1/4" plywood for the back instead of 1/2" . You could also use thinner material for the planks on the front. If you're just going for esthetics, you could always use EVA foam pads. They can get pretty stiff when you layer them up. Thanks for watching!
.....why the hell is that thing so THICK!?!?! It's like 3x thicker than an actual viking shield!
I mean, if you want to work out your left arm....or you plan on using the shield to stop Ballista Bolts......I guess it's fine!
Haha, well, I was going for more of a cinematic look, and it actually hangs on my shop wall along with some weapons I’ve made so it serves it’s purpose for me. I did a bunch of research before hand and I know Viking shields were actually super thin, usually wrapped in animal hide, but I wanted to have fun with it. More of a “cool” look than any practical use.
Good job
but isn't it too heavy?
Haha, either it’s too heavy or I just need to get in better shape!
A viking shild is no more than 8-5 mil from center to rim. This is bad. Looks good
Yes, I did some research before building it and decided to go for more of a cinematic look and feel so this was just for fun and to look good on my shop wall. Thanks for watching!