Armory Replicas Spartan Life Size Historical Shield

Better than I had hoped for! I'm headed to the Viking Experience in NC and didn't have time to build my own. This will look awesome in my Viking Encampment. Solid, good weight, and just as advertised. Great product for your Viking, renfaire , Larping, or just for your Armoury collection.

Short Review: Solid 'battle ready' Center Grip shield for a good price!Long Review:I've read some reviews complaining that this shield isn't strong enough (usually while simultaneously complaining about the weight being too heavy lol). Ignore them! This shield is actually a bit stronger than an equivalent historical Viking Shield!This shield is usable in HEMA (or real shield/weapon fighting, if anyone does that sort of thing these days). The metal edge would further enhance the offensive advantages (bashing) of a center grip shield (arm strapped shields aren't as good at bashing), while protecting the wood from splintering!Of course, this shield will also work fine for Costume/LARP/Decorative purposes as well!It comes pre-oiled to protect against rust/water damage. It’s not a big deal, but if you open the package while wearing a white suit…and then rub the shield all over yourself, you’ll be a bit upset! Simply take a minute to wipe the shield with a cloth when it arrives = problem solved.It is a solid piece of work. Metal rimmed hardwood-plywood material and adequate strength handle. The rivet strength/tightness is adequate, but I'll likely eventually hammer them down a bit in the Spring. That said, everything is acceptably tight as is.The handle is acceptably strong/comfortable. I would have liked it if they had inserted an extra rivet at the far end of each handle, but it is strong enough as is....and I can simply insert the extra 2 rivets myself, if I ever deem it necessary (I can't see it ever being necessary)!I say it is a Viking(ish) shield, because it is heavier/thicker (and stronger) than a historical Viking Shield. It also has a metal bound edge, which would have been (extremely) rare amongst Viking shields (overwhelming majority of historical shields had leather bound edges).Additionally, it is hardwood plywood. Historical Viking shields would have used planks. Of course, modern plywood is stronger (and cheaper), so you see it used for typical shield construction (only the diehard ‘authentic historical recreation’ types still use planks)!Historically, a few layers of linen would be glued to the front to help increase the integrity/protection of the wood. But, since this shield has a metal bound edge + is made of hardwood plywood, it is pretty strong as is.That said, if you want to further reinforce the shield for hardcore HEMA usage, 1-3 layers of coarse linen glued to the front is something you can do yourself easily enough! Then paint it with whatever motif/emblem you desire.Keep in mind that while the thickness (and metal edge) makes it stronger than a typical historical viking shield...but it also makes it heavier. You DON'T need to be Arnold Schwarzenegger to use this, but without a bit of conditioning it will eventually tire you out.For those of you used to arm strapped shields, remember that this is a Center Grip shield! It doesn't benefit from the leverage advantages (concerning weight) of arm strapped shields = it feels heavier. You can of course sit it on your hip while at rest (or install a leather strap to carry it on your back)A leather strap with mount points for carrying on your back would have been a nice addition, but it is something you can do yourself easily enough.The only other thing of note is how fast it got here. Shipping only took 2 days!

Got for a friend of mine for his birthday. Just holding it in your hand makes you want to grab an axe and start swinging it. It came oiled with I believe linseed oil - will have to maintain that oil sheen I am certain. It looks just as good on the wall as it does in your hands. And it has a great constructed weight to it. You know you are holding quality.

Very nice shield...do not listen to any of the negative feedback that one or two people have left. Shield looks very nice, durable, well balanced and not too heavy. It is lighter than you would think, but still very sturdy and looks great.I don't think you could buy a nicer viking shield without spending at least twice the money.

Right out of the box I noticed that it’s not the color depicted. Expect to get a brown shield and NOT a black one. Next, it is heavy for a shield. Imagine about the weight of a gallon of milk. Last problem is that the handle is loose. As a picked it up, I felt it shift in my hand.None of these are too hard to fix. some paint, some working out, and some tightening and it should be useable.