Buckler

A buckler is a small shield, used in both heavy and rapier combat. Usually not much bigger than a dinner plate in size.

Of the shields per se, it is probably the lightest, and easiest to move about. But, given that it is usually gripped by a handle across its back, it deprives its bearer of the use of the shield hand. That said, it is one of the easiest to attempt to have your opponent do a "nose-butt" on, just by putting it in the way. It also allows for a quite vicious back-hand rim-blow, powered by the full arm, which, in Real Life, could break the nose, forcing the broken bone back and up into the brain and killing with the sudden impact.

See also:

• rapier shield