Buckler: Difference between revisions

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[[image:buckler.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Replica 15th century buckler.]]
[[image:buckler.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Replica 15th century buckler.]]
A '''buckler''' is a small [[shield]], used in both [[heavy]] and [[rapier]] [[combat]]. They are usually between 8 and 12 inches in diameter, and primarily constructed of [[metal]] and sometimes had [[leather]] coverings. They were in common use from at least the [[13th century]] and were common sights for hundreds of years.
A '''buckler''' is a small [[shield]], used in both war with heavier single handed [[sword]]s and civiliian duelling with [[swords]] such as the [[rapier]]. They are usually between 8 and 12 inches in diameter, and primarily constructed of [[metal]] and sometimes had [[leather]] coverings. They were in common use from at least the [[13th century]] and were common sights for hundreds of years.

While historically most bucklers were round and may or may not include a boss SCA fencers have developed a number of other shapes and innovations. Most common of those adaptations are other shapes such as square, rectanglular and kite shields.


The earliest surviving fencing manual [[I.33|Royal Armouries I.33]] demonstrates the use of this device with an [[arming sword]].
The earliest surviving fencing manual [[I.33|Royal Armouries I.33]] demonstrates the use of this device with an [[arming sword]].
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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 which could break the nose.
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 which could break the nose.


==Bucklers in the SCA==
While historically most bucklers were round and may or may not include a boss [[SCA]] fencers have developed a number of other shapes and innovations. Most common of those adaptations are other shapes such as square, rectangular and kite shields.
[[category:shield]]
[[category:shield]]

Revision as of 11:02, 22 July 2006

Replica 15th century buckler.

A buckler is a small shield, used in both war with heavier single handed swords and civiliian duelling with swords such as the rapier. They are usually between 8 and 12 inches in diameter, and primarily constructed of metal and sometimes had leather coverings. They were in common use from at least the 13th century and were common sights for hundreds of years.

The earliest surviving fencing manual Royal Armouries I.33 demonstrates the use of this device with an arming sword.

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 which could break the nose.

Bucklers in the SCA

While historically most bucklers were round and may or may not include a boss SCA fencers have developed a number of other shapes and innovations. Most common of those adaptations are other shapes such as square, rectangular and kite shields.