Making Medieval Shields: From Plywood to Combat-Ready

I make shields. Combat-ready, historically informed shields for jousting, reenactment, and HEMA. Heater shields, kite shields, jousting targes, and blanks.

How it started

I got into reenactment in 2008 and discovered that sourcing authentic kit was expensive, slow, or both. So I started making my own.

What goes into a shield

The blank is curved laminated plywood, 11mm (display) to 30mm+ (heavy combat). Front and back get covered in wool or linen. Leather edging, either glued or glued and stitched. Then strapping. Optional extras: shield boss, bifurcated ridge, carved ridges, painting. A fully specced combat shield can take several days.

The shield builder

I built an online quote calculator at stevenlawton.com/shields. Pick a type, choose thickness, add extras, get an instant price.

Who buys them

Reenactors, jousters, HEMA practitioners, LARP players, and people who want a medieval shield on their wall.