Scutum grip

[Aetius Helvius Merula]

I always wondered how the Deepeeka scutum's grip would stand up to real usage, IE sparring or combat drill. Since some of the ply on one side of my grip is broken already, guess I have my answer! I wanted to replace it anyway.

I'd thought to use a 2"X2" piece of oak, rasp it down to fit both hand and shield curve, then nail it in place. I'm not sure on the authenticity. Can anyone send photos and/or suggestions?

[garrelt]

Don't nail the grip, rivet this.
Is stronger and it holds longer.
You can use the nail as the rivet.

[Hibernicus]

I prefer a grip that's integral to the central reinforcing band.. one piece of wood shape and bent to fit. Once the wood is shaped we soak it in water (24hrs) to make it pliant and while its damp fit it to the shield board... make any needed trimmings and adjustment then nail it in place

We generally used clenched nails.. a nail driven through the hand grip into a anvil so that the nail end curves like the end of a paper staple... then affix outer layer of linen and rawhide. Ubber secure.

[Matt Lukes]

And of course remember that the Romans very often used an iron reinforcing bar that was usually it seems the majority of the width of the shield, attached with large head rivets. Clearly they found simple wooden handles insufficient too :wink:

[Magnus]

What do you mean the width of the shield matt? Do you mean that the metal bar went from one edge of the shield to teh other? What thickness of metal would you recommend...1/8"?

[Matt Lukes]

That's what it seems Mag, yeah- nearly one side to the other. The artifacts I've data on vary from around 1/8" to as much as 1/4".

[Aetius Helvius Merula]

Muchas gracias, guys. I cut down an oak pallet I grabbed from work, then once I've cleaned out the nails I'll split one to the desired thickness and work my magic. I'll post a photo once I'm done. That might be a while; between my job, night school and my domita, time is rather short. But it's time well spent.