SCUTUM, building and testing, some thoughts

[Hibernicus]

But at what point does that stronger wood make a real difference in the scutum construction?

The point at which it has to absorb a blow, flex against the weight of combatants, resist cuts, penetration and crushing..

Given the number of possible combinations in wood types used and densities of said woods, even in the same species of tree, where do you create the "standard"? Pretty hard to do.

Hard? Maybe. But, possible. The possible woods used are limited.. so far I believe that we only know of 5 species used. ... maybe someone knows with certainty.

Ash is stronger than birch where its used in the Fayum scutum and birch is a better choice for its use than would be ash. Why? Because of the nature of these woods. That's why I believe that the choice and use was deliberate based on knowledge of the properties of each species. That's the "standard".