Ok...It's been a while since I have posted...The 21st century has kept me busy. I have begun (FINALLY!) the targe project that has been on my drawing board for a few years now...I decided to make a practice one, to figure out what size and configuration was ideal for me, and what I planned to use it for. Being as I sometimes engage in both wood and steel weapon combat, this practice unit had to withstand quite a bit, so I started with 3/4" plywood, 23" diameter (ish). Tradition having some sort of boss up front, with a spike or broken sword sticking out, I utilized a 1/2" pipe flange base, and mounted a section of dowel in a pipe end to attach it-I am still toying with length on this. Given the diversity of my opposition, this feature may go thru several design trials. As far as anchoring the targe to myself, I used 15 ounce harness an a steel buckle, with a pair of D-rings to create a flexible arm attachment below the elbow. Adjustable because I do not know whether I am going to be just wearing a shirt, a shirt and jacket, or some combination including a section of armor or padding. The handgrip is doubled leather with a pair of D rings. All of these items can transition directly to the final targe unit.

I have begun testing the practice unit with possible field conditions, both modern era and those that may have presented in it's own era.

1. Against pistol (the one shown in Practice Targe-2, a .50 caliber smoothbore). With a 40 grain blackpowder charge and 6-.36 caliber buckshot, there was no penetration. With a 40 grain blackpowder charge and a single patched .50 caliber roundball, penetration happened, but the wood retarded the speed of the ball to the degree it would not have been a risk factor to the defender. Splinters would have been more a danger. I have no leather on the back, yet-this would have been a good thing to have against the splinter factor.


I will update as I go, if anyone cares...Sword, axe, pitchfork, bayonet and sythe defense capability is on the schedule-just WHEN is the issue...

Always looking for helpful input...

Mark