Another targe thread.....

**MizzouScotsman** · 21st October 12, 08:22 PM

I have decided to make a targe to post in our clan tent next year. I am not going to spend a great deal tooling the front (there will be a small design and a few tacks). I'm not sure how much time my ancestors would have spent making the intricate designs on the front just to have some Englishman hack away on it with a sword. So I'm going to do a simple design.

Below are the first couple of pictures, front and back, of the targe. I just got the leather tacked down on it. I am using 7-9 oz veg tanned leather. I used gorilla glue to hold the leather on the front, and tacks to hold down the "teeth" on the back. The back is covered with a very nice hunk of a blanket I procured at the local Wal-Mart for 10 bucks.

Here are a couple of photos, more to be posted as the project is completed.

**Tobus** · 22nd October 12, 06:49 AM

I look forward to your progress photos. A targe is on my list of things to do as well, as it will mostly be a display piece to go with my basket-hilt claymore. I've heard from several people that displaying a claymore and targe will dramatically increase traffic at the clan tent, so I think you're on the right track there. I've been paying close attention to what everyone else does when building theirs, so I may try to pick your brain as you're doing it.

I'm assuming you used plywood for the base? What thickness did you use?

As for the decorative tacks and such on the front, I'm sure I stand to be corrected on this point, but I think they weren't just for show. Those would have held the leather in place and helped keep the whole thing together, especially when being hacked at with swords. Obviously modern glues (and the fact that our lives don't depend on our targes) make the studs on the front more decoration than anything. But I'm pretty sure the originals were done with function in mind first, and the decorative aspect was just a bonus.

**MizzouScotsman** · 22nd October 12, 12:10 PM

Tobus,

Yes, I am using 1/2 inch plywood. I was thinking of using 3/4 inch but didn't want to make it too heavy. I am not adverse to having my brain picked...lol.

And as I've gathered from listening to people talk, the tacks or studs on the front would hold the leather to the wood as well as make it somewhat of a weapon itself as you smashed it into your opponent. I am making mine without the spike on the front. My next one will include a spike.

**MizzouScotsman** · 22nd October 12, 10:54 PM

Ok, decided to do a little bit of tooling on the front of the targe before I add the tacks.

**frank_a** · 23rd October 12, 02:20 AM

Boy, nice work! I want to learn how to tool leather. Keep us posted on your progress.

Frank

**MizzouScotsman** · 23rd October 12, 03:21 PM

Thanks Frank!! I have practiced a lot of the tooling and decided it was time to use it. I am finding it's causing anxiety as I'm almost afraid to mess things up. I am taking it slow and easy. Just get yourself a starters kit and a place like Tandy Leather and some leather scraps to practice on and go to town.

I find it rather relaxing to tool some leather while smoking my pipe out on the back deck (can't pound the leather in the house lest my wife take the mallet to me...lol).

**frank_a** · 23rd October 12, 03:42 PM

I hope to buy a double shoulder of leather Thursday, and will definitely have scrap. I want to make a couple kilt belts, just plain ones to begin with, but will have scrap, even strap/belt scrap to play with. First I want to get the leather and tools I've ordered to make belts. I got my kilt belt buckles in today too, just plain old buckles, but in 2.25" and 3. I'll take a look at Tandy, but am sort of cashed out right now buying all this stuff to make belts!

I have a very enjoyable back deck, it's raised and looks east over our 4 acres of woods. For me it's a weekend morning, sunny (at least this time of year) and a hot cup of coffee.

Nevertheless, please do keep posting pics of progress.

Frank