"Practice" Targe

[Nighthawk]

Mark, your test is VERY interesting. We commonly think of armor as useless against firearms. Your information indicates this may not have been so.

Oh, armor was not at all useless against firearms! Another common misconception is that shields are only defensive. The SCA guys around here don't like to play with us any more because we insist on using targes as offensive weapons. And yes, you're right- this is a very interesting test! And Mark- one thing we demo on occasion is the damage caused by striking a targe on the edge, as opposed to the face. That might be an interesting unit for this particular test. Just a suggestion!

And I do have a small question, Mark. I like the design you used for your forearm strap. You mind if I steal it? I'm making a reproduction of a specific 1650's targe and the backside is almost all rotted away, so the straps and their attachments are gone. Yours is brilliant!!

[Mark E.]

Oh, armor was not at all useless against firearms! Another common misconception is that shields are only defensive. The SCA guys around here don't like to play with us any more because we insist on using targes as offensive weapons. And yes, you're right- this is a very interesting test! And Mark- one thing we demo on occasion is the damage caused by striking a targe on the edge, as opposed to the face. That might be an interesting unit for this particular test. Just a suggestion!

And I do have a small question, Mark. I like the design you used for your forearm strap. You mind if I steal it? I'm making a reproduction of a specific 1650's targe and the backside is almost all rotted away, so the straps and their attachments are gone. Yours is brilliant!!

I ran into a similar issue with an SCA bunch here-but not over a targe. I would throw wrestling in with armed combat. They wanted to just poke each other. On the edge damage...I have done up a couple of shields, and have always used laminated wood. This allows a person to "catch" a chop, lock and push a blade away-without splitting. NOT recommended for small shields! Viking size ones, perfect-besides, they were using shorter blades anway. I am also concerned with the offensive spike/sword section feature. Having been hit with a longsword and a shovel, I think I may be doing a differential temper so that the spike will actually shear...before my arm does.

I don't mind a bit-Here's a couple of changes though, that I see myself using...Use steel D-rings. I have had shields torn off, and this could be a weak point, with the brass. My original reason was to be able to have this system transfer to the next targe, and a somewhat adjustable system. I also have an idea for mounting hardware that you may find revolutionary (as opposed to lag screws!)...I can email a sketch later. If you want a bit of 15 ounce hide, I may be able to part with some. A brass buckle to handle the thickness too. I am also figuring out a strap system for carrying between battles. Note the overstrap on the wide arm band-it's a belt loop for a shoulder strap. I originally planned to use the buckle for BOTH straps...Leather may prove too thick. Redesign...Or use lighter leather. I can take more photos if you are interested, too.

Mark

[macwilkin]

Oh, armor was not at all useless against firearms! Another common misconception is that shields are only defensive. The SCA guys around here don't like to play with us any more because we insist on using targes as offensive weapons. And yes, you're right- this is a very interesting test! And Mark- one thing we demo on occasion is the damage caused by striking a targe on the edge, as opposed to the face. That might be an interesting unit for this particular test. Just a suggestion!

Ah, but the government forces at Culloden found that by thrusting their bayonets to the Jacobite on their right, instead of front and center, they could break a Highland Charge.

T.