Bucklers are as much of a weapon as any other shields, you can bash with it and you can hit with the edge. Also it is meant to be used paired with a sword. If a sword has a simple hilt your always at risk of losing your fingers so that's why te shorter ago the bigger the hand protection. You holt it close to your hand sow if you attack with the sword you don't expose your hand to the enemy weapon. It whent out of favor over the parry dagger overtime because hilts became bucklers bassicly. There also fighting styles that keept there arm out to keep controlle over the distance. I think that would work best in moderne time keep you arm out and retract to controlle distance. If somebody has a knife they will have a harder time closing the distance to stab you cause they have to both go past your shield and your arm to get to you.
Strike more effectively with the edge by angling the handle forwards, to be close to in line with the forearm. This should look like a whip snapping motion with the shield edge as the tip of the whip
I swear, I’ve been debating this question for years: “If I could have any melee weapon for the post-apocalyptic situation, what would I choose? 🤔” And I always go through the list... samurai, bat, 2 knives... but no, my number one answer is always: a shield. Great video, coach! Love it.
Weird as a HEMA guy seeing you playing around with HEMA gear lol. Quick tip for not jaming your thumb though, the buckler should be held with your thumb parrallel with the grip, rather than wrapped around. This will keep you from jamming your thumb and also make it easier for you to quickly turn the buckler towards an incoming attack without moving your arm.
On the topic of HEMA, if I'm remembering right the buckler is intended to be used with a weapon in the other hand, such that the buckler and sword form a more 'complete' guard in tandem. So, it's common in the manuscripts for the buckler to be 'edge on' to your opponent with your shield hand and sword hand close together or touching. If you and your opponent are right handed, having the buckler on your left side protects your sword hand against the opponent's weapon since it's coming in from their-right/your-left. While the shield is in that 'edge-on' position and you're closing in while in a bind against your opponent's sword and buckler, the manuscripts instruct to use the buckler to gather and shove the opponent's hands out of the way to make room for an unopposed strike with your sword hand, which is made even easier if you've managed to catch them in a moment when one of their wrists is crossed over the other such that pushing one pushes both.
@@Tcoldsteel nah. use uhmwpe like dyneema or teflon sandwhichs with boron or silicon modified boron carbide hex tiles. ultra light weight and rifleproof.
bucklers are awesome! Look at I33 (sword manual) on how to combine it with a sword or a baton. Punching with the boss or the edges will really knock someone for a loop. Combine that with the tactical stinger!
I don't know if I33 is the right source for this situation. It's not like somebody ELSE is going to have a sword and buckler too. The guard positions should translate though. But I figure if you learn to turn the buckler while you strike, that's all you need.
I must say I like the idea of that buckler. Try hammerfist and/or "karate chop"/shuto, its basically the same with this tool. Also try "chokes" like just put pressure on vulnerable points with the edge like neck, adams apple, base of the nose, small of the back or wack down with the edge on the incoming hand that holds a knife. Combined with a axe, hammer tomahawk you should be able to bargain your parking lot.
I have a suggestion to fix the wrist flex issues: if you could find a way to weld/bolt a brass knuckles between the handle of the shield and the inside of the semi sphere (ideally fixed to both for better rigidity and control) you would have a way better time punching with it and it might add a little more umpf to the blow. You could probably bolt it or rivet it with the help of a drill, or if you want to go "el cheapo" you can always use some thick gauge steel wire and pliers... It would be very interesting to see it become basically a mix between a buckler and a boxing glove 😂
I think the increased impact force from using the edge of the shield mitigates the lack of force you can put behind it. Most fencing tournaments where you can strike with the shield don't allow you to hit with the edge.
I have used bucklers for years in FMA sparring. The impact of these things is devastating, even if you go half power, and it almost does not matter where you hit him. Just listen to the "KLOK" when he hits the guys elbow in slow motion. You do not want to be where this thing impacts.
@@elhefe83 Yeah, even hitting with the face of the shield it's a rigid and surprisingly heavy object, even if the design of the handle makes it hard to use like a boxing glove or whatever. I'm not sure, but I think I'd rather get punched in the head with a bare fist than take a full power smack from from one of these.
Hell yeah, this video was sick. This is where your channel shines. I'd recommend you to talk to a HEMA guy and learn a bit of the buckler use. Your idea of using it is good. I'm hyped for the next video.
Good to see you discovered this ancient multi-purpose offense/defense weapon! Remember that when held at arm's length it creates a virtual cone of protection around you from any polearm or edged weapon. I do not recommend it as sole defense against someone good with a spear, they can deceive you with a feint into blocking and then hit you before you can recover. But against many types of sticks and also edged weapons it is a great defense/offense tool. Protect both your hands with it at once. Weapon hand goes behind the buckler. If you spent some time training using one, I'd recommend keeping a heavy steel buckler and a police riot stick in your car in case you have to get out of a bad situation or prevent a bad situation. Remember that the buckler was primarily used when paired with a sword, to keep the enemy at bay and to cover your sword/long knife hand. So you always move the handle of the weapon under cover of the buckler, moving them tightly in unison. Correctly here he's showing how the buckler is meant to be used at extended arm's length, as shown in the Tower of London manuscript i.33 You definitely do not want to take a hit from the edge of a buckler, even wearing a heavy fencing mask as protection. It will rock your world, or completely knock you out if you're not wearing head protection.
On the note of it being used in a "long guard" this is exactly how they were used due to their small size. It gives you the best cover and the Bolognese, Spanish and most other systems held the buckler extended. It's also often used as a sort of mobile handguard where you keep the buckler covering your weapon hand as you strike so your opponent can't wound your attacking/weapon hand. They also were popular as a civilian arm because you could wear them from your belt. There actually were buckler-free zones in the Renaissance because they couldn't take your sword away but if they could take your buckler you might be less likely to start something. Anyway, this may be presumptuous, but I teach Historical European Martial Arts in Charlotte and sword and buckler in the Bolognese tradition is one of the weapons we teach and compete in. I am willing to talk more about this with you and am willing in fact to travel and train it in person if you're interested in hearing more about it. I'm not exactly a TH-cam luminary but I am a fan of the channel and love sharing my art and learning from others.
This video was excellent. I love these types of videos, where it's a laboratory and a testing-ground for new or different techniques or weapons. I'm not a HEMA dude. I am a FMA guy. Guys with shields have been killing people for thousands of years. I know you like hammers for non-firearm home defense - I think putting a hammer behind this shield and adding kicks would be a game-changer. Looking forward to your next video on this.
Next you will buy some training blades and fencing masks, and fully embrace the most enjoyable martial art in the world HEMA. Embrace it Mike, you have seen the light bro.
Wonderfull to see that history and modern day experience come together! This video proves why the buckler was such a populair civilian weapon during medieval times and still is relevant today as a defensive weapon.
ICY MIKE! You should make a video with Shadiversity, Metatron and Skallagrim! ⚔ Also, a warhammer would be a perfect partner to your buckler. Cold steel also has them 👍
I find it very interesting how we (me included) get surprised with shields, swords/machetes, crossbows, etc. being really powerful and/or effective at defending and/or attacking. They were, literally, armies main weapons for hundreds of years.
This buckler and cold steel gladius machete used to be my home defense option. Using the buckler method(shield forward like in the video) and gladius method(primarily stabbing), it was simple, easy to clear corners with, and gladius was usable even in tight hallways of the house. The likely point of entry in the house for someone breaking in is the kitchen, and they have access to my kitchen knife. The buckler gave me a good protection against the knife and the gladius the superior reach. I upgraded since then, but I'd still feel safe going back to that if needed.
@@Groteskfull It's not steel. The center circle is ridiculously tough though. I think someone shot it with a shotgun and the pellets didn't penetrate the center.
Really enjoyed this video, especially (as a father of two young boys) the discussion of what is a "safe" self-defense and home defense weapon to have lying around. Completely on target, there. I can't leave bladed weapons or guns in easy reach, because anything within easy reach means my children can reach it. But I can leave something like this lying about anywhere, without endangering my family or making my home less safe. One interesting topic is the ability of a buckler to defend against a weapon like a bat. The natural inclination with the Cold Steel buckler, which I own, is to hold the handle vertically. If I were facing someone with a bat, a strike on the inside of the buckler with a bat would simply cause the buckler to flip in my hand, like opening a door, and insure the strike landed square on my center line. So, as I train with this, I would adjust my grip in that kind of a situation, and hold the handle on a horizontal line to defend myself. Also recommended: Cold Steel has a heavier targe-type shield for $50. It would not be nearly as helpful for shield-punching, but provides a wider area of defense.
Hello hard2hurt I did a video on sword and shields in a shtf scenario. Just want to let you know that I put a link of this video in the description because I think you did a great job and showing what the buckler can do in a altercation.
That sadistic laugh when you bonked him on the elbow nearly had me waking up my gf 🤣 also I've been waiting for something like this this as I've been noticing your subtle HEMA references. I'd like to see you go in depth on HEMA and it's treatises as you understand that rigidity in particular styles can help someone to implement their creativity/technique selection more intelligently in free fighting and it would be sick to see you develop into HEMA influenced bludgeon wielding swash-buckling modern mushashi 🤣
I have one of these, and you're correct! There's a reason it was used for decades in history. Plus you really know your stuff with it! Good video; good content.
Fun and interesting content as usual Mike. Good to see Jay. That buckler looks really fun and functional. I might buy a couple. If you really want to learn how to use a buckler you need to check out Roland Warzecha on TH-cam. That guy is SERIOUS about his HEMA and the dude is a buckler pro. His sparring and demonstration videos clearly show how to use a buckler style shield with a weapon, usually a sword. He also tells you what books/manuals you need to read/study if you wanna go deep down the rabbit hole of HEMA like he did. He has other HEMA weapon/shield combo videos as well. The guys is like university professor level practitioner of HEMA. He seems like he is a no nonsense, by the book kind of dude. Might be worth a look if you want to see a historically accurate use of the buckler from a properly informed source.
Awesome stuff. There’s a reason through history we used shields. I do like the focus of the attacker being on the shield. Makes a lot of sense. I like it!!! Keep me coming!!!
Imagine this thing with a spike on it, even a real tiny one, just a bit of a point on that dome and around the edges. Then have one in each hand...*shudders
Bucklers with spikes did exist they had a spike on the bos sow you could use it to stab forwards, but not on the edge cause if there is something on the edge this means you can hit it and this would mean the shield will be pushed aside, that's why they are round cause then the weapon will just slide of.
There was actually a type of gladiator in the ancient Rome that used one of these exact small round shields in their left hand paired with a sword or spear in their right hand.
For striking when using a small center boss grip buckler - strike With the buckler edge IN ALIGNMENT WITH THE AXIS IF THE HANDLE. Not in alignment with the knuckles & forearm but like using a short stick & striking with both butt ends or a knife held in hammer grip & ice pick grip with points on both ends. It's more of a hook type of punch movement & then your force is focused in in the narrow edge. Just my $.02 - & 50+ years of studying martial arts & weaponry. Nice to see you working this up! 👍👍👍
They use a buckler in krabi krabong, and HEMA too, I agree it would be handy for law enforcement, especially in the uk with the current rate of knife crime...
I have 4 of these. I was the same way, I bought one for the hell of it, within a day of getting the first one in my hands, I had ordered three more. I also bought a steel buckler off of Amazon.
IDK, If bucklers have been around for the past 700 years and been EFFECTIVELY USED IN SEVERAL WARS, BATTLEFIELDS AND IN SEVERAL CULTURES it might have been useful, just saying.
People in the Caucasus Mountain region were using shield bucklers to settle disputes (Kanly,) and fight duels up until World War I and possibly beyond that time. They used it with sword and kindjal.
A couple of HEMA guys have mentioned some good tips about using a buckler, so I won't go too deep. But I have two things: First, yes, you are absolutely right. The correct guard to use with a buckler is a long guard. Because it is small, it covers less area, so holding it against the body doesn't work. However, because it is lightweight, you can hold it out. When held out like you did, it can be used to eclipse a very large amount of yourself and cut off many attach angles at once. You just don't see this with large shields because their weight makes this impractical. Second, it's important to remember the context in which a buckler was used. It's small and light enough to carry with you every day with a sidesword or similar smallswords. If i knew that I was heading into battle, I would want a full size shield and/or probably a pole weapon (like a spear or poleaxe), and I would have a sword as a sidearm. Just like today, if I were going into battle, I would be armored up and carrying a full sized rifle, with a pistol as a sidearm. But! In my day-to-day life, it's not practical to carry a rifle everywhere, so I have my sidearm and a backup knife. Similarly, in the 14th and 15th centuries, it was not practical to carry a pole arm in day-to-day life. So sideswords and small swords were used. Because swords are a sidearm. And if you wanted to add a shield to your weapon system, a full size shield would be equally impractical. So a small shield like a buckler was used. A person could easily make a sidesword, dagger, and buckler part of their EDC, to use the modern term.
I love that you said a shield is a weapon with defensive capabilities. That is exactly what a shield is! A buckler is also especially relevant to self defense. I would love to see your thoughts on sword and buckler HEMA sparring, especially as it comes to the way you thought about the way the shield was meant to be held.
I'm practice HEMA and while I haven't done any work with the buckler I have read a little about it. The buckler could be used for offense and defense. When used for attack you try to clip them with edge or jab with the dome.
YES!!!! Cold steel is amazing. I've been eyeing that shield for a min. New to your channel, liking it so far. Keep up the good work. I'm looking forward to that shield torture test video.
I really like this video, and the observations you’ve made are very good for a modern context. My understanding of the historical context kinda bridges the gap between your observations and how it ought to be used with weapons - I think its primary use is to strike and pin down your opponent’s hands and weapons so that your own weapon is free to strike. If you can get your opponent to fixate, if you can use the body mechanics nicely, if you can strike and pin with force (I believe Viking round shields were used in similar fashion, but the smaller size of the buckler makes it easier to adjust your hands around each other), you’re half way to winning a historically accurate judicial combat with sword and buckler. Nice job!
Great video! As for striking power. Remember it is concentrated force that does the trick. Get hit by the flat of a 2 by 6. It’ll suck but you want go down. Get hit by the tip of a staff traveling at the same force it’ll do internal damage. Flat of the hand versus two knuckles, etc... The buckler spreads out the force. You may not hit as hard with the edge but you’ll do more damage even with less force. Also a hammer strike with the edge is better than a punch with the the edge for your hand. I already saw a comment about mounting a spike on it. But then it changes in the eyes of the law. Mount a one inch tall round metal plug on it and it will work just as good without changing the classification to an edged weapon. Have fun with it Mike. I think I might pick one up.
Little tips from a HEMA guy : consider hitting more with the edge, not only with the umbo (round part on the flat). You will do more damage. And in historical move the shield (buckler, viking shield, feodal shield...) were often use that way even for protection (execp in war formation). As long as your hand is hide, it's effective to have the edge and not the flat part in front of your opponent.
Input from a competitor and instructor of HEMA here: First off, they were used as self defence tools "back in them days" like the 1300s together with a sword hanging as a pair from your belt. Secondly: In tournaments and sparring we often ban anything but a clear and simulated front punch with them, that shield edge coming in hard is not something to toy with (I can attest having witnessed it), remember we fight in fencing masks and do not want to get hit full force by that rim... and lastly: There was a group that went to town on them, with modern firearms. The cold steel buckler's boss (that is the central dome) held up surprisingly well.
I’ve never spend so much time watching videos , I don’t even do mma or fight or anything but your vids are so engaging hahah I need to stop watching but I can’t 😂
Hey Mike, cool to see you trying out different stuff. I'm happy to chat about using the buckler from a historical perspective. Used to do HEMA, we used this stuff all the time. For the record, you are meant to hold it with the rim facing the opponent (in most cases). The buckler is meant to rotate in your hand so that you can cover sword strikes from the left and right.
@@kanucks9 Flat forward works, definitely. I think I just wanted to point out that Mike kept saying that "It's not really meant to be held this way", but you can actually hold it with rim forwards.
I'm saying a gel layer in the recess around the knuckles sorta like a duster or caestus. If it had a glove fixture, or the sheild had a knuckle grip to stabilize fingers. I think as a utility item it would be very useful at replacing the baton in a police kit.
Subbed just for this. Sport reenactment fighter here. Fun to see a self defense guy mirror what we talk about all the time. Yeah we would fuck someone up of we have a sword or stick, but given the choice of one piece of equipment to have for a self defense situation it would be a sheild of some type. It's defence, offence and distraction all in one.
I feel like nobody would find the shield that intimidating which would give you the edge. Once they feel it bounce off their face a few times im sure they'd reconsider. I obviously can't tell how heavy it is on camera though so I can judge how painful a strike would be.
So I'm a HEMA guy so I'm used to that particular buckler. Some tips for extra power when using it to strike is to make sure you strike with the butt of your hand against the pommel. Transmits a shitload of force both with boss (middle round area) strikes and edge strikes. Grip wise I find it best to hold it with the thumb slightly upwards, not wrapped around the handle. More mobile (you can change the grip easier and go from boss to edge against the opponent), while also making sure you don't break your thumb. As a bonus, usually makes it more natural to get the butt of the hand against the handle aswell. Speaking from experience, edge strikes are more forceful than boss strikes, but both types of strikes can do nasty powerful strikes. If you want to try modern weapons with it, stuff like expandable batons (or just regular batons), axes, machetes and stuff like that ought to work really well. Back in the days, it was mainly used with one handed swords (arming swords, messers, sideswords, falchions, etc). Also, you can get good metal bucklers for roughly the same price as the cold steel plastic ones.
This is awesome. I look forward to seeing the next series of videos with this. And also see how durable it is against gunfire. How much or how little is required to penetrate it.
Hey Mike, just in case you were curious, Cold Steel has a bigger version of this called the Cold Steel Soldier's Targe. Though it might not necessarily be better for your intended purpose since it's significantly bulkier than the buckler.
A little heard of weapon combo in Okinawan kobudo is the tinbe (shield) and rochin (short sword or spear). Interesting having trained a little in the system is seeing this here!
"Dude, i really think this could work!"... Yep, thats actually WHY it was invented, because it works. But this is so much fun seeing you guys discovering this for the first time and getting excited about it. I have several shields in my house, and a large number of melee weapons just scattered around. I've trained in Muay Thai, BJJ, Karate, kung-fu, tae-kwon-do (spit) and i teach MMA. But i've also been trained in weapons, and have recently started HEMA, and nearly all the martial arts that train in weapons have a buckler of some sort or other (apart from iaido maybe). It IS a superb defensive and offensive tool, and shouldn't ever be underestimated
Bucklers are dope - local nerd fencer here who loves you self defense content, look up on fencing treatises like I. 33, one of the earliest european martial art treaty talking mostly about the buckler. At the end of the day, you get a more versatile and protective knuckleduster. Only downside is you need more time handling it to really get a sense of it. When are we getting medieval hard2hurt with HEMA collabs huh
Check out the Cold Steel Buckler here (affiliate link): amzn.to/2Ph6wm0
Pair it up with a knife small or big, small bat or baton
Hammerfist
Captain America. Lol
Bucklers are as much of a weapon as any other shields, you can bash with it and you can hit with the edge. Also it is meant to be used paired with a sword. If a sword has a simple hilt your always at risk of losing your fingers so that's why te shorter ago the bigger the hand protection. You holt it close to your hand sow if you attack with the sword you don't expose your hand to the enemy weapon. It whent out of favor over the parry dagger overtime because hilts became bucklers bassicly. There also fighting styles that keept there arm out to keep controlle over the distance. I think that would work best in moderne time keep you arm out and retract to controlle distance. If somebody has a knife they will have a harder time closing the distance to stab you cause they have to both go past your shield and your arm to get to you.
Strike more effectively with the edge by angling the handle forwards, to be close to in line with the forearm. This should look like a whip snapping motion with the shield edge as the tip of the whip
I swear, I’ve been debating this question for years: “If I could have any melee weapon for the post-apocalyptic situation, what would I choose? 🤔” And I always go through the list... samurai, bat, 2 knives... but no, my number one answer is always: a shield. Great video, coach! Love it.
What about a shield with some sort of sharp point? A shield that you can use as a sword
a naginata, perfect for dismembering zombies while keeping a long distance.
@@ahmedhajjaj5121 I think you're looking for a Targe my friend
Just like someone once said, a good defence is a good offence.
I don't think a Samurai is a weapon 😬
Weird as a HEMA guy seeing you playing around with HEMA gear lol. Quick tip for not jaming your thumb though, the buckler should be held with your thumb parrallel with the grip, rather than wrapped around. This will keep you from jamming your thumb and also make it easier for you to quickly turn the buckler towards an incoming attack without moving your arm.
That's some cool insight
@@owenschmowen5313 cool insight straight from before 15th century... :)
@@igneous061 The main source for the use of the sword and buckler is from the 14th century actually.
Yes I am *that* guy. Yes I am fun at parties.
@@thrownswordpommel7393 I mainly do later period sword and buckler. Lignitzer's six plays is all ya' need
@@Lollolollollllol I33 is life ! I33 is love ! I'm right you're wrong !
Imagine trying to rob a guy and he pulls out a shield on you
Ha! Imagine trying to rob a guy and then you realize it's IcyMike.
@@Nepthu Imagine trying to rob a guy and hear an IPSC timer beep
The first mistake was trying to rob Captain America.
And then he says - Get lost or I will Shield you :)
If I go to rob someone and he pulls out a shield, I’m giving him my fucking wallet
As a guy who dabbled in HEMA, I feel like George Bush saying "Ladies and Gentlemen, we got him."
£
I just feel fucking ecstatic.
On the topic of HEMA, if I'm remembering right the buckler is intended to be used with a weapon in the other hand, such that the buckler and sword form a more 'complete' guard in tandem. So, it's common in the manuscripts for the buckler to be 'edge on' to your opponent with your shield hand and sword hand close together or touching. If you and your opponent are right handed, having the buckler on your left side protects your sword hand against the opponent's weapon since it's coming in from their-right/your-left. While the shield is in that 'edge-on' position and you're closing in while in a bind against your opponent's sword and buckler, the manuscripts instruct to use the buckler to gather and shove the opponent's hands out of the way to make room for an unopposed strike with your sword hand, which is made even easier if you've managed to catch them in a moment when one of their wrists is crossed over the other such that pushing one pushes both.
Calum Clark fax
@@atomic_wait That is true.
Perfect compliment to my concealed carry spear
how do you conceal a spear? normally they are over 6 ft long
@@eddard9442 wish we could have weapons here in UK😩 😀 we can ! Breaking the law by Judas priest😁
@@eddard9442 There are also shorter spear variants.
@@mlkvblendzior i am sure there are but normally that are as long if not longer than the person wielding it.
@@eddard9442 an Iklwa would be perfect
Keys, check, wallet, check, phone, check, shield, cool baby ready to go!
Lol. You can carry all your effects in it.
Incoming Scholagladiatoria crossover? Dare I dream?
I was hoping for a craft and metalwork channel. Maybe an enginering channel?
That would actually be super cool.
If nothing else, let's see if we can get Mike to watch some of Matt's videos on the buckler.
How much bald can TH-cam handle at one time? :)
@@malkomalkavian All of it
Yaaap....and the rise of our favourite C word
Cool video dude! 3:40 "We're gonna break this". *Me laughing because it's literally bulletproof*
Time to start making a large heater then,this will raise interest in shields.
Hey Lynn
might be an interesting idea to tweak the Buckler into a "Duty Buckler" for the modern day Leo ...and people that like cool shit :)
Just a little bit of Kevlar maybe? Or a pro version kevlar/ carbon fibre with a belt fix point? Just an idea.
@@Tcoldsteel nah. use uhmwpe like dyneema or teflon sandwhichs with boron or silicon modified boron carbide hex tiles. ultra light weight and rifleproof.
bucklers are awesome! Look at I33 (sword manual) on how to combine it with a sword or a baton. Punching with the boss or the edges will really knock someone for a loop. Combine that with the tactical stinger!
I don't know if I33 is the right source for this situation. It's not like somebody ELSE is going to have a sword and buckler too.
The guard positions should translate though. But I figure if you learn to turn the buckler while you strike, that's all you need.
@@kanucks9 you have a point but the guards of I33 work with a baton and that buckler. A buckler by itself is limited.
You should pair it together with the tactical whip lol
That would be a really nasty combo :p
@@simoneriksson8329 I know right 😁😄 lol
dominatrix defense force
Bayardo Ampie he needs to see this comment LOLOL
The Cold Steel Cutlass might go nicely with it.
We have a video coming soon using it both with weapons and against as well as a durability test. Any suggestions?
A hammer or a machete.
maybe a tonfa
I must say I like the idea of that buckler. Try hammerfist and/or "karate chop"/shuto, its basically the same with this tool. Also try "chokes" like just put pressure on vulnerable points with the edge like neck, adams apple, base of the nose, small of the back or wack down with the edge on the incoming hand that holds a knife. Combined with a axe, hammer tomahawk you should be able to bargain your parking lot.
I have a suggestion to fix the wrist flex issues:
if you could find a way to weld/bolt a brass knuckles between the handle of the shield and the inside of the semi sphere (ideally fixed to both for better rigidity and control) you would have a way better time punching with it and it might add a little more umpf to the blow.
You could probably bolt it or rivet it with the help of a drill, or if you want to go "el cheapo" you can always use some thick gauge steel wire and pliers...
It would be very interesting to see it become basically a mix between a buckler and a boxing glove 😂
Contact Skallagrim, I’m sure he’d be helpful
I think the increased impact force from using the edge of the shield mitigates the lack of force you can put behind it.
Most fencing tournaments where you can strike with the shield don't allow you to hit with the edge.
I have used bucklers for years in FMA sparring. The impact of these things is devastating, even if you go half power, and it almost does not matter where you hit him. Just listen to the "KLOK" when he hits the guys elbow in slow motion. You do not want to be where this thing impacts.
@@elhefe83 Yeah, even hitting with the face of the shield it's a rigid and surprisingly heavy object, even if the design of the handle makes it hard to use like a boxing glove or whatever. I'm not sure, but I think I'd rather get punched in the head with a bare fist than take a full power smack from from one of these.
HEMA nerd here (sword fight and stuff) I saw some nasty KO with this thing (we are not supposed to be KO). The hammerstrike is devastating.
Finally, my shield only runs of Dark Souls translate to the real world
Hell yeah, this video was sick. This is where your channel shines. I'd recommend you to talk to a HEMA guy and learn a bit of the buckler use. Your idea of using it is good.
I'm hyped for the next video.
hema micky with hard2parry
Wait until he learns about "ending rightly".
Mind me asking what is that gorgeous firearm I see in your picture?
The ol pommel throw
He has referenced that before. He is aware.
@@MrSwosh89 i think that's a 1911
Can't wait to see a How to use the "tactical pommel" video
"Don't tell anyone"
I'm telling everybody lol, Icy Mike was a nerd.
Was??
@@jamesrowlands1943 touche
I'm VERY surprised he didn't try to find a belt holster for this thing.
The buckler is so underrated, not only in role playing games. Can’t wait to see you guys try it out with weapons.
I'm not a big shield guy, but I kinda get horny for a small shield with a dagger in the same hand and sabre in the other...
Yeah, it's like a cheaper, simpler steel gauntlet that's easier to put on and take off. Also easier to swash with.
@@atomic_waitCovers more area too
*immediatly tries to fling it like a frisbee*
Xena: Warrior Princess ...... here we come.
@@matterking1 Yes, him too ! >
Too much Mordhau?
@@edi9892 Or Skyrim... :p
@@999jay999 can you throw it there too?
Thus Icy Mike steps into the world of HEMA.
That said, I would rather have police train with a buckler than a baton. Or possibly both?
Teach them I.33 with Buckler and Baton. Haha
@@hailhydreigon2700 I'd really like to see them get in sparring gear with rattan batons and buckler and see what they figure out.
@@atomic_wait It's not too much different from FMA with a shield, to be honest.
Some police departments around the world use small round riot shields that are essentially bucklers.
Good to see you discovered this ancient multi-purpose offense/defense weapon! Remember that when held at arm's length it creates a virtual cone of protection around you from any polearm or edged weapon. I do not recommend it as sole defense against someone good with a spear, they can deceive you with a feint into blocking and then hit you before you can recover. But against many types of sticks and also edged weapons it is a great defense/offense tool. Protect both your hands with it at once. Weapon hand goes behind the buckler.
If you spent some time training using one, I'd recommend keeping a heavy steel buckler and a police riot stick in your car in case you have to get out of a bad situation or prevent a bad situation. Remember that the buckler was primarily used when paired with a sword, to keep the enemy at bay and to cover your sword/long knife hand. So you always move the handle of the weapon under cover of the buckler, moving them tightly in unison. Correctly here he's showing how the buckler is meant to be used at extended arm's length, as shown in the Tower of London manuscript i.33
You definitely do not want to take a hit from the edge of a buckler, even wearing a heavy fencing mask as protection. It will rock your world, or completely knock you out if you're not wearing head protection.
On the note of it being used in a "long guard" this is exactly how they were used due to their small size. It gives you the best cover and the Bolognese, Spanish and most other systems held the buckler extended. It's also often used as a sort of mobile handguard where you keep the buckler covering your weapon hand as you strike so your opponent can't wound your attacking/weapon hand. They also were popular as a civilian arm because you could wear them from your belt. There actually were buckler-free zones in the Renaissance because they couldn't take your sword away but if they could take your buckler you might be less likely to start something.
Anyway, this may be presumptuous, but I teach Historical European Martial Arts in Charlotte and sword and buckler in the Bolognese tradition is one of the weapons we teach and compete in. I am willing to talk more about this with you and am willing in fact to travel and train it in person if you're interested in hearing more about it. I'm not exactly a TH-cam luminary but I am a fan of the channel and love sharing my art and learning from others.
This video was excellent. I love these types of videos, where it's a laboratory and a testing-ground for new or different techniques or weapons.
I'm not a HEMA dude. I am a FMA guy. Guys with shields have been killing people for thousands of years. I know you like hammers for non-firearm home defense - I think putting a hammer behind this shield and adding kicks would be a game-changer.
Looking forward to your next video on this.
“Honey, can I use your prime account?”
“Sure, what for?”
Uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuum a shield.
Haha, very creative! I can't wait to see people walking around with "buckler-hats"
Steel buckler can target wrists, lower arms (for incredible pain) or be edge jabbed into the neck (for lethal). Otherwise a big knuckle duster. Cool!
5:52 When you realise your weapon is strong enough that opponent cannot block it with bare hands:p
This thing plus the Brooklyn Shorty bat. You’re welcome.
Honestly I'd love to have more guys like hard2hurt dabbling in the HEMA Community
Out of all the self defense , weapon channels on TH-cam, you are the most informative. Thank you for putting videos out!
Next you will buy some training blades and fencing masks, and fully embrace the most enjoyable martial art in the world HEMA.
Embrace it Mike, you have seen the light bro.
I'm looking up training swords now
@@hard2hurt :)
Purpleheart Armory is a good store in the States for HEMA training tools. They will have synthetic and steel blades.
@@ajax31990 they are good, synthetics are a little over priced though.
Buck if you knuck!
Wonderfull to see that history and modern day experience come together! This video proves why the buckler was such a populair civilian weapon during medieval times and still is relevant today as a defensive weapon.
Just need a sword on the other hand and i can finally live my dreams of becoming a medieval duelist
I would recommend an arming sword.
You already can do that. Go look up a HEMA club. ;)
@@heresjonny666
*Cough*
Was a part of one
*Cough*
@@TITANia69420 Oh, didn't suit what you were looking for? :(
@@heresjonny666 No, it was awesome.
Just the tight schedule getting in the way.
Omg I just love how you guys try out how the product can work and not. It feels like I'm there hanging out and enjoying company.
ICY MIKE! You should make a video with Shadiversity, Metatron and Skallagrim! ⚔
Also, a warhammer would be a perfect partner to your buckler. Cold steel also has them 👍
I find it very interesting how we (me included) get surprised with shields, swords/machetes, crossbows, etc. being really powerful and/or effective at defending and/or attacking. They were, literally, armies main weapons for hundreds of years.
Yep, this was designed for self-defence back in the day.
This buckler and cold steel gladius machete used to be my home defense option. Using the buckler method(shield forward like in the video) and gladius method(primarily stabbing), it was simple, easy to clear corners with, and gladius was usable even in tight hallways of the house. The likely point of entry in the house for someone breaking in is the kitchen, and they have access to my kitchen knife. The buckler gave me a good protection against the knife and the gladius the superior reach. I upgraded since then, but I'd still feel safe going back to that if needed.
*is about to get in a street fight*
"Wait a sec let me pull out my cold steel buckler"
The original no-goods who wore this arround town would have them on their belts. Easy access.
Nice. Could also try modifying it so you can wear it on your head like a helmet... hmm that might actually work
@@Groteskfull I'm pretty sure it's hard plastic. The ones in my club seemed to be.
Shield hats!
@@Groteskfull It's not steel. The center circle is ridiculously tough though. I think someone shot it with a shotgun and the pellets didn't penetrate the center.
Really enjoyed this video, especially (as a father of two young boys) the discussion of what is a "safe" self-defense and home defense weapon to have lying around. Completely on target, there. I can't leave bladed weapons or guns in easy reach, because anything within easy reach means my children can reach it. But I can leave something like this lying about anywhere, without endangering my family or making my home less safe. One interesting topic is the ability of a buckler to defend against a weapon like a bat. The natural inclination with the Cold Steel buckler, which I own, is to hold the handle vertically. If I were facing someone with a bat, a strike on the inside of the buckler with a bat would simply cause the buckler to flip in my hand, like opening a door, and insure the strike landed square on my center line. So, as I train with this, I would adjust my grip in that kind of a situation, and hold the handle on a horizontal line to defend myself. Also recommended: Cold Steel has a heavier targe-type shield for $50. It would not be nearly as helpful for shield-punching, but provides a wider area of defense.
Can we take a second to compliment Jay's shirt?
Hello hard2hurt
I did a video on sword and shields in a shtf scenario. Just want to let you know that I put a link of this video in the description because I think you did a great job and showing what the buckler can do in a altercation.
That sadistic laugh when you bonked him on the elbow nearly had me waking up my gf 🤣 also I've been waiting for something like this this as I've been noticing your subtle HEMA references. I'd like to see you go in depth on HEMA and it's treatises as you understand that rigidity in particular styles can help someone to implement their creativity/technique selection more intelligently in free fighting and it would be sick to see you develop into HEMA influenced bludgeon wielding swash-buckling modern mushashi 🤣
I have one of these, and you're correct! There's a reason it was used for decades in history. Plus you really know your stuff with it! Good video; good content.
Fun and interesting content as usual Mike. Good to see Jay. That buckler looks really fun and functional. I might buy a couple. If you really want to learn how to use a buckler you need to check out Roland Warzecha on TH-cam. That guy is SERIOUS about his HEMA and the dude is a buckler pro. His sparring and demonstration videos clearly show how to use a buckler style shield with a weapon, usually a sword. He also tells you what books/manuals you need to read/study if you wanna go deep down the rabbit hole of HEMA like he did. He has other HEMA weapon/shield combo videos as well. The guys is like university professor level practitioner of HEMA. He seems like he is a no nonsense, by the book kind of dude. Might be worth a look if you want to see a historically accurate use of the buckler from a properly informed source.
Awesome stuff. There’s a reason through history we used shields. I do like the focus of the attacker being on the shield. Makes a lot of sense. I like it!!! Keep me coming!!!
Imagine this thing with a spike on it, even a real tiny one, just a bit of a point on that dome and around the edges. Then have one in each hand...*shudders
Finally, a use for all those old Hot Topic studs!
Bucklers with spikes did exist they had a spike on the bos sow you could use it to stab forwards, but not on the edge cause if there is something on the edge this means you can hit it and this would mean the shield will be pushed aside, that's why they are round cause then the weapon will just slide of.
Spin attack!!
Pair it with a dirk similar to the highland targe.
@@possumsquasher3777 yeeee you need your hand to hold the shield it's center grip not straped to your hand.
The sound effects gave you away as a reenactor long before you admitted it. Cool video, I have been curious about this buckler myself.
Next thing you know IcyMike is going to be quoting Meyer and discussing the murder stroke.
We can only hope.
I have one of these. I use it with 24" oak stick. Great for tight spaces IMO. Thanks for the share!!
There was actually a type of gladiator in the ancient Rome that used one of these exact small round shields in their left hand paired with a sword or spear in their right hand.
Yes bro, correct! Paired with the Gladius or Pilum. 👍
I am so looking forward to the Home Defense Spiked Mace.
Skallagrim-Icy Mike collab when???
For striking when using a small center boss grip buckler - strike With the buckler edge IN ALIGNMENT WITH THE AXIS IF THE HANDLE. Not in alignment with the knuckles & forearm but like using a short stick & striking with both butt ends or a knife held in hammer grip & ice pick grip with points on both ends.
It's more of a hook type of punch movement & then your force is focused in in the narrow edge.
Just my $.02 - & 50+ years of studying martial arts & weaponry.
Nice to see you working this up! 👍👍👍
5:52 so you are finally slowly turning insane.. xD
They use a buckler in krabi krabong, and HEMA too, I agree it would be handy for law enforcement, especially in the uk with the current rate of knife crime...
I promise you they’d find a way to ban it over there😂
The "tactical " buckler. So much winning. Time to get medieval on that a**.
I have this and the Cold Steel Trench Hawk next to my bed. They work really well inside my small apartment.
He's discovering HEMA. Oh how we've waited for this day.
I googled local HEMA... I'm in trouble.
@@hard2hurt In trouble??
So reminds me of me and my old instructors. Miss schools like this, versus chain schools.
Haven't finished watching the video yet, but I've played more than enough Dark Souls to know you can make it work.
shield plus whip plus the pepper ball gun for long range. you could ko any avenger.
cough*HEMA*cough
I have 4 of these. I was the same way, I bought one for the hell of it, within a day of getting the first one in my hands, I had ordered three more. I also bought a steel buckler off of Amazon.
IDK, If bucklers have been around for the past 700 years and been EFFECTIVELY USED IN SEVERAL WARS, BATTLEFIELDS AND IN SEVERAL CULTURES it might have been useful, just saying.
Been training with my Buckler here and there for some time now.
My sons like putting toys inside the dome and spinning it around until they fly out.
Stoked for that vid. This is better than the Captain America movies.
People in the Caucasus Mountain region were using shield bucklers to settle disputes (Kanly,) and fight duels up until World War I and possibly beyond that time. They used it with sword and kindjal.
A couple of HEMA guys have mentioned some good tips about using a buckler, so I won't go too deep. But I have two things:
First, yes, you are absolutely right. The correct guard to use with a buckler is a long guard. Because it is small, it covers less area, so holding it against the body doesn't work. However, because it is lightweight, you can hold it out. When held out like you did, it can be used to eclipse a very large amount of yourself and cut off many attach angles at once. You just don't see this with large shields because their weight makes this impractical.
Second, it's important to remember the context in which a buckler was used. It's small and light enough to carry with you every day with a sidesword or similar smallswords.
If i knew that I was heading into battle, I would want a full size shield and/or probably a pole weapon (like a spear or poleaxe), and I would have a sword as a sidearm. Just like today, if I were going into battle, I would be armored up and carrying a full sized rifle, with a pistol as a sidearm.
But! In my day-to-day life, it's not practical to carry a rifle everywhere, so I have my sidearm and a backup knife. Similarly, in the 14th and 15th centuries, it was not practical to carry a pole arm in day-to-day life. So sideswords and small swords were used. Because swords are a sidearm. And if you wanted to add a shield to your weapon system, a full size shield would be equally impractical. So a small shield like a buckler was used.
A person could easily make a sidesword, dagger, and buckler part of their EDC, to use the modern term.
I love that you said a shield is a weapon with defensive capabilities. That is exactly what a shield is! A buckler is also especially relevant to self defense. I would love to see your thoughts on sword and buckler HEMA sparring, especially as it comes to the way you thought about the way the shield was meant to be held.
You actually raise some great points about it I hadn't considered
I'm practice HEMA and while I haven't done any work with the buckler I have read a little about it. The buckler could be used for offense and defense. When used for attack you try to clip them with edge or jab with the dome.
YES!!!! Cold steel is amazing. I've been eyeing that shield for a min. New to your channel, liking it so far. Keep up the good work. I'm looking forward to that shield torture test video.
I really like this video, and the observations you’ve made are very good for a modern context. My understanding of the historical context kinda bridges the gap between your observations and how it ought to be used with weapons - I think its primary use is to strike and pin down your opponent’s hands and weapons so that your own weapon is free to strike. If you can get your opponent to fixate, if you can use the body mechanics nicely, if you can strike and pin with force (I believe Viking round shields were used in similar fashion, but the smaller size of the buckler makes it easier to adjust your hands around each other), you’re half way to winning a historically accurate judicial combat with sword and buckler. Nice job!
Excellent concept regarding the use of the CS buckler for self defense 😎👍
I love this channel, and I love historical/traditional arms and armor. Seeing this video is just as good as it gets.
Great video! As for striking power. Remember it is concentrated force that does the trick. Get hit by the flat of a 2 by 6. It’ll suck but you want go down. Get hit by the tip of a staff traveling at the same force it’ll do internal damage. Flat of the hand versus two knuckles, etc... The buckler spreads out the force. You may not hit as hard with the edge but you’ll do more damage even with less force. Also a hammer strike with the edge is better than a punch with the the edge for your hand. I already saw a comment about mounting a spike on it. But then it changes in the eyes of the law. Mount a one inch tall round metal plug on it and it will work just as good without changing the classification to an edged weapon. Have fun with it Mike. I think I might pick one up.
Little tips from a HEMA guy : consider hitting more with the edge, not only with the umbo (round part on the flat). You will do more damage. And in historical move the shield (buckler, viking shield, feodal shield...) were often use that way even for protection (execp in war formation). As long as your hand is hide, it's effective to have the edge and not the flat part in front of your opponent.
I was considering one of these for HD. Thanks might try it out.
This thing is Indestructible, we shot it with firearms and blew it up with tannerite for our review of it, and it still functioned afterwards.
Yeah i put it through a lot. It's fine.
Input from a competitor and instructor of HEMA here: First off, they were used as self defence tools "back in them days" like the 1300s together with a sword hanging as a pair from your belt. Secondly: In tournaments and sparring we often ban anything but a clear and simulated front punch with them, that shield edge coming in hard is not something to toy with (I can attest having witnessed it), remember we fight in fencing masks and do not want to get hit full force by that rim... and lastly: There was a group that went to town on them, with modern firearms. The cold steel buckler's boss (that is the central dome) held up surprisingly well.
I’ve never spend so much time watching videos , I don’t even do mma or fight or anything but your vids are so engaging hahah I need to stop watching but I can’t 😂
Hey Mike, cool to see you trying out different stuff. I'm happy to chat about using the buckler from a historical perspective. Used to do HEMA, we used this stuff all the time. For the record, you are meant to hold it with the rim facing the opponent (in most cases). The buckler is meant to rotate in your hand so that you can cover sword strikes from the left and right.
In what system? I've only ever seen flat forward.
@@kanucks9 Flat forward works, definitely. I think I just wanted to point out that Mike kept saying that "It's not really meant to be held this way", but you can actually hold it with rim forwards.
Great vid. Brings up some good points about having shields. Could also use the buckler in hammer fist attacks for a bit more stability.
I just started watching and this is awesome watching you two!
I'm saying a gel layer in the recess around the knuckles sorta like a duster or caestus. If it had a glove fixture, or the sheild had a knuckle grip to stabilize fingers. I think as a utility item it would be very useful at replacing the baton in a police kit.
Subbed just for this. Sport reenactment fighter here. Fun to see a self defense guy mirror what we talk about all the time.
Yeah we would fuck someone up of we have a sword or stick, but given the choice of one piece of equipment to have for a self defense situation it would be a sheild of some type. It's defence, offence and distraction all in one.
I train with buckler weekly. Had a good laugh, subscribed. ;D
I feel like nobody would find the shield that intimidating which would give you the edge. Once they feel it bounce off their face a few times im sure they'd reconsider. I obviously can't tell how heavy it is on camera though so I can judge how painful a strike would be.
So I'm a HEMA guy so I'm used to that particular buckler. Some tips for extra power when using it to strike is to make sure you strike with the butt of your hand against the pommel. Transmits a shitload of force both with boss (middle round area) strikes and edge strikes.
Grip wise I find it best to hold it with the thumb slightly upwards, not wrapped around the handle. More mobile (you can change the grip easier and go from boss to edge against the opponent), while also making sure you don't break your thumb. As a bonus, usually makes it more natural to get the butt of the hand against the handle aswell.
Speaking from experience, edge strikes are more forceful than boss strikes, but both types of strikes can do nasty powerful strikes.
If you want to try modern weapons with it, stuff like expandable batons (or just regular batons), axes, machetes and stuff like that ought to work really well. Back in the days, it was mainly used with one handed swords (arming swords, messers, sideswords, falchions, etc).
Also, you can get good metal bucklers for roughly the same price as the cold steel plastic ones.
I use a steel buckler in the SCA, and it's good for defense, and offense.
This is awesome. I look forward to seeing the next series of videos with this. And also see how durable it is against gunfire. How much or how little is required to penetrate it.
Hey Mike, just in case you were curious, Cold Steel has a bigger version of this called the Cold Steel Soldier's Targe. Though it might not necessarily be better for your intended purpose since it's significantly bulkier than the buckler.
5:50 onward. He's really enjoying himself
A little heard of weapon combo in Okinawan kobudo is the tinbe (shield) and rochin (short sword or spear). Interesting having trained a little in the system is seeing this here!
Just bought one, should be fun trying it out on my friends!
"Dude, i really think this could work!"... Yep, thats actually WHY it was invented, because it works. But this is so much fun seeing you guys discovering this for the first time and getting excited about it. I have several shields in my house, and a large number of melee weapons just scattered around.
I've trained in Muay Thai, BJJ, Karate, kung-fu, tae-kwon-do (spit) and i teach MMA. But i've also been trained in weapons, and have recently started HEMA, and nearly all the martial arts that train in weapons have a buckler of some sort or other (apart from iaido maybe). It IS a superb defensive and offensive tool, and shouldn't ever be underestimated
Bucklers are dope - local nerd fencer here who loves you self defense content, look up on fencing treatises like I. 33, one of the earliest european martial art treaty talking mostly about the buckler.
At the end of the day, you get a more versatile and protective knuckleduster. Only downside is you need more time handling it to really get a sense of it.
When are we getting medieval hard2hurt with HEMA collabs huh