Wooden Viking Shield "Eirik" | Stained & Battle-Ready, 30-Inch

Wooden Viking Shield "Eirik" | Stained & Battle-Ready, 30-Inch, Elegance and Strength in One Piece of Wood

Who Is This Shield For?

This model is intended for demanding users—warriors in reenactment and historical combat who are looking for a reliable and historically plausible shield that can take a beating. Its significant weight and 19 mm thickness make it an extremely durable companion in the shield wall. Thanks to its clean and elegant appearance, it is also ideal for those who wish to further customize their shield with their own paintwork. Off the battlefield, it serves as a magnificent and dominant wall decoration, where the beauty of the wood and honest craftsmanship can be truly appreciated.

The Construction of a Viking Shield

Historical Viking shields were typically made from planks of soft, lightweight wood (such as linden, fir, or pine) glued together. The central boss protected the hand gripping a single transverse handle. The edge was often covered with rawhide or leather to prevent the wood from splitting. This shield is a modern, robust interpretation designed for the needs and safety of today's reenactors. It uses considerably thicker wood (19 mm versus a historical ~6-8 mm), has a steel rim, and a reinforcing steel bar, which dramatically increases its lifespan and durability in contact combat compared to a purely historical replica.

Interesting Fact: Wood as a Canvas

While this shield showcases the natural beauty of the wood, many historical shields were actually covered with linen or leather and then brightly painted. This was not just for decorative purposes. The fabric layer helped to hold the wooden planks together, especially after the shield had taken a few hits. The paint (often made from natural pigments like ochre or charcoal) sealed the wood against moisture. And the paintings themselves? They were a warrior's calling card on the battlefield.

Technical Parameters and Maintenance

How to Care for Your Shield

Your shield is your life—treat it with respect.

• Wood: Do not unnecessarily expose the shield to rain, and after use in damp conditions, always wipe it thoroughly and let it dry in a well-ventilated area. For better protection and to revive its appearance, you can occasionally treat the wooden parts with linseed oil or wood wax.
• Steel: All steel parts (boss, rim, bar) are made of carbon steel and can rust. Keep them dry, and after a battle, always clean them, dry them, and lightly wipe them with a conservation oil (e.g., WD-40 or Ballistol).
• Leather: Occasionally treat the leather strap on the back with a leather conditioner to keep it supple and prevent it from cracking.

Key Features and Dimensions

• Material: Wood (approx. 19 mm thick), steel boss, steel rim, steel reinforcing bar, wooden handle, leather strap
• Finish: Brown stain, blackened steel parts
• Shield Diameter: 30 inches (76 cm)
• Weight: Approx. 13 lbs (5.89 kg)
• Manufacturer: House of Warfare

What This Shield Is Definitely Not For

This shield is heavy and massive. It is not a lightweight prop for a children's play. And definitely do not use it as a table for cutting onions at camp, even if its size and strength might seem suitable for it.