There is Only One 'Problem' with this Shield... (Ottoman Kalkan)

This is a remarkably versatile design... Can't decide between centergrip and strapped shield? Why not both? There are different ways to hold it, sling it over your shoulder, or even wear it on your back. It's remarkably light and comfortable to use.

What stands out the most are the extensive decorations. This is a beautiful collector's piece, and clearly plenty of attention to detail went into the craftsmanship.

*** Where to find it ***

Testing an undecorated version of this shield:

*** Sources ***

Original Kalkan
Vietnamese rattan shield
Tibetan shield, 14th-16th century

*** Music credits ***

Outro:
"Highland Storm" by The Slanted Room Records
Used with artist's permission

*** Merch ***

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*** Second channel / other social media ***

#skallagrim #ottoman #shield #reproduction #history #review

[madmalkavian]

I've never seen a shield that looks so comfortable.

[samwill]

"The scarf is made of knit" sounds like the description on a sketchy Alibaba page

[Han-rwev]

After decades of ignorance, I've finally learned what the term 'wicker' really refers to.

And, nice shield.

[TheZinmo]

Yes, please get an undecorated one to test as hard as possible. I guess that these were meant to be somewhat destructable, like most other shields were too, but I also think they will hold up much better than most of us think.

[syndicalist-]

Ottoman arms and armor can be soooo beautiful

[filmr]

This is the proof that archer character can use shield

[aspiringmarauder]

I see Skallagrim video, I watch the whole thing.

Test the shield!

[SkateGirlAndrea]

Having too nice pieces in your collection is a must in any collection. Yes, a test would be awesome 👌

[navjyot]

I'd love to see practical testing of the shield

[eazy]

I’d really like to see a sparring test with that plain one they offered you. It looks really interesting to try with a two handed spear, or other polearms, as well as a few different swords

[PasqualItizzz]

I'm not ready for this hard truth about the nature of wicker. I chose to live in denial.

[czescwaszejpamiecizonierze]

Can't forget that the kalkan was also a shield used by the Polish-Lithuanian commonwealth, Hungry and Cossacks. Also I heard the stories of those shields stopping early guns, I think I even saw a video of someone testing it and it stopped an early musket round. So apparently they were very protective and easy to repair but they get damaged very easily.

[mr.sandman]

I have looked at both Persian and Ottoman miniatures from the 15th (Persian, of Aq-Qoyunlu turkomans) and 16th centuries (Ottoman), and both show the use of these shields. They show up in different forms, and in different sizes. One interesting thing about them is the level of reinforcement that existed for them. There are examples of kalkan featuring iron bars and rims added to the wicker section to defend against slashing strikes.

[searaider]

Wow, this is the prettiest shield I ever saw.

[charliedavis]

Shields don't get enough love I'd love to see the plain e tested. I do love the Batman theme right after he says you can wear it like Captain America.

[dxundownload]

such a gorgeous shield! defiantly get that blank and STRESS TEST IT!!

[josku]

Hell yeah get the other shield to test! 😎👍

[Aliraldd]

A couple of years ago we had a sword and cape course, so I had to make myself a cape.
Since it was coming along nicely I added a cool baroque inlay on the cowl, crimson laces and trimmings.
Now I have 2 capes, one for show and one for sparring

[CDKohmy]

I've been fascinated with wicker shields lately. In antiquity, Thracian peltasts and Persians used wicker. Caesar claims that some Gauls used wicker shields. There is a medieval manuscript that depicts a wicker heater shield. The Irish (kerns mostly) used wicker, as well as some Scottish targes.

[Griff]

I love seeing you kick the shit out of stuff companies send you. Plus seeing the practical limits of proper shields is interesting.