The Windlass Battlecry Soldiers Buckler is crafted from 1065 high carbon steel that has been tempered to a 50-52 overall hardness. The main disc-like body of the shield is 20 gauge in thickness. The buckler has been treated with the Battlecry Line antiqued bluing – a finish that gives it a battle-worn appearance and a degree of rust-resistance. The buckler has both riveted and screwed construction. The grip crossbar is fitted with riveted halves of wood for an improved grip. Easily portable and surprisingly good at deflecting oncoming attacks, the buckler was a favorite piece of equipment for medieval bowmen and crossbowmen, as well as duelists, and travelers concerned with personal defense. A small size insured affordability, as well as being small enough that it could be hung from the belt – ideal for missile-armed troops who would appreciate such a defensive measure should the opponent close the distance. It was also a fitting accoutrement to polearm soldiery, who could drop their more cumbersome weapon for a shorter sidearm and a buckler should their weapon be broken or the battle-line descend in a close-in melee that would disadvantage weapons of too great a length. For skilled fighters, the buckler was not merely for defense, but could be made into a deceptive weapon itself. A bash to the face could daze a surprised foe and a punch-like strike made with the rim could easily fracture a jaw.
