Additional information
This steel shield boss is crafted from sturdy 14 gauge steel and its interior has been blackened. It has six cut-outs that allow for the use of screws or rivets to affix the boss to the center of a shield. Mounting hardware is not included.
For many shields, a strong shield boss is essential – it not only provides a hard center point that could, in a pinch, be used to punch a foe, but much more importantly it protects the hand behind the shield from a puncturing javelin or a strong penetrating strike that penetrates the shield.
In spite of what is commonly portrayed in movies or video games, a shield is not a protective force field – they can be broken or the wood can be split by a strong strike. A warrior who has his arm strapped to his shield has the risk that a javelin or spear may actually puncture the shield and grimly pin his shield directly to his arm. For a warrior with a center-gripped shield with a hand protected by a stout shield boss the risk to his hand and arm is greatly mitigated.
Fin Fer –
Won’t Lose Fingers With This The Good:
Hard to go wrong with something like this. It’s thick, strong, and looks aesthetically pleasing. It has successfully stopped a baseball bat from crushing me (when attached to my shield obviously), and it has yet to show anything other than scuff marks. The holes for the rivets/nails are symmetrical and the finish is good.
The Bad:
Nothing to say, since its hard for manufactures to go wrong here.
Verdict:
A very good boss for any shield you wish to create. You’re in good hands here
Darkhand –
Good Boss I will say it does look smaller when you get it here. I think the hand in the above pic might be smaller then mine by quite a bit. Still it’s well made and has no rust spots or any other issues. Looks sturdy enough to make a shield more then ready for combat be it sparring or a dual to the death. Can’t wait to put it on.