Two shields from opposite ends of the medieval period.The leg problem, and the hand problemThe kite shield’s long tapering point exists to cover a rider’s leg, which a round shield leaves exposed on horseback. The buckler solves something else entirely: it is a small steel fist-shield held out at arm’s length, used to bind and deflect an opponent’s blade rather than to hide behind. Sword and buckler was the most common civilian fighting pair in medieval Europe.Hand-made to order.