Buckler vs Full Size Shield

In this guide, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of bucklers vs full size shields to help you decide which one is right for you. We’ll also cover their legal status, designs, uses, and much more.

If you’re an avid collector of ancient battlefield tools, you might be looking to add some defensive items to your collection. If you’re a reenactor, fencer or martial arts enthusiast, you might need a defensive item such as shield or buckler to improve your skills and performance. So, should you choose a full-size shield that covers as much of your body as possible? With such items available, what would be the point of buying a much smaller buckler?

Naturally, both shields and bucklers have their pros and cons as well as distinct purposes in battle. Which one is best for you depends on your goals, style and role.

Buckler vs. Full-Size Shield: Design

According to regulation, bucklers have a maximum diameter of 31cm – any larger than that, and the item falls into the shield category. Bucklers can either be flat or have a slightly concave design, with some models designed to catch or damage attacking swords. Most bucklers are made from either wood or steel, the former being lighter and more agile and the latter more tough.

Full-size shields are designed to cover almost the entire body. Consequently, most full-size shields throughout history have been constructed from wood to make them light and manoeuvrable, with some featuring steel reinforcements. Shields provide much more cover than bucklers, but at the expense of being more challenging to handle and use for prolonged fighting.

Shield vs. Bucklers: Uses

Bucklers and shields have very different uses when it comes to the battlefield. As they cover such a large surface area, full-size shields were often vital for soldiers who faced threats such as projectiles (arrows), cavalry and heavy infantry. Not only does a full shield cover the entire body and face, but it can also be used as part of a shield wall. Shields were essential in helping soldiers hold the line and remain in a cohesive formation. However, their size and weight made them impractical for certain types of fighting, particularly one against one.

With their much smaller size, bucklers offered soldiers much more manoeuvrability than full-size shields when it came to close combat. Some soldiers paired their buckler with their sword to protect their attacking hand, which was often the most vulnerable target for an opponent. However, many wore their buckler in one hand and their sword in the other for maximum manoeuvrability. Records suggest that the buckler may have also been used for offensive purposes. It’s likely that soldiers used the rim to strike their opponents, similar to how items such as knuckle dusters are used.

Are Shields and Bucklers Legal to Import and Own?

Whether or not it is legal to import or own shields and bucklers largely comes down to your location, though most countries have more relaxed rules on shields and bucklers than on other items such as self-defence weapons and body armour. Here’s a quick overview of the legal status of bucklers and shields in the USA, UK, Canada and Australia:

UK

There are currently no laws prohibiting the purchase or ownership of shields and bucklers in the UK, and that includes riot and ballistic shields. However, you must have a lawful reason, such as a historical reenactment, in order to carry them in public.

USA

Most types of non-ballistic shield and bucklers can be owned and imported into the USA, though you should check your local laws if you intend to import bulletproof shields. Some states have implemented supplementary laws on the civilian use of defensive items. For example, New York banned the sale of most types of body armour, including bullet-resistant shields, to civilians in 2022, except for those working in eligible professions. You won’t usually face problems when purchasing historical items, such as medieval shields.

Canada

Shields and bucklers usually fall under the category or defensive or historical item rather than prohibited weapons, meaning there are no federal laws banning their ownership or import. At the state and provincial level, you won’t face many hurdles either – bullet-resistant garments tend to be the only items that are restricted in certain Canadian provinces.

Australia

Even though Australia has some of the toughest laws surrounding the import, sale and ownership of certain types of body armour, its states do not classify historical shields and bucklers as prohibited weapons or defensive items. As a result, you shouldn’t face issues bringing these items through customs, provided you state your reason clearly (such as a collector or reenactor), describe the item accurately, and don’t make any modifications that could make it an offensive weapon.

However, we should note that the above only applies to historical shields, such as medieval bucklers and heater shields, rather than modern defensive items. Ballistic shields and bullet-resistant items of body armour are strictly regulated in Australia. While any civilian can technically apply for a permit to import and own such items, only people in eligible professions, such as the police, are granted permission in practice.

Bucklers vs. Full-Size Shields: The Verdict

When it really comes down to it, neither full-size shields nor bucklers are ‘better’ than the other. By design, they serve very different purposes. Each has distinct pros and cons that make them better for certain situations and battle types.

If you’re a reenactor taking on the role of an infantry soldier engaging in one-on-one fights, you’ll find the buckler much more comfortable and agile. A full-size shield might weigh you down and sap your energy quickly. On the other hand, if you’re part of a formation, need full-body cover from projectiles, and take part in tactics such as shield walls, you’ll benefit from a full-size shield.

Browse Our Bucklers and Shields Today

At The Survival Island, we’re a team of survival and wilderness experts that scours the far corners of the globe for the very best defensive and historical items on the market. Whether you’re a collector, martial artist, historical battle reenactor or a professional fencer, we boast a wide range of quality shields and bucklers that you can proudly add to your collection. If you have any questions about any of our products, don’t hesitate to get in touch.