Rawhide Shield Edging Strip — the Shield Will Remain Undamaged Even after the Most Demanding Battle!

Our range includes wild boar rawhide and bull rawhide (bull split) in the form of strips for edging a medieval shield.

The rawhide is produced in the heart of Germany, in the workshop of a tanner whose family has upheld the traditions of their craft for over 200 years. The rawhide contains no chemicals, artificial dyes, or fragrances — the full power of nature is preserved in every piece.

 

Description

Material

For shield edging, wild boar rawhide and bull rawhide are ideally suited.

Bull (bull split):

• Extremely thick. Slightly rough to the touch, visually neutral, without any distinctive textures
• Authentic appearance
• Premium quality (in the Middle Ages, such rawhide was one of the most expensive options for shield edging)

Wild boar:

• Firm, coarse, but thinner compared to bull rawhide
• Features a distinctive porous pattern
• Authentic material for early medieval shields

 

Scope of Delivery

We offer several delivery options for the shield edging strip — individually and as a set.

Individually

Length: 1 metre

Width: 6 cm

Please note! It may happen that a whole piece of rawhide does not yield a 1-metre strip. In such a case, you will receive more than one piece, the total length of which will equal 1 metre (e.g., a 70 cm strip + a 30 cm strip).

How critical is this for a shield edging strip? Short pieces are in no way inferior in quality to long ones, and in most cases, strips are deliberately cut to avoid wrinkles when edging.

Sets

We also offer ready-made sets of edging strips with a fixed total length.

1. Round Shield Set

Total length: 2.5 m

Width: 6 cm

 

     2. Pavese Set

Total length: 3 m

Width: 6 cm

 

     3. Teardrop Shield Set

Total length: 3.5 m

Width: 6 cm

 

     4. Gilden Set

Total length: 10 m

Width: 6 cm

 

     5. B-Grade Shield Edging Strip

An affordable alternative to standard strips.

Width: varies from 4.5 to 6 cm

Total length: 10 m

Thickness: inconsistent

 

Why Rawhide?

Rawhide is considered the best material for shield edging due to a unique combination of properties that provide exceptional strength and durability.

Key characteristics of rawhide strips

1. Exceptional Hardness and Impact Resistance

• When dried, rawhide becomes extremely hard and strong. Experienced craftsmen describe it as “more like metal than leather.”
• Protection against splitting: The main practical function of edging is to protect the edge of the wooden shield core from chipping and splitting. Rawhide accomplishes this task best.

     2. Unique Working Technique and “Shrinkage Effect”

Rawhide is a material that “remembers” its shape. The secret to its strength lies in the processing method:

• Working wet: For edging, the strip is soaked, becoming soft and pliable, allowing it to be easily wrapped around the shield’s edge.
• Compression effect upon drying: As it dries, rawhide begins to shrink with tremendous force, creating an incredibly tight and monolithic bond with the wooden core. This “cinching” effect makes the edge protection virtually one with the shield.

     3. Affordability and Historical Authenticity

Rawhide is essentially an animal hide with the hair and fat removed and then dried. This technique did not require great expense, and the material itself was accessible to many. Importantly, rawhide was used to edge shields for centuries. For example, early medieval shields found during excavations show remnants of wild boar rawhide edging along the edges.

 

Tips for Working with Rawhide Strips

• Thoroughly wet the hide before working.
• You may receive hide treated with natural fats. If you need to work with degreased hide, simply wash it with regular dish soap.
• If the thickness of the cut piece is greater than needed, simply wet the backing and stretch it in its wet state — this will make the strip thinner and increase its length by a couple of centimeters
• To increase moisture resistance, treat the rawhide backing with oil or wax.

 

Important nuances

• Quality differences: Special, high-quality rawhide strips are used for shield edging. Dog chews from pet stores, which are often boiled, are not suitable for this purpose — they can be brittle and may splinter.
• Difficulty of working: The force of shrinkage during drying is both an advantage and a potential risk. If the wet strip is stretched too tightly, it can deform or even destroy the wooden shield core. This requires experience and care.
• Sensitivity to moisture: Rawhide is hygroscopic and can soften when wet. However, this problem is easily solved by protecting the strip from rain with a layer of wax or grease.

 

If you have any additional questions or you would like to make an individual order, please feel free to contact us by email.