A Year in the Life . . . A Digression

Work, Work, Work.

In my last entry I suggested that it would be a "good idea" if there were a set of standard instructions for new members for the creation of a shield. The words "Sounds like a volunteer" were uttered by my illustrious mentor in his editorial comment, so I did it!

A step by step series of instructions should soon [a re-enactment term meaning don't hold your breath] be available in the Sceaftesige homepage when the drawings [and photographs] are sorted out.[Yes, I know I've got this to do as well]

It may look complicated but it's really simple once you get started. I messed up at first, by NOT removing the bolts before bashing the ends down into "rivets". You may not think people would notice, nor indeed care (like me), but, as it turned out in August's "History in Action IV" at Kirby Hall, the authenticy officer - whatever his name was - DID care so I was forced to borrow one of Kevin's spare shields. Ho-hum, you live and learn. These defects were swiftly rectified, later at home.

However, back in April, I fitted a new handle on my Scramsaex which I purchased the previous month. Unfortunately for me, the original handle was about two inches too short to be comfortable. So I hacked off the old wooden grip, cut out the rivets holding it together and with an angle-grinder, and ground down the tang (the narrow metal bit which forms the basis of the handle). I then sandwiched the now considerably narrower tang with two pieces of Beech wood filched from an old bedstead, with one side hollowed out in the shape of the tang and screwed it in place. The two pieces of wood were then glued together with two-part epoxy adhesive and shaped to fit my grip. The result looked much more authentic that the riveted method.

Search Regias's own web site for the way they believed the handles were fitted onto the blade.

On The Status Of "Newby"

As I write this diary (and re-write), I have actively participated in practically every sort of event Regia is involved in, I have read a fair few books on the history of the period and as you may have realised, I have listened to and gained a fair few opinons of my own. As a result, I believe my newby / novice status is slowly drawing to a close. Personally, however, I will regard it complete when I can happily answer questions from the members of public about "the way they did it back then".

Fortunately, as mentioned in the "Wareham" section later, the majority of questions asked by Joe public are relatively easy.