If you have ever been fascinated by the Anglo Saxon era and have wanted to craft your own authentic pieces, this article is for you. The Anglo Saxons were a group of tribes that inhabited England from the 5th to the 11th centuries. Their craftsmanship and warrior culture are still admired today. In this guide, we will show you how to create your own Anglo Saxon helmet, axe, and shield.
To start, let’s look at the helmet. The Anglo Saxon helmet, also known as a “spangenhelm,” was made from several pieces of iron or steel that were riveted together. To replicate this design, you will need a base helmet made of sturdy material such as leather or metal. Measure the circumference of your head and cut the material accordingly. Attach the pieces using rivets or strong adhesive. Remember to leave space for the eye and nose openings.
Next, let’s move on to the axe. The Anglo Saxons used axes both as weapons and tools. For this project, choose a wooden handle and a metal blade. Measure and mark the desired length for the handle, ensuring a comfortable grip. Attach the blade securely to the top end using screws or nails. Sharpen the blade carefully to ensure it is suitable for cutting and chopping.
Finally, let’s focus on the shield. The Anglo Saxon shield was typically round and made of wood with a metal boss in the center. Start by cutting a round shape from a sturdy piece of plywood. Smooth the edges and reinforce the shield with metal or leather strips around the circumference. Attach a metal boss or a decorative plate to the center using screws or nails. Paint your shield with traditional Anglo Saxon designs or personal symbols to make it truly unique.
Now that you have learned the basics, you can unleash your creativity and make your own Anglo Saxon helmet, axe, and shield. Remember to research and gather all the necessary materials before starting your project. With attention to detail and a passion for history, you can create impressive pieces that transport you to the fascinating world of the Anglo Saxons.
Gathering Materials
Before you start making your Anglo-Saxon helmet, axe, and shield, you will need to gather the necessary materials. Here is a list of items you will need:
1. Helmet
To make an Anglo-Saxon helmet, you will need:
- Sheet Metal: A piece of metal large enough to shape into a helmet. You can use steel or brass.
- Tin Snips: These will help you cut the metal into the desired shape.
- Hammer: Used to shape the metal and create the helmet’s form.
- Rivets or Metal Strips: Used to hold the helmet’s pieces together.
- Leather Straps: These will be attached to the helmet to secure it on your head.
- Decorative Pieces: Optional, but you can add decorative elements to your helmet, such as feathers or horns.
2. Axe
To make an Anglo-Saxon axe, you will need:
- Wood: A solid piece of timber that will be carved into the shape of an axe.
- Axe Head: You can purchase or forge an axe head made of steel.
- Carving Tools: Tools such as chisels and gouges to shape the wood into an axe.
- Epoxy or Wood Glue: Used to attach the axe head to the wooden handle securely.
- Sandpaper: To smooth out the axe handle and remove any rough edges.
- Oil or Varnish: To protect the wood and give it a finished look.
3. Shield
To make an Anglo-Saxon shield, you will need:
- Plywood: A circular piece of plywood for the shield body.
- Leather: A thick piece of leather to cover the shield body.
- Shield Boss: A metal plate that sits in the center of the shield for added protection.
- Buckles and Straps: Used to secure the leather cover to the shield and to hold it in your hand.
- Paint: Optional, but you can paint your shield in traditional Anglo-Saxon designs.
Once you have gathered all the necessary materials, you are ready to start crafting your Anglo-Saxon helmet, axe, and shield. Remember to take your time and be patient as you bring these ancient weapons to life.
Creating the Helmet
To make an Anglo-Saxon helmet, you will need the following materials:
- Metal sheet or sturdy material
- Tin snips or metal shears
- Hammer and chisel
- Sandpaper
- Leather or padding
- Strong glue or rivets
- Helmet crest or decorative elements (optional)
Follow these steps to create your own Anglo-Saxon helmet:
- Measure and cut the metal sheet into a dome shape that fits the size of your head.
- Use tin snips or metal shears to cut out eye and nose holes in the front of the dome.
- Shape the dome further by using a hammer and chisel. This will give it a more authentic look.
- Smooth out any rough edges with sandpaper to prevent injuries.
- Attach leather or padding inside the helmet to provide comfort and protection.
- Secure the leather or padding using strong glue or rivets.
- Add a helmet crest or decorative elements if desired. This can be done using glue or by riveting them onto the helmet.
Once you have completed these steps, your Anglo-Saxon helmet will be ready for use.
Forging the Axe
To make an Anglo Saxon helmet axe, you will need to start by forging the axe head. This is the most important part of the process, as it will determine the shape and quality of the finished weapon.
Here are the steps you need to follow:
- Gather the necessary materials, including a suitable piece of metal for the axe head. Traditional Anglo Saxon axes were typically made of iron or steel.
- Heat the metal in a forge until it reaches a bright orange color. This indicates that it is ready for shaping.
- Using a hammer, carefully strike the heated metal to shape it into the desired form. This may require multiple strikes to achieve the correct shape and thickness.
- Once the basic shape is achieved, use a grinding wheel or file to refine the edges and remove any excess material.
- Next, create the eye of the axe, which is the hole where the handle will be inserted. This can be done by either drilling or punching a hole in the metal. The size of the eye should be proportionate to the size of the axe head.
- Finally, heat treat the axe head to harden the metal and make it more durable. This involves heating the metal to a high temperature and then quickly cooling it, usually by quenching it in water or oil.
Once the axe head is forged, it can be attached to a wooden handle to complete the Anglo Saxon helmet axe. This can be done using rivets, screws, or by wedging the handle securely into the eye of the axe head.
Remember to take all necessary safety precautions when forging the axe, including wearing protective eyewear and gloves. Forge in a well-ventilated area and have a fire extinguisher on hand in case of accidents.
By following these steps, you can create your own authentic Anglo Saxon helmet axe that is both functional and historically accurate.
Building the Shield
To create an Anglo Saxon shield, you will need the following materials:
- A wooden plank or round piece of wood for the shield base
- A saw to cut the wood into the desired shape
- Sandpaper to smooth the edges of the wood
- A drill to make holes for the handle
- A leather strap or rope for the handle
- A paintbrush and acrylic paint in your desired colors
- Optional: metal studs or nails for decoration
To start, cut your wooden plank into a circular or shield-shaped form using a saw. Sand the edges of the wood to ensure they are smooth and free of splinters.
Next, drill two holes on one side of the shield for the handle. The holes should be wide enough to fit your chosen leather strap or rope.
Once the holes are drilled, thread the leather strap or rope through them and tie knots on the inside of the shield to secure the handle.
Now it’s time to paint your shield! Choose your desired colors and use a paintbrush to create unique designs or patterns on the wooden surface. You can also add additional decoration, such as metal studs or nails, for an authentic Anglo Saxon look.
Allow the paint to dry completely before using the shield.
Remember, an Anglo Saxon shield was not only a defensive weapon but also a symbol of status and identity. Get creative and make your shield truly reflect your own style and personality!
