Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Would you rather hold a spear in one hand and a shield (center-grip or strapped) in the other or use both hands on the spear? In a hypothetical duel or small-group melee that is. On a historical battlefield the shield would be the obvious choice, at least unless there is heavy armor involved.
So let's explore the practical options each setup offers and test how it works out against a fully resisting opponent.
Special thanks to Xian and Sindri for helping out with the demonstration and sparring!
nilesfencingacademy.com
The shields are made by Vaughn Morphett.
facebook.com/V.M.Metalcraft
The spears are actually the top half of a long carbon-fiberglass pole (much like a pike) by LK Chen.
lkchensword.com/carbon-fiberglass-pole
*** Support the channel ***
Help fund future videos, get bonus content and access to an exclusive Discord server:
patreon.com/skallagrim
youtube.com/channel/UC3WIohkLkH4GFoMrrWVZZFA/join
Merch:
bonfire.com/store/skallswag
If you want to join Bonfire to start selling your own merch: bonfire.com/welcome/07bb14169c804
Other ways to support the channel by shopping through affiliate links:
Kult of Athena, my favorite online store for reproductions of historical arms and armor, fantasy swords, etc:
kultofathena.com/?koa=259
Where to get HEMA gear and practice swords:
woodenswords.com/?Click=1799
GamerSupps powdered energy drinks and other stuff (I particularly like the SUS snack bars):
gamersupps.gg/Skall
I highly recommend the balms and oils from Beard Sorcery:
beardsorcery.com/?ref=0UEFtHWvZEmtD
*** Other social media ***
https://bsky.app/profile/skallagrim.bsky.social
facebook.com/SkallagrimYT
instagram.com/skallagrim_yt
#skallagrim #historicalweapons #martialarts #hema #spear #shield
Would you rather hold a spear in one hand and a shield (center-grip or strapped) in the other or use both hands on the spear? In a hypothetical duel or small-group melee that is. On a historical battlefield the shield would be the obvious choice, at least unless there is heavy armor involved.
So let's explore the practical options each setup offers and test how it works out against a fully resisting opponent.
Special thanks to Xian and Sindri for helping out with the demonstration and sparring!
nilesfencingacademy.com
The shields are made by Vaughn Morphett.
facebook.com/V.M.Metalcraft
The spears are actually the top half of a long carbon-fiberglass pole (much like a pike) by LK Chen.
lkchensword.com/carbon-fiberglass-pole
*** Support the channel ***
Help fund future videos, get bonus content and access to an exclusive Discord server:
patreon.com/skallagrim
youtube.com/channel/UC3WIohkLkH4GFoMrrWVZZFA/join
Merch:
bonfire.com/store/skallswag
If you want to join Bonfire to start selling your own merch: bonfire.com/welcome/07bb14169c804
Other ways to support the channel by shopping through affiliate links:
Kult of Athena, my favorite online store for reproductions of historical arms and armor, fantasy swords, etc:
kultofathena.com/?koa=259
Where to get HEMA gear and practice swords:
woodenswords.com/?Click=1799
GamerSupps powdered energy drinks and other stuff (I particularly like the SUS snack bars):
gamersupps.gg/Skall
I highly recommend the balms and oils from Beard Sorcery:
beardsorcery.com/?ref=0UEFtHWvZEmtD
*** Other social media ***
https://bsky.app/profile/skallagrim.bsky.social
facebook.com/SkallagrimYT
instagram.com/skallagrim_yt
#skallagrim #historicalweapons #martialarts #hema #spear #shield
