Welcome to Gaia! ::

Does it look alright? Any advice on making it better or safer?
I want tips.

Most fighters put something to gard their fingers, just incase a sword goes over and cracks them one. (Ive seen broken fingers from that.) Other then that just make sure everything is firmly in place.

I'd second getting a basket hilt for it unless you're wearing a full gauntlet. I made that mistake once and OMG it hurt soooo bad. I'm surprised I didn't get something broken.

Let's see.... I curved mine a bit but you need rachets to do that. And I had a guy do it cause I'm too weak to get it pulled back. sweatdrop

Um, as for covering, I'd suggest getting a duck cloth covering for it. It's just really heavy fabric and I -think- it's spelt that way, pronounced that way for sure. It helps protect the wood and makes it last longer. You can either sew a covering or adhesive it on, which is what I did.

And yeah, it'll be heavy, but mine is two pieces of plywood glued together myself so I'll say that you get used to the weight after a while. My group's war shields are even bigger and heavier than my tourney shield - so much so that the arm strap leaves bruises after I've been fighting with it all day. And we all managed, even weakling little me.

Which reminds me - might want to get a thicker strap so the weight doesn't hurt as much. Some people I know use belts.

Thanks, i was thinking about making a basket hilt also. This was the first time i made one so i know it wont be perfect.
Ya i was planning on wearing a full gauntlet as well. pirate