Modern day shields?

Bowser

Bowser

Joined
Apr 30, 2003
Messages
83
Hi folks,
After dealing with a fairly minor stabbing the other day (I am a police officer), the details of which are that two males were chasing one other, they started to chase each other round a parked vehicle and eventually caught up with each other. One male, who eventually got stabbed, was using a laptop PC style bag as a sort of shield to stop the other male stabbing him (the third male was trying to stop him as well).
Now, this got me thinking about modern day shields. I am aware you can get ballistic and trauma panels for stabproof and bulletproof vests which you add to the vest depending on the level of threat you are facing. These panels are not too expensive.
What if you converted one of these panels into a type of shield? It could have a handle added and be carried discretely in a shoulder bag and be deployed fairly rapidly.
Now, I'm not going to be making one of these soon but I thought I'd throw the idea into the forum and look for critique on it, so, what do you think?

Regards to all

Ross
 
:D:D:D:D:D

I made a "clipboard" out of .25" steel. I use it, but carry it around in my backpack. I bet it would make for a good shield, although heavy. It's a good clipboard too.
 
I remember reading about making a "urban" shield by fitting a slab of 8 mmmm thick plexi-glass inside a messenger bag / computer case and stitching two web straps across the back of the bag so that it can be worn onto one's forearm.
Fausto
 
Hi Frank! I caught the snow big time!! there was at least 1 foot in Central Park....it was a good weekend!
Your first link doesnt work but I got the gist from the website. Thanks.
It was the hard armour additional plates that I was thinking of.

Ross
 
They make a variety of shields for police "tactical" use, of course, and we bought one; I was not too impressed. Firstly, it's quite heavy, and it's hard to imagine using the thing in action for more than a few minutes.
Secondly, the arrangement of the handle and straps on the back are bizzare and uncomfortable. Seems these guys should have looked at some historical shields before making a modern equivalent.
 
About 1985, they used to advertise a notebook (in the back of gun rags) for an LEO to carry his traffic tickets. I suppose that a lot of LEOs were shot writing tickets.

The back of this notebook was made of kevlar, I believe, and looked just like every other standard issue model at the time. I always thought that this made perfect sense.
 
If somebody gets that close to me with a knife, I won't be needing a shield. He'll be needing a body bag.
 
I've got a bud that makes high-speed shipping/transport cases for electronics and other gear. He made me a real trick briefcase with a fixed handle that could be used quite well as a buckler/shield. It would also give you a helluva wallop if you got cracked in the noggin' with it. You can see it in this thread on SDF.
Stay Safe,
Clyde
 
I recall a number of "ballistic" clipboards; one was made of plexiglass, oversized, and had a slot on one side for a handle. It was about an inch thick. Supposedly would stop most small-arms fire, and could be used edge-on as a weapon.
The idea was that you held the thing in front of you while crouched, and it would protect most of your vitals. Never saw one in the field....

There's also a company that makes (made?) a kevlar "insert" that's supposed to go into the diamond portion of your patrol bike's frame.

Again, the idea is that you duck behind same, or perhaps hold the bike up in front of you. (with one hand?)

Thing would have made it difficult to mount water bottles or light batteries...again, I have never seen one in use.
 
Originally posted by BobHWD
If somebody gets that close to me with a knife, I won't be needing a shield. He'll be needing a body bag.
Click to expand...
I live in a state with firearms concealed carry. Unfortunately, I sometimes travel to states and cities with very restrictive anti-self defense laws. The best I can do in some cases is a briefcase and a good flashlight, so I'm interested in this topic. I've had a ballistic panel in my briefcase for about 6 years, but it is not useful against edged weapons.
 
I made a legal sized clipboard out of 3/8" lexan that I imagine could work as a makeshift shield, but I think that running would work better!
 
Of course running is always better, but like you mentioned, I could see using a panal in a laptop bag/messanger bag. Hmmm....neat idea.
Matt
 
yes, thats the right idea but you'd have to come up with a way to fashion it into a bag and to make it EDC-able (is that a word? it is now)

Ross
 
I don't see why you can't drop that clipboard into any bag and instantly have a bullet resistant device. :)
 
Have anyone used or examimed this clipboard? Does it work?
How much does it weigh and will it stop knife thrust?
Its an intresting idea.
Thanks.
 
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