Watch a team of blacksmiths craft a Wonder Woman shield from scratch

Man at Arms: Reforged is a video series that follows a team of blacksmiths that puts together a new video of some type of sword or weapon from various games, movies, or television shows every couple of weeks. Their latest project is a replica of Wonder Woman’s shield, and the results are stunning.

The team starts off by cutting out a round piece of steel, and proceeds to heat and hammer it into the right shape. There are other components that they have to create, such as buckles, which they mold in clay and cast in bronze. This build is a bit more complicated than the usual swords that they showcase, and it’s fun to watch them change up their routine for a new challenge.

What’s most impressive about this build is the number of tiny details that make this prop look like a real, used shield. They hammer in faux cracks, rivets, lettering, and a magnificent eagle in the center, before topping it off with some gold leaf. This is also no mere prop: after heat-treating the shield, it’s a formidable piece of armor, and they demonstrate how well it holds up by shooting arrows at it, which splinter on impact.

The final result is a truly beautiful piece of work that looks as though it’s saved its bearer more than a couple of times.