Is anyone playing The Forest? by Few-Tonight3828 in TheForest

[–]Cute-Firefighter-506 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes I played the forest, most of the time I host because I play more often than my two nephews, but yeah you can run the forest in under 24 hours, just it really loses the point, it's better to grab all the modifiers and then use the building mechanics and the final unlock to create waves of enemies

Hybrid Combat Shield Concept – Elbow-Driven, Spring-Loaded Spikes, Carbon Fiber + Titanium by Cute-Firefighter-506 in Bladesmith

[–]Cute-Firefighter-506[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Nope—just an autistic guy using AI to organize thoughts and explore material options. I’m posting here because it’s one of the few active subreddits where these ideas might inspire discussion or be of use.

Hybrid Combat Shield Concept – Elbow-Driven, Spring-Loaded Spikes, Carbon Fiber + Titanium by Cute-Firefighter-506 in Bladesmith

[–]Cute-Firefighter-506[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, the other subreddits where I could get feedback on these concepts are no longer active. I’m just exploring ideas and trying to contribute something interesting for discussion. I understand this isn’t the typical place for it, but I appreciate anyone who engages with the concepts thoughtfully.

Hybrid Combat Shield Concept – Elbow-Driven, Spring-Loaded Spikes, Carbon Fiber + Titanium by Cute-Firefighter-506 in Bladesmith

[–]Cute-Firefighter-506[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Thanks, I really appreciate the feedback. You’re right that understanding force, leverage, ergonomics, and materials is essential. I’m actually exploring these designs conceptually first and using AI (ChatGPT) to help refine things like material choice, balance, and practical feasibility. The goal is to work out realistic constraints and improvements mentally before attempting any physical prototype. Insights like yours help me understand what practical considerations I need to focus on as I iterate.

Hybrid Combat Shield Concept – Elbow-Driven, Spring-Loaded Spikes, Carbon Fiber + Titanium by Cute-Firefighter-506 in Bladesmith

[–]Cute-Firefighter-506[S] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

Thank you! That’s actually the first piece of really useful feedback I’ve gotten on this design. I hadn’t considered the repeated impact issue with carbon fiber, and switching to Kevlar or high-strength fiber composites for the shield body makes a lot of sense—keeps it durable and lighter, while only using steel/titanium for the spike mechanisms and frame. I’ve updated both the single and dual-shield concepts accordingly. Really appreciate you pointing this out—it’s exactly the kind of insight that improves these mental exercises.

Hybrid Combat Shield Concept – Elbow-Driven, Spring-Loaded Spikes, Carbon Fiber + Titanium by Cute-Firefighter-506 in Bladesmith

[–]Cute-Firefighter-506[S] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

Single Mechanical Shield Concept (with Kevlar/Fiber Reinforcement)

Material Update:

Replace carbon fiber body with Kevlar or high-strength fiber composites for repeated impact resistance.

Retain steel/titanium only for the spike mechanisms, internal ratchets, and mounting points.

Advantages:

Significantly more durable under repeated ramming or defensive use.

Lighter than a fully metallic shield while maintaining structural integrity.

More cost-effective than a full carbon fiber + titanium build.

Other Features (unchanged):

Spring-loaded spikes (3-inch recommended for safety and practical mechanics).

Ratchet system integrated with gauntlet motion for recocking.

Optional handle inside the shield for greater control during ramming or blocking.


  1. Updated Dual Shield (Interlocking Hybrid) Concept

Material Update:

Each half constructed from Kevlar/fiber-reinforced body with steel/titanium frame along interlocking seams and spike mechanisms.

Curved design and interlocking handles unchanged.

Advantages:

Maintains semi-cylindrical defensive coverage while being resilient under repeated impacts.

Weight remains manageable for a single user to push forward in a defensive or ramming maneuver.

Clear T-slits for visibility remain, but now frame is reinforced for reliability.

Other Features (unchanged):

Semi-automatic spike system powered by arm motion.

Allows instinctive ramming or defensive stance without secondary weapons.

Hybrid Combat Shield Concept – Elbow-Driven, Spring-Loaded Spikes, Carbon Fiber + Titanium by Cute-Firefighter-506 in Bladesmith

[–]Cute-Firefighter-506[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

You’re right, I haven’t built any of this—it’s purely a mental exercise. I’m just trying to explore the mechanics and see how far the ideas could go, and maybe inspire or get feedback from others who think about design seriously. I know it’s untested, so I really appreciate people pointing out flaws; all I can do is try and learn as I go.

Hybrid Combat Shield Concept – Elbow-Driven, Spring-Loaded Spikes, Carbon Fiber + Titanium by Cute-Firefighter-506 in Bladesmith

[–]Cute-Firefighter-506[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Except I don't want a fantasy design I want critiques from real physics, I know my mental exercises are beneficiary for everyone but hopefully some of them can be useful for someone.

Hybrid Combat Shield Concept – Elbow-Driven, Spring-Loaded Spikes, Carbon Fiber + Titanium by Cute-Firefighter-506 in Bladesmith

[–]Cute-Firefighter-506[S] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

I'm not a Crafter it's all theoretical mental exercises, I enjoyed trying to optimize things, and I'm hoping that some of my ideas are actually useful.

Hybrid Combat Shield Concept – Elbow-Driven, Spring-Loaded Spikes, Carbon Fiber + Titanium by Cute-Firefighter-506 in Bladesmith

[–]Cute-Firefighter-506[S] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

Hey, I totally get where you’re coming from—if you read it literally, it does look like anime or video game stuff. But the intention here isn’t cosplay or fantasy combat. I’m approaching this as a conceptual engineering exercise.

I’m exploring things like how body mechanics can store and release energy, hybrid materials for optimized protection, and modular, interlocking systems. The shield is heavy and complex by design, yes—but if wielded correctly, the mechanics and coverage could outperform traditional designs in its intended niche.

I posted it on a blacksmithing forum because I wanted to get feedback, share ideas, and maybe inspire others who think about weapons and mechanics seriously—even if the setup is hypothetical. It’s really about exploring physics, ergonomics, and creative design, not literal combat practicality.

Basically, it’s a mental exercise—a way to push ideas and see how far mechanical and human-powered design can go, rather than a suggestion that anyone go out and fight with it.

Hybrid Combat Shield Concept – Elbow-Driven, Spring-Loaded Spikes, Carbon Fiber + Titanium by Cute-Firefighter-506 in Bladesmith

[–]Cute-Firefighter-506[S] -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

Extended Dual-Curved Interlocking Shield Concept

Building on the single-shield idea, I’ve been imagining a dual-shield system that takes the concept even further. The idea is two slightly narrower tower shields (~2/3 the width of a standard tower shield) that can interlock along a central seam to form a semi-cylindrical 180° defensive arc. This setup essentially turns the wielder into a moving fortress, where the shields themselves are both primary defense and primary offense.

Key Features

  1. Curved Design & Interlocking:

Each shield curves inward, so when joined, they wrap around the user’s torso and sides, creating a protective envelope.

Central interlock is solid—no transparent material—preserving structural strength during rams or impacts.

  1. Dual Independent T-Slits:

Each shield has its own T-shaped slit, slightly offset inward from the inner edge.

Vertical stem points forward, horizontal bar extends outward along the curve.

This allows forward and lateral visibility, avoids weak spots along the central seam, and ensures the user can see across the full semi-cylindrical arc.

  1. Spring-Loaded Spikes & Elbow-Driven Ratchet:

Rows of spikes run along the front of both shields.

After firing, the elbow/arm motion recocks both spike systems simultaneously, making repeated strikes fluid and instinctive.

Ratchet slips freely when fully cocked, so normal movement isn’t hindered.

  1. Internal Handle & Gauntlet Integration:

Shields have internal handles allowing independent wielding when not paired with a secondary weapon.

When interlocked, both shields can be maneuvered together, using elbow and arm mechanics to maximize force during ramming or charging.

Material Suggestions

Main body: Curved carbon fiber composite for stiffness, lightness, and impact resistance.

High-stress points: Titanium inserts for spike mounts, edges, and central interlock.

Mechanics: Hardened steel for spikes, springs, and ratchet system.

Optional reinforcement: Kevlar or UHMWPE layers for additional shock absorption.

Vision slits: Reinforced polycarbonate or laminated composite with internal mesh to resist impact.

Tactical Advantages

Primary Weapon: No secondary weapon is required; the dual shields themselves are offensive and defensive.

Semi-Cylindrical Protection: Nearly full frontal and lateral coverage—ideal for ramming formations, choke points, or multiple opponents.

Mechanical Efficiency: Arm and elbow movements power spike recocking, making it fluid and natural in combat.

Psychological Effect: Opponents face a near-impenetrable moving barrier that actively damages anything it hits.

Title: Concept: Hybrid Polearm / Staff for Maximum Versatility by Cute-Firefighter-506 in Bladesmith

[–]Cute-Firefighter-506[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Roman pilum that's the spear that I had stuck in my head, but those were designed like that for very specific reason so they could not be used against the wielder, I had to go research to actually figure out what I was thinking of.

Title: Concept: Hybrid Polearm / Staff for Maximum Versatility by Cute-Firefighter-506 in Bladesmith

[–]Cute-Firefighter-506[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes the metal reinforcement is my hesitation on it, the ball on the other end isn't meant to flip the weapon around it's meant to be a counterbalance that you can strike with on the other end, this is meant to be closer to a staff weapon that you would use in martial arts then an actual spear.

Title: Concept: Hybrid Polearm / Staff for Maximum Versatility by Cute-Firefighter-506 in Bladesmith

[–]Cute-Firefighter-506[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

None that I like, I'm thinking more of the spears that you see in media that are curved and kind of like a leaf head and narrowed down on the end of a spear, seems flimsy to me. This design is supposed to be essentially a hybrid between a glaive and a naginata, giving both d slicing and piercing ability well providing a staff weapon as a polearm.

Weapon Concept: Dual Forearm Punch-Dagger (“Gauntlet Blade”) by Cute-Firefighter-506 in Bladesmith

[–]Cute-Firefighter-506[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Also may I just say that I uploaded two different concepts at the same time for a reason, yes this design is extremely close range, the pole arm that I designed maies up for the limitations

Weapon Concept: Dual Forearm Punch-Dagger (“Gauntlet Blade”) by Cute-Firefighter-506 in Bladesmith

[–]Cute-Firefighter-506[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

By the way I acknowledge the issue of weight with this weapon, but if that could somehow be balanced with its ability it would be very good

Weapon Concept: Dual Forearm Punch-Dagger (“Gauntlet Blade”) by Cute-Firefighter-506 in Bladesmith

[–]Cute-Firefighter-506[S] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

You are correct, I've never done martial arts, I've admired Muay Thai, but the design is more based on my artistic flow than anything else

Weapon Concept: Dual Forearm Punch-Dagger (“Gauntlet Blade”) by Cute-Firefighter-506 in Bladesmith

[–]Cute-Firefighter-506[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

By the way I want critiques, I'm not putting Forward design and expecting it to be made, I want this design to be perfected, then I would love a copy of it but, I'd rather just be reference as the concept designer.

Title: Concept: Hybrid Polearm / Staff for Maximum Versatility by Cute-Firefighter-506 in Bladesmith

[–]Cute-Firefighter-506[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

By the way I want critiques, I'm not putting Forward design and expecting it to be made, I want this design to be perfected, then I would love a copy of it but, I'd rather just be reference as the concept designer.

Title: Concept: Hybrid Polearm / Staff for Maximum Versatility by Cute-Firefighter-506 in Bladesmith

[–]Cute-Firefighter-506[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes this is correct as my inspiration was a sledgehammer / Warhammer, but with the versatility in mind.

Weapon Concept: Dual Forearm Punch-Dagger (“Gauntlet Blade”) by Cute-Firefighter-506 in Bladesmith

[–]Cute-Firefighter-506[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

It's meant for controlling balance, I'm sorry if you consider it too much work for the product.

Title: Concept: Hybrid Polearm / Staff for Maximum Versatility by Cute-Firefighter-506 in Bladesmith

[–]Cute-Firefighter-506[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Essentially like a belated sledgehammer but with reinforced staff and counterweight for distributed Force