The function of the grip and handle is to enable the shield to be held and used. The most popular grip was the short flat grip, it was only a strip of iron hammered flat and pierced by two rivet holes. It was the most frequent type throughout the Early Saxon period. All grips where made with iron with a few exceptions. More elaborate grips had flanges made in one piece with the rest of the grip and designed to be bent round a wooden handle.
There are 3 types of grips I. short grip (overall length 110-160mm). Flat with expanded terminals or straight sided (strap-like). It could also be flanged.
II. medium length grip (overall length 200-250mm). It could be flat or flanged. III. long grip (overall length 300-400mm). It could be flat or flanged.
There are two types of handles Simple handles: leather or textile wrapped around an iron grip. There could be padding in-between the grip and the handle. Complex handles: wooden constructions instead of iron grip. They could have additional leather or textile wrapping around the handle and grip.
(Dickinson pg.24)
Anglo-Saxon Shields 