entropy
Member
I did for a time keep a cold steel gladius machete near to hand. Why? It's perfect for the tight confines of a home.
Someone's been watching Skallagrim. The down side is the pommel is not removable to end your foe rightly.
The US issued a gladius type sword in the civil war I believe,
The M1832 Artillery Short Sword. My great-great-grandfather was issued one as an Artillery NCO. I have a Deepaka copy. I do have his issue belt buckle, though.
He is now the proud owner of the original Mad Dog Saxon sword in almost new condition, this sword has been "proofed" beyond belief . it even was used to publicly cut a period Katana in two at one early demonstration.
Hopefully one that was common, and cut down for a gunto.
John, you left out one category, in both effectiveness and practicality:
9. Swords are a better defense weapon than a sharp stick. (Note I did not write 'spear'.)