Spec ops Grunt
Member
how much do they cost?
Who makes a good Gladius and
- Thread starter Spec ops Grunt
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Spec ops Grunt
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Yeah, meant who.
And really? That's a shame.
And really? That's a shame.
Cosmoline
Member
Do you mean "good" as in will it chop things without snapping or "good" as in perfectly historically correct. I had one from Gen2 that was pretty darn nice. But I don't think it was entirely correct and I believe it was a bit on the heavy side.
Unistat
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Black Toe Knives
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John Gage!!!!! His stuff rocks!!!!
Chainsaw2
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Taillebois
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The piece from modern tactical looks incredibly well made as it should be for almost a thousand dollars. However the shape of the pommel could be questionable as it lacks the 'stop' at the pommel end to place the hand properly. *
Windlass, makes a generally good product but occasionally the fittings on their grips, pommels hilts and quillions (which a gladius does not have) can be a bit variable.
Historical swords usually had a developed pommel for placing the hand and keeping it located in the various movements needed to use a sword properly.
Much later than the gladius these pommels did function to balance the blade.
Not sure what the intended use of this might be as most swords are for martial arts, display and the like but there have been some instances of self defense use in modern times.
But if there is interest in alternatives to a gladius might look up the Coustille, Seax, Poignard and etc are these are also intermediate between a longer sword and a dagger.
http://www.museumreplicas.com/p-260-new-coustille.aspx
http://www.museumreplicas.com/p-285-seax.aspx
http://www.museumreplicas.com/p-271-poignard.aspx
Windlass, makes a generally good product but occasionally the fittings on their grips, pommels hilts and quillions (which a gladius does not have) can be a bit variable.
Historical swords usually had a developed pommel for placing the hand and keeping it located in the various movements needed to use a sword properly.
Much later than the gladius these pommels did function to balance the blade.
Not sure what the intended use of this might be as most swords are for martial arts, display and the like but there have been some instances of self defense use in modern times.
But if there is interest in alternatives to a gladius might look up the Coustille, Seax, Poignard and etc are these are also intermediate between a longer sword and a dagger.
http://www.museumreplicas.com/p-260-new-coustille.aspx
http://www.museumreplicas.com/p-285-seax.aspx
http://www.museumreplicas.com/p-271-poignard.aspx
If you're not planning on fighting as a Roman in ranks, there are quite a few inexpensive good modern swords. I am certain that these swords, if available 1,000 years ago, would sell for the equivalent of what a good DSA FAL does today.
Hanwei Dark Sentinel. Not at all historical, but a long but light sword that cuts well. And ridiculously cheap.
The Hanswei Tactical Wakizashi is about the largest reasonable size for a modern sword- or that one would want indoors- and you can have one for just over $100.
The Hanwei Banshee Cutting Sword doesn't have the Kraton grip of the previous sword, but is a sturdy, effective little sword for $140.
Slightly more expensive, you could get a Cheness Ko Katana for less than $230.
If you want a short sword made by arguably the best semi-custom group of knifemakers in the US (Busse- Busse, Swamp Rat, and Scrap Yard)- you could get a Swamp Rat Waki with a sheath for a bit over $500.
In my mind, this would be the direct equivalent- if available 1,000 years ago- of buying a top of the line DSA or Knight's Armament rifle today. Since we're not paying $2000 or more for that Swamp Rat Waki, the relative price has gone down a lot.
John
Hanwei Dark Sentinel. Not at all historical, but a long but light sword that cuts well. And ridiculously cheap.
The Hanswei Tactical Wakizashi is about the largest reasonable size for a modern sword- or that one would want indoors- and you can have one for just over $100.
The Hanwei Banshee Cutting Sword doesn't have the Kraton grip of the previous sword, but is a sturdy, effective little sword for $140.
Slightly more expensive, you could get a Cheness Ko Katana for less than $230.
If you want a short sword made by arguably the best semi-custom group of knifemakers in the US (Busse- Busse, Swamp Rat, and Scrap Yard)- you could get a Swamp Rat Waki with a sheath for a bit over $500.
In my mind, this would be the direct equivalent- if available 1,000 years ago- of buying a top of the line DSA or Knight's Armament rifle today. Since we're not paying $2000 or more for that Swamp Rat Waki, the relative price has gone down a lot.
John
Define what you mean by "good".
There are good looking wall hangers that are historically correct in appearance that are unsafe to hit anything with and there are perfectly functional pieces that aren't quite historically correct and then there are a few that are both. The price goes up above $1,000 in the latter category.
There are good looking wall hangers that are historically correct in appearance that are unsafe to hit anything with and there are perfectly functional pieces that aren't quite historically correct and then there are a few that are both. The price goes up above $1,000 in the latter category.
My Gen2 gladius was less than $200 and holds a decent edge. I use it for brush, chopping wood, etc. mostly because I can.
Drawbacks are that it has somewhat more modern styling and materials, but it's a wonderful sword for the money.
http://www.sword-buyers-guide.com/gladius.html
Drawbacks are that it has somewhat more modern styling and materials, but it's a wonderful sword for the money.
http://www.sword-buyers-guide.com/gladius.html
Unistat
Member
I found the Sword Buyers Guide posted above to be an excellent resource. I plan on buying Windlass Steelcrafts Classic Hoplight Sword. It's not historically accurate, but it fits all of my criteria.
http://www.kultofathena.com/product.asp?item=IP0232&name=Generation+2+Roman+Maintz+Gladius
I'm very happy with this Gen2 Maintz Gladius (bottom sword). Very sharp (both point and edge) and very strong. A little bit heavier than the historical weapon carried by legionnaires, but arguably better quality than anything the Roman Army actually issued.
If you are looking for an historically accurate replica of the Gladius, the Gen2 is somewhat close, but not really an exact copy of any ancient museum piece.
If you want something that delivers all the hack, stab, slash, cut, & chop intent of the original weapon...you will be more than satisfied.
About $200 for a real short sword actually usable inside of a room or hallway. I bought mine from Kult of Athena (see link above). Probably the best prices on-line and quick delivery. I'd purchase from them again with confidence.
I'm very happy with this Gen2 Maintz Gladius (bottom sword). Very sharp (both point and edge) and very strong. A little bit heavier than the historical weapon carried by legionnaires, but arguably better quality than anything the Roman Army actually issued.
If you are looking for an historically accurate replica of the Gladius, the Gen2 is somewhat close, but not really an exact copy of any ancient museum piece.
If you want something that delivers all the hack, stab, slash, cut, & chop intent of the original weapon...you will be more than satisfied.
About $200 for a real short sword actually usable inside of a room or hallway. I bought mine from Kult of Athena (see link above). Probably the best prices on-line and quick delivery. I'd purchase from them again with confidence.
Last edited:
AStone
Member
Reading with interest ...
mgregg85
Member
How much length are you looking for in this? Whats the purpose? If you want to go the cheap, usable machete route, cold steel just came out with a "gladius" machete.
If you are really gonna be using this thing to stab stuff or just as a toy, this is what I would choose.
I'm not a big fan of most of Cold Steel's stuff but their machetes and tomahawks are pretty decent, especially for the price.
Looks like in the tradition of stealing other people's ideas, cold steel has also made a copy of the KA-BAR they are calling the "leatherneck-sf".
If you are really gonna be using this thing to stab stuff or just as a toy, this is what I would choose.
I'm not a big fan of most of Cold Steel's stuff but their machetes and tomahawks are pretty decent, especially for the price.
Looks like in the tradition of stealing other people's ideas, cold steel has also made a copy of the KA-BAR they are calling the "leatherneck-sf".
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