Advice on a Gladius

T

TREEWIZARD

Joined
May 16, 2012
Messages
4
Hello everyone, I'm new to the forum and joined because I could use some help. I have been interested in a Short sword for a long time but haven't really given it serious thought until recently. Blade Show is coming up and I am thinking about purchasing a Gladius or other short sword there or online. What I would like to know is what suggestions yall could give me. What makers are good and what to look for when purchasing one? Please excuse me for being a noob but I know very little about bladed weapons other than what I am learning from brother. I'm looking for one that could stand up to stress (even though it will probably never be used) and one that still maintains that classic look. When it comes to price I'm willing to pay for quality. I have seen some made by windlass steel crafts, which I know next to nothing about.
Thank,
TREEWIZARD
 
It all depends. How important in historical accuracy to you? The Windlass gladii are not so good as far as accuracy goes. For production swords, again I would recommend Albion or Arms & Armor (A&A doesn't have a gladius in their production line-up so you'd be going the custom route). A step lower would be the Del Tin mod. 2010 & 2011. A note on Del Tin swords: these are made for re-enactors - they don't come with an edge. If you want a sharp you're going to have to do some work with a file/stones/sandpaper. Below the Del Tins are Windlass, Deepeeka, etc. If you're willing and have the means to go the custom route, sky's the limit. Patrick Barta (TEMPL) does exquisite work, as does Vince Evans and Stuart Branson posted a gladius he made in this same forum.
 
I saw Mr. Branson's gladius post and will definitely be emailing him. I will look into Albion and A&A. Thanks for the advice. Accuracy is not the highest mark on my list Im more interested in Quality of steel and construction.
 
Busse makes a Gladius that you will probably be able to see/buy at Blade. A little pricy, but if you want quality steel and construction, very hard to beat. Also comes with a lifetime guarantee.

You can learn and see more about these on the Busse subforum to get more of an idea about them.
 
The Busse may be a short sword, and it may be branded as a gladius, but it really bears nothing in common with the historical gladius other than being double edged. I suspect the overall weight, handling, and balance are all drastically different as well.
 
Ive seen the Busse ones, my brother has one and they seem very well made but i was looking for more of a classic look. I have considered them though as they seem like an interesting short sword.
 
If you're looking for classic, I'd be going with Stuart, personally, or else Albion.

I wouldn't get a Windlass for anything except a wall-hanger. I'm working on a more modern gladius design myself (and have one up right now), but for what it sounds like you're looking for, Stuart Branson or Albion are going to be your best bets IMO, especially if you're willing to pay for quality.

The other option you might have is looking into Baltimore Knife and Sword. They've got a production gladius (also not a sharp, although they can put an edge on it for you), and they do good work. I can't say I was ecstatic about the attention to detail on the custom modern gladius I had made by them, although Matt offered to make it right, but the overall quality is definitely very good, and they do a LOT of swords, so they've got a very good idea about the proper temper and heat treat.
 
I own three gladii; all functional. My favorite is the Generation 2 pompeii gladius. Very well made, tough, fairly historic (not the scabbard) and not overly expensive.
 
Last edited:
I second albion and would also add I have gotten a couple of pieces made by arms and armour and for custom work they are reasonably priced and you probably would be looking at about the same price as a stock albion
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top