I need a Gladius. A Roman Gladius!

S

stockcubes

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May 24, 2012
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For a band photo/music video, I am in desperate need of a replica Roman Gladius Sword. All the replicas I've sifted through on Amazon and eBay are all wooden or plastic. Yeah, they're cool and all... they're just not good enough. Not what I'm after.
Are there any good replicas going about on here? Preferably metal.
It would help out a great deal.

Thanks.
 
What's your budget? There are plenty of things, from wall hangers to fine custom work from people like Stuart Branson. Also, are you looking for traditional (I assume so?), or more of a modern take on the historical design?
 
BudK knives has Roman Gladius Swords at a "Drop in the Bucket" price. Some are good for props and won't break the bank...
 
Yeah, propwise if all you need is something for a photoshoot and to hold in a vid you can get away with much less than a semi-functional blade. If it will never be sharpened or struck against another blade you can probably get by with a stainless steel or aluminum 'prop' blade or even a latex LARP blade.

If you ever plan to do anything more than pose with it and display it you will need to find a carbon steel blade. If you want it to handle like a sword you will need a carbon steel blade with decent balance. The price for each of these goes up.

If you just need a gladius-like carbon steel blade you can get a Windlass or Deepeeka gladius and use it. If you need something more historically accurate for credibility's sake then you will need to visit some reenactors' pages to see how they equip their units.
 
The gladius from Hanwei, it is NOT a cheap replica.
I have one and love it. Real bone handle, beautiful leather, wood and brass. With the proper carrying strap too. Good steel and a real working sword.

It really does look period correct but watch it while filming, it will do the job it was intended for.
 
Brad, how's the handle holding up on that Hanwei, if you don't mind my asking? I've heard from a number of people that the handle is less than stellar for a variety of reasons, but never got to handle one myself.
 
I have had no issues with the bone handle or wooden pommel and guard. Mind you I am not chopping with this just swinging and handling but it seems rock solid to me. And mine has been exposed to humidity and dryness depending on the season for 4 or 5 years now. No movement, wiggle....nothing.
 
Thanks for the feedback. If you do any cutting, let me know if the handle moves on you. I gather they are hollow, and can "wander" a bit around the central bolt. Wonder where the OP went?

Kris and Scorpion both have pretty decent offerings. I've been wanting to try out the Kris Celtic sword for a while.
 
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