Roman Pugio – Hand-Forged Legionary Dagger

Q: Can I have the pugio engraved?

Yes. Standard engraving such as names, dates, Roman mottos like SPQR, or a family or regimental crest is included at no extra charge on the blade or handle. Bespoke ceremonial engraving with metal inlay is available as a premium service.

Q: Is the pugio a real, functional blade?

Yes. It is a genuine hand-forged blade in 5160 spring steel, oil-tempered, full tang, not a cast display piece. It is built to be handled, and a blunt version is available for safe display.

Roman Pugio — Hand-Forged Legionary Dagger with Leaf-Shaped Fullered Blade

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Roman Pugio — Hand-Forged Legionary Dagger with Leaf-Shaped Fullered Blade

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$184.99

Ex Tax: $184.99

Model: Gladius Sword
Product Code: Gladiussword9
Location: Kathmandu, Nepal

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Roman Pugio — A Hand-Forged Legionary Dagger with Leaf-Shaped Fullered Blade

The Roman Pugio from Everest Forge reproduces the pugio — the dagger the Roman legionary wore on the belt opposite the gladius. It is recognised by its broad, leaf-shaped blade with a pronounced central midrib, the distinctive profile of the Roman military dagger. This is a compact, full-tang sidearm in real, working steel.

Each blade is hand forged in Kathmandu, Nepal from 5160 high carbon spring steel, oil-tempered to working hardness, with a full tang. It is fitted with a turned, polished rosewood grip and a globular pommel, and comes with a leather scabbard. This is a piece for historical collection, living-history reenactment, and controlled cutting practice where permitted by local law. The standard blade is 17 inches, and other lengths can be specified before forging.

An honest note. This is a hand-forged collector and reenactment dagger. We describe how the pugio was carried historically — as the legionary's belt sidearm — because that history is what the design expresses. We do not sell our blades as weapons. Because every blade is forged individually, small variations in wood grain, weight, finish, and leatherwork are natural marks of handwork, not flaws.

Everest Forge — Hand-Forged in Nepal

Make This Pugio Yours

Choose your length, handle material, edge, and engraving — or commission a fully bespoke pugio to your own reference. Personalised engraving is included at no extra charge.

Customise This Pugio → Commission a Bespoke Pugio →

The Pugio — A Brief History

The pugio was the standard-issue dagger of the Roman legions, worn on the military belt opposite the gladius. It served as a backup sidearm and an everyday tool, and like the gladius it became part of the recognisable kit of the Roman soldier.

Its signature is the broad, leaf-shaped blade with a strong central midrib — a wide, substantial profile quite distinct from a plain straight dagger. This hand-forged version reproduces that leaf-shaped, midribbed form. Compact enough to handle as a large dagger, it draws on the same early Roman blade tradition as the gladius hispaniensis from which the Roman sword family grew.

Why This Roman Pugio Stands Apart

True pugio profile

The broad, leaf-shaped blade with a pronounced central midrib — the distinctive form of the Roman military dagger, not a plain straight knife.

Leaf-shaped, midribbed blade

Wide through the body, drawing to a point, with a central ridge for stiffness — the pugio's defining geometry.

5160 spring steel, oil-tempered

The same high carbon spring steel used in vehicle leaf springs, chosen for toughness and resilience. Oil-tempered to a working hardness.

Full-tang construction

The tang runs the length of the grip for structural integrity — a real, handle-able dagger, not a display piece.

Polished rosewood grip

A turned, polished rosewood handle with a globular pommel, shaped for a secure, balanced hold.

Hand-forged in Nepal

Forged on hammer and anvil by our blacksmiths in Kathmandu. See the process on The Making and meet the team on Meet the Maker.

Specifications

Type

Roman pugio — leaf-shaped midribbed military dagger

Blade length

17 inches (standard) — other lengths available

Handle length

7 inches

Overall length

24 inches (standard)

Blade weight

Approx. 0.77 kg

Blade

Leaf-shaped, central midrib

Steel

5160 high carbon spring steel

Heat treatment

Oil-tempered to working hardness

Tang

Full tang

Handle

Polished rosewood (standard)

Scabbard

Leather scabbard, included

Edge

Sharpened working edge — blunt edge available

Customise Your Pugio

Most details on this pugio can be specified to your preference before forging begins. Use the options on this page to build your blade, or contact us for anything outside the standard list.

Length

Standard 17-inch blade, or specify another length. Forged to your dimension at no extra charge.

Handle Material

Polished rosewood as standard. Whitewood, buffalo horn, and exotic timbers are available on request to suit display or handling preference.

Edge

Sharpened working edge by default, or a blunt edge for safe display and handling — included at no extra charge.

Engraving

Names, dates, Roman mottos such as SPQR, or a family or regimental crest — engraved on the blade or handle, included at no extra charge.

Build My Pugio →

Hand-Forged, Not a Wall-Hanger

An Everest Forge Pugio

5160 high carbon spring steel
Oil-tempered to working hardness
Full-tang construction
Forged and shaped by hand
Stands up to controlled cutting practice and reenactment use

A typical decorative replica

Stainless or unknown steel
Little or no heat treatment
Rat-tail or partial tang
Cast or stock-removed in a factory
Built for display only — not for handling

The Complete Gladius Collection

Gladius Dagger

Our ring-pommel Roman gladius dagger — the companion short blade.

Mainz Gladius

The early Imperial waisted pattern with a long reinforced point.

Pompeii Gladius

The standardised straight-edged pattern with a short triangular point.

Legionary Gladius

The classical legionary sidearm — the working short sword of the legions.

All Roman Gladius Swords

Browse the full Everest Forge gladius range by pattern, length, and use.

Who This Pugio Is For

Roman history collectors — buyers who want the legionary's pugio, the distinctive leaf-shaped military dagger, to complete a Roman kit or collection.
Reenactors and living history — Roman legion reenactment groups who carry the pugio on the belt alongside the gladius.
Collectors of historical daggers — those drawn to the wide, midribbed pugio profile in real, hand-forged steel.
Cutting-practice users — buyers who want a substantial, full-tang short blade for controlled cutting.
Gift buyers — a striking, compact hand-forged gift, with optional engraving for names, dates, or a crest.
Film, theatre, and production — full-weight authentic steel for historical productions, with blunt versions for choreography.

How It Is Made

Steel selection

We start with 5160 high carbon spring steel, the same material used in heavy-duty vehicle leaf springs, chosen for toughness and shock resistance.

Forging and shaping

The bar is heated and hammered by hand into the broad, leaf-shaped pugio blade with its central midrib.

Heat treatment

The blade is hardened and oil-tempered to a working hardness, balancing a durable edge against a resilient spine.

Finishing and fitting

The polished rosewood grip is shaped and fitted, the edge is brought up, and the leather scabbard is finished to match.

What Is Included

One hand-forged Roman pugio in 5160 spring steel
Leather scabbard
Personalised engraving where requested, at no extra charge
Care guidance for the blade, handle, and leather

Shipping, Returns, and Warranty

Every blade ships from Kathmandu, Nepal via DHL Express or FedEx International on a Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) basis — duties and taxes are handled so there is nothing to pay on arrival. Typical delivery is 8 to 15 business days from order, including forging and processing time. Some countries restrict the import of blades; it is the buyer's responsibility to check local law before ordering.

Standard blades carry a 30-day satisfaction guarantee in unused condition and a 6-month warranty against manufacturing defects. Custom and personalised pieces are forged to your specification and are non-returnable. Full details are on our Shipping and Returns and Warranty and Returns Policy pages.

Caring for Your Pugio

Wipe the blade clean after handling and apply a light film of mineral or blade oil to protect the high carbon steel from moisture. Store the dagger out of the scabbard in dry conditions for long-term keeping, since trapped humidity can mark a carbon blade. Treat the leather occasionally with a leather conditioner, and keep the rosewood grip away from prolonged damp or direct heat.

Everest Forge — Hand-Forged Roman Dagger

Order Your Roman Pugio

Choose your length, handle, edge, and engraving — or commission a fully bespoke pugio. Every blade is forged in 5160 spring steel and shipped worldwide with tracking, duties paid.

Customise This Pugio → Ask a Question →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Roman pugio?

The pugio was the standard dagger of the Roman legions, worn on the military belt opposite the gladius. It is recognised by its broad, leaf-shaped blade with a pronounced central midrib, and it served as a backup sidearm and everyday tool for the Roman soldier.

How is a pugio different from the gladius dagger?

The pugio has the wide, leaf-shaped, midribbed blade of the historical Roman military dagger. Our gladius dagger is a different companion blade with its own profile. The pugio is defined by that broad, ridged leaf shape.

What are the dimensions of this pugio?

The standard piece measures 24 inches overall, with a 17-inch blade and a 7-inch handle, and the blade weighs approximately 0.77 kg. The length is a choice — you can specify another length before forging.

What steel is the blade made from?

The blade is forged from 5160 high carbon spring steel, the same material used in heavy-duty vehicle leaf springs, valued for toughness, shock resistance, and edge retention. It is oil-tempered to a working hardness. Other steels such as 1095 and 1075 are available on custom request.

Is the blade sharp, or can I get it blunt?

The standard edge is a sharpened working edge. A blunt edge is available at no extra charge for safe display and handling — just note it in your order or contact us before forging.

Can I choose a different length or handle material?

Yes. The standard 17-inch blade can be made to another length. Polished rosewood is the standard handle; whitewood, buffalo horn, and exotic timbers are available on request. Mention your choices when ordering.

Can I have the pugio engraved?

Yes. Standard engraving — names, dates, Roman mottos such as SPQR, or a family or regimental crest — is included at no extra charge on the blade or handle. Bespoke ceremonial engraving with metal inlay is available as a premium service. See our Personalized Blades page.

Does it come with a scabbard?

Yes. Every standard pugio includes a handmade leather scabbard, for safe carry and storage.

Is the pugio a real, functional blade?

Yes. It is a genuine hand-forged blade — 5160 spring steel, oil-tempered, full tang — not a cast display piece. It is built to be handled, and a blunt version is available for safe display.

How is it shipped, and how long does delivery take?

We ship from Kathmandu via DHL Express or FedEx International on a Delivered Duty Paid basis, so duties and taxes are handled with nothing to pay on arrival. Typical delivery is 8 to 15 business days from order, including forging and processing. Custom and personalised orders may take longer.

What is your return and warranty policy?

Standard blades carry a 30-day satisfaction guarantee in unused condition and a 6-month warranty against manufacturing defects. Custom and personalised blades are forged to your specification and are non-returnable. Full details are on our Warranty and Returns Policy page.

Can I order a custom or fully bespoke pugio?

Yes. Specify a custom length, a custom handle and fittings, and personalised engraving — or commission a fully bespoke pugio through our Custom Forge service. We confirm every detail before forging begins.

Specification
Blade:	17 inches Long Blade made from carbon steel 5160
Total Length:	24 inches Long in total
Handle:	7 inches Long Full tang Handle
Weight:	720 Grams
Note:	Please note: As each sword is individually hand-forged, slight variations in measurements, weight, and appearance are natural and add to the uniqueness of each piece.