Roman Viking Gladius – Hispaniensis Sword

Q: What is a Roman Viking gladius?

It is a deliberate hybrid, pairing the long, leaf-shaped blade of the early Roman gladius in the Hispaniensis tradition with the turned grip and globular pommel of a Norse utility blade. It is a distinctive collector and reenactment piece rather than a strict reproduction of any single historical original.

Q: Can I have the sword engraved?

Yes. Standard engraving such as names, dates, mottos, 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.

Roman Viking Gladius — Hand-Forged Hispaniensis-Style Leaf-Blade Sword

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Roman Viking Gladius — Hand-Forged Hispaniensis-Style Leaf-Blade Sword

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$199.99

Ex Tax: $199.99

Model: Roman Gladius Sword
Product Code: Gladiussword12
Location: Kathmandu, Nepal

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Roman Viking Gladius — A Hand-Forged Hispaniensis-Style Leaf-Blade Sword

The Roman Viking Gladius from Everest Forge is a deliberate hybrid — the long, leaf-shaped blade of the early Roman gladius in the Hispaniensis tradition, dressed with the turned grip and globular pommel of a Norse utility blade. It is a distinctive collector and reenactment piece that sits between the Roman and Viking worlds, drawing the leaf-blade form from the gladius hispaniensis — the original, longest gladius pattern.

Each blade is hand forged in Kathmandu, Nepal from 5160 high carbon spring steel, oil-tempered to working hardness, semi-polished, with a full tang. It is fitted with a rosewood grip and comes with a leather scabbard finished with a brass chape. The standard blade is 20 inches, and other lengths can be specified before forging.

An honest note. This is a hand-forged collector and reenactment sword, and a deliberate Roman-Viking hybrid rather than a strict reproduction of any single historical original. We describe the Roman gladius and Norse traditions it draws on because that is the design's inspiration. We do not sell our blades as weapons. Because every piece 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 Roman Viking Gladius Yours

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

Customise This Gladius → Commission a Bespoke Blade →

The Hispaniensis Root and the Viking Influence

The gladius hispaniensis was the original gladius pattern, adopted by the Roman army from the Celtiberian tribes of Iberia around the 3rd century BCE. It was the longest of the historical gladii, with a leaf-shaped blade — the form that started the whole gladius family and the root this sword draws on.

To that leaf-blade root, this piece adds the turned grip and rounded pommel familiar from Norse utility blades, producing a hybrid that reads as both Roman and Viking. The result is a sword with the historical leaf-blade silhouette of the early gladius and a robust, practical hilt.

Why This Roman Viking Gladius Stands Apart

Roman-Viking hybrid

A deliberate fusion — the leaf-shaped Roman gladius blade with a Norse-style turned grip and globular pommel. Distinct from any single historical pattern.

Hispaniensis leaf blade

The long, leaf-shaped silhouette of the gladius hispaniensis, the original and longest gladius form — semi-polished for an authentic look.

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 — not a stainless display blade.

Full-tang construction

The tang runs the length of the grip for structural integrity — the foundation of a sword built to be handled, not just displayed.

Rosewood grip and brass-chaped scabbard

A turned rosewood handle paired with a handmade leather scabbard finished with a brass chape, included for safe carry and storage.

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-Viking hybrid gladius — Hispaniensis-style leaf blade

Blade length

20 inches (standard) — other lengths available

Handle length

6 inches

Overall length

26 inches (standard)

Weight

Approx. 0.8 kg

Blade

Leaf-shaped, semi-polished

Steel

5160 high carbon spring steel

Heat treatment

Oil-tempered to working hardness

Tang

Full tang

Handle

Rosewood (standard)

Scabbard

Leather scabbard with brass chape, included

Edge

Sharpened working edge — blunt training edge available

Customise Your Roman Viking Gladius

Most details on this sword 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 20-inch blade, or specify any length from 14 to 30 inches. Forged to your dimension at no extra charge.

Handle Material

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 training edge for HEMA sparring and stage rehearsal — included at no extra charge.

Engraving

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

Build My Roman Viking Gladius →

Hand-Forged, Not a Wall-Hanger

An Everest Forge Roman Viking Gladius

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

Mainz Gladius

The early Imperial waisted pattern with a long reinforced point.

Pompeii Gladius

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

Republican Gladius

The earlier, broader Republican-era form, based on the Delos find.

Eagle Gladius

A presentation short sword crowned with an eagle-head pommel.

All Roman Gladius Swords

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

Who This Roman Viking Gladius Is For

Hybrid and crossover collectors — buyers who want something distinctive that bridges the Roman and Viking worlds rather than a strict single-pattern reproduction.
Roman history collectors — those drawn to the leaf-shaped Hispaniensis silhouette, the original and longest gladius form.
Reenactors and living history — participants who want a hand-forged, full-weight blade with a robust, practical hilt.
HEMA and cutting-practice users — those who drill and cut with a real-weight leaf blade. A blunt training version is available for sparring.
Gift buyers — a striking, unusual hand-forged gift, with optional engraving for names, dates, or a crest.
Film, theatre, and production — full-weight authentic steel for 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 long, leaf-shaped Hispaniensis-style blade, then semi-polished.

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 turned rosewood grip is shaped and fitted, the edge is brought up, and the leather scabbard with its brass chape is finished to match.

What Is Included

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

Shipping, Returns, and Warranty

Every sword 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 swords above certain lengths; it is the buyer's responsibility to check local law before ordering.

Standard swords 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 Sword

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 sword 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 Gladius

Order Your Roman Viking Gladius

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

Customise This Gladius → Ask a Question →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Roman Viking gladius?

It is a deliberate hybrid — the long, leaf-shaped blade of the early Roman gladius in the Hispaniensis tradition, paired with the turned grip and globular pommel of a Norse utility blade. It is a distinctive collector and reenactment piece rather than a strict reproduction of any single historical original.

What is the gladius hispaniensis?

What are the dimensions of this sword?

The standard piece measures 26 inches overall, with a 20-inch blade and a 6-inch handle, and weighs approximately 0.8 kg. The length is a choice — you can specify any blade length from 14 to 30 inches 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 training edge is available at no extra charge for HEMA sparring, stage rehearsal, or where a blunt blade is preferred — just note it in your order or contact us before forging.

Can I choose a different length or handle material?

Yes. The standard 20-inch blade can be made to any length from 14 to 30 inches. Rosewood is the standard handle; whitewood, buffalo horn, and exotic timbers are available on request. Mention your choices when ordering.

Can I have the sword engraved?

Yes. Standard engraving — names, dates, mottos, 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 Roman Viking gladius includes a leather scabbard finished with a brass chape, for safe carry and storage.

Is this an accurate historical reproduction?

It is a hybrid rather than a strict reproduction. The blade follows the leaf-shaped Hispaniensis silhouette of the early Roman gladius, while the hilt borrows from Norse utility blades. We describe it as a Roman-Viking hybrid so you know exactly what you are getting.

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?

Can I order a custom or fully bespoke version?

Yes. Specify any blade length from 14 to 30 inches, a custom handle and fittings, and personalised engraving — or commission a fully bespoke Roman-Viking or Hispaniensis blade through our Custom Forge service. We confirm every detail before forging begins.

Specification
Blade:	20 inches Long Blade made from carbon steel 5160
Total Length:	26 inches Long in total
Handle:	6 inches Long Full tang Handle
Weight:	800 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.