Modern Gladius Sword – Roman Cutting Blade

Modern Gladius Sword — Hand-Forged Roman Cutting Blade for Training and HEMA

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Modern Gladius Sword — Hand-Forged Roman Cutting Blade for Training and HEMA

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$174.99

Ex Tax: $174.99

Model: Gladius Sword
Product Code: Gladiussword16
Location: Kathmandu, Nepal

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Modern Gladius Sword — A Hand-Forged Roman Cutting Blade for Training and HEMA

The Modern Gladius from Everest Forge takes the Roman gladius and adapts it for the cutting mat and the training hall. It keeps the compact, double-edged blade form of the classic Roman short sword, but is built as a modern working piece — reinforced full tang, sharpened working edge — for cutting practice, drilling, and HEMA study rather than as a historical reproduction.

Each blade is hand forged in Kathmandu, Nepal from 5160 high carbon spring steel, oil-tempered to working hardness. The reinforced full-tang construction and rosewood handle give a secure, controlled grip. This is a real, working blade for cutting tatami, bottles, and bamboo, for drilling, and for HEMA practice. A blunt training edge is available for sparring.

An honest note. This is a hand-forged blade for cutting practice, drilling, and HEMA training. We describe its modern, working build because that is what it is — a cutting and training piece, not a historical reproduction and not marketed as a weapon. Because every blade is forged individually, small variations in wood grain, weight, finish, and profile are natural marks of handwork, not flaws.

Everest Forge — Hand-Forged in Nepal

Make This Modern Gladius Yours

Choose your length, handle material, edge, and engraving — or order a blunt training edge for sparring. Personalised engraving is included at no extra charge.

Customise This Gladius → Commission a Bespoke Blade →

A Modern Take on the Roman Gladius

The Roman gladius was the compact short sword of the legions — a double-edged blade built around balance and control. This modern version keeps that core form but is made for the cutting and training that today's practitioners actually do: tatami and bottle cutting, drills, and HEMA study. The streamlined profile and reinforced full tang are tuned for clean cuts and a secure grip rather than for historical accuracy.

The result is a blade that sits between the historical gladius patterns and a dedicated cutting sword: recognisably Roman in shape, but built and balanced as a modern working piece in real spring steel.

Why This Modern Gladius Stands Apart

Built for cutting and training

Tuned for tatami, bottles, and bamboo, for drilling, and for HEMA practice — a real working blade, not a display piece.

Reinforced full tang

The full tang runs the length of the grip and is reinforced for durability under repeated cutting — a secure, controlled blade.

5160 spring steel, oil-tempered

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

Streamlined modern profile

A compact, double-edged Roman blade form, streamlined for balance and swift, controlled handling on the cutting mat.

Rosewood grip

A shaped rosewood handle for a secure, comfortable grip during repeated cutting and drilling.

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

Modern Roman gladius — cutting and training blade

Overall length

25 inches

Blade length

19 inches

Handle length

6 inches

Blade weight

Approx. 0.77 kg

Steel

5160 high carbon spring steel

Heat treatment

Oil-tempered to working hardness

Tang

Reinforced full tang

Handle

Rosewood (standard)

Scabbard

Wooden core, leather-covered, included

Edge

Sharpened working edge — blunt training edge available

Customise Your Modern Gladius

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

Length

Standard 19-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 your grip preference.

Edge

Sharpened working edge by default for cutting practice, or a blunt training edge for HEMA sparring and drilling — included at no extra charge.

Engraving

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

Build My Modern Gladius →

Hand-Forged, Not a Wall-Hanger

An Everest Forge Modern Gladius

5160 high carbon spring steel
Oil-tempered to working hardness
Reinforced full-tang construction
Forged and shaped by hand
Built to stand up to repeated cutting practice and drilling

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 cutting

The Complete Gladius Collection

Mainz Gladius

The early Imperial waisted pattern with a long reinforced thrusting 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 Modern Gladius Is For

Cutting-practice users — those who cut tatami, bottles, and bamboo and want a reinforced, well-balanced blade built for the job.
HEMA and martial-arts students — practitioners drilling with a real-weight short blade. A blunt training version is available for sparring.
Modern-blade collectors — buyers drawn to a contemporary, working take on the Roman gladius rather than a historical reproduction.
Practical users — those who want a durable, full-tang blade for general utility and outdoor tasks.
Gift buyers — a striking, functional hand-forged gift, with optional engraving.
Reenactors wanting a trainer — a sturdy modern piece to drill with alongside a historical gladius.

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 absorption.

Forging and shaping

The bar is heated and hammered by hand into the streamlined modern gladius profile, with a reinforced full tang.

Heat treatment

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

Finishing and fitting

The rosewood grip is shaped and fitted, the edge is brought up for cutting, and the blade is finished by hand.

What Is Included

One hand-forged modern gladius in 5160 spring steel with reinforced full tang
Wooden-core scabbard covered in leather
Personalised engraving where requested, at no extra charge
Care guidance for the blade and handle

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 pieces 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 Modern Gladius

Wipe the blade clean after each cutting session and apply a light film of mineral or blade oil to protect the high carbon steel from moisture. Store the blade in dry conditions, since trapped humidity can mark a carbon blade. Treat any leather occasionally with a leather conditioner, and keep the rosewood grip away from prolonged damp or direct heat.

Everest Forge — Hand-Forged Roman Blade

Order Your Modern Gladius

Choose your length, handle, edge, and engraving — or order a blunt training edge for sparring. Every blade 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 modern gladius?

A modern gladius takes the compact, double-edged blade form of the Roman gladius and builds it as a contemporary working piece — reinforced full tang, sharpened working edge — for cutting practice, drilling, and HEMA training rather than as a historical reproduction. This one is hand-forged in 5160 spring steel.

What is this gladius designed for?

It is built for cutting practice — tatami mats, water bottles, bamboo — along with drilling and HEMA training. The reinforced full tang and balanced profile suit repeated cutting and controlled handling. A blunt training edge is available for sparring.

What are the dimensions of this gladius?

The standard piece measures 25 inches overall, with a 19-inch blade and a 6-inch handle, and the blade weighs approximately 0.77 kg. You can also specify a custom 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 absorption, 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 for cutting practice. A blunt training edge is available at no extra charge for HEMA sparring, drilling, or stage rehearsal — just note it in your order or contact us before forging.

Can I choose a different handle material?

Yes. Rosewood is standard. Whitewood, buffalo horn, and exotic timbers are available on request to suit your grip preference. Mention your choice when ordering.

Can I have the gladius engraved?

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

Does it come with a scabbard?

Yes. The standard modern gladius includes a wooden-core scabbard covered in leather, for safe carry and storage.

How is it different from your historical gladius patterns?

The historical Mainz, Pompeii, Fulham, and Republican gladii are built to archaeological references. This modern gladius keeps the Roman blade form but is streamlined and reinforced as a contemporary cutting and training piece, rather than a period-accurate reproduction.

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 length or a fully bespoke modern gladius?

Yes. Specify any blade length from 14 to 30 inches, a custom handle, a blunt training edge, and personalised engraving — or commission a fully bespoke modern gladius through our Custom Forge service. We confirm every detail before forging begins.

Specification
Blade:	19 inches Long Blade made from carbon steel 5160
Total Length:	25 inches Long in total
Handle:	6 inches Long Full tang Handle
Weight:	770 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.