- Model: Roman Gladius Sword
- Product Code: Gladiussword14
- Location: Kathmandu, Nepal
Available Options
Ornate Roman Gladius with Engraved Metalwork on the Guard, Pommel, and Scabbard
The Ornate Roman Gladius from Everest Forge takes the classic Roman blade and dresses it in matching engraved metalwork across all three fittings — the guard collar, the pommel cap, and the scabbard chape. It is a decorative and presentation piece: a hand-forged Roman gladius made to be displayed, where the metal detailing is as much the point as the blade.
The blade is hand forged in Kathmandu, Nepal from 5160 high carbon spring steel, oil-tempered to working hardness, with a fuller running down the centre and a full tang. It is fitted with a riveted rosewood grip, the engraved metal guard and pommel, and a leather scabbard finished with an engraved metal chape. A semi-polished blade completes the regal, historical look.
Engraved Metalwork on the Roman Gladius
The gladius was the short sword of the Roman legions — a compact, double-edged blade built around balance. This version keeps that historical form but elevates it with decorative metalwork on the structural fittings: the guard, the pommel, and the scabbard chape all carry matching engraving, turning a working blade into a display heirloom.
The result is a piece that reads as a Roman gladius at a glance but rewards a closer look — the engraving on the three fittings ties the sword and its scabbard together into a single presentation set.
Why This Ornate Gladius Stands Apart
Engraved metalwork on three fittings
Matching decorative metalwork on the guard collar, the pommel cap, and the scabbard chape — the defining feature, tying the sword and scabbard into one set.
Fullered Roman blade
A broad, double-edged gladius blade with a central fuller, hand-forged and semi-polished for a clean, historical 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 — a real blade, not a cast display piece.
Full-tang construction
The tang runs the length of the grip into the pommel for structural integrity — a decorative piece that is still a genuine, handle-able sword.
Riveted rosewood grip
A riveted rosewood handle framed by the engraved guard and pommel for a secure, balanced hold.
Hand-forged in Nepal
Forged and finished by hand by our blacksmiths in Kathmandu. See the process on The Making and meet the team on Meet the Maker.
Specifications
Customise Your Ornate Gladius
Most details on this gladius can be specified to your preference before forging begins. The engraved metalwork is the signature of this piece; for fully custom artwork or a bespoke design, use our Custom Forge service.
Length
Standard 19-inch blade, or specify any length from 14 to 30 inches. Forged to your dimension at no extra charge.
Handle Material
Riveted rosewood as standard, framed by the engraved fittings. Whitewood, buffalo horn, and exotic timbers are available on request.
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 crest — engraved on the blade or fittings, included at no extra charge.
Hand-Forged, Not a Wall-Hanger
An Everest Forge Ornate Gladius
- 5160 high carbon spring steel
- Oil-tempered to working hardness
- Full-tang construction
- Hand-forged blade with hand-applied engraved metalwork
- A decorative piece that is still a real, handle-able sword
A typical decorative replica
- Stainless or unknown steel
- Little or no heat treatment
- Rat-tail or partial tang
- Cast fittings and stamped, identical decoration
- Built for display only — not for handling
The Complete Gladius Collection
Eagle Gladius
A presentation short sword crowned with an eagle-head pommel.
Mainz Gladius
The early Imperial waisted pattern with a long reinforced point.
Pompeii Gladius
The standardised straight-edged pattern with a short triangular point.
22-Inch Republican Gladius
Our single best-selling gladius — the classic legionary length.
All Roman Gladius Swords
Browse the full Everest Forge gladius range by pattern, length, and use.
Who This Ornate Gladius Is For
- Collectors and display buyers — those who want a decorative Roman gladius where the engraved metalwork is the centrepiece, finished to display with its matching scabbard.
- Gift buyers — a striking, ornate hand-forged gift for a Roman history enthusiast or a milestone occasion, with optional engraving.
- Roman history collectors — buyers who want the iconic gladius form dressed in decorative fittings.
- Reenactors wanting a presentation piece — a dressed gladius for ceremonial or display use alongside working blades.
- Buyers of decorative blades — anyone drawn to engraved metalwork and a regal, historical aesthetic.
- Film, theatre, and production — a decorative full-weight blade for historical productions and photography.
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 resilience.
Forging and shaping
The bar is heated and hammered by hand into the broad, fullered Roman 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.
Metalwork and fitting
The engraved guard, pommel, and scabbard chape are worked and fitted to the riveted rosewood grip and leather scabbard by hand.
What Is Included
- One hand-forged ornate Roman gladius in 5160 spring steel with engraved metal guard and pommel
- Leather scabbard with engraved metal chape
- Personalised engraving where requested, at no extra charge
- Care guidance for the blade, handle, leather, and metal fittings
Shipping, Returns, and Warranty
Every gladius 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 gladii 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 Ornate Gladius
Wipe the blade clean after handling and apply a light film of mineral or blade oil to protect the high carbon steel from moisture. Wipe the engraved metal fittings gently with a soft, dry cloth, avoiding harsh polishes that can wear the detailing. Store the sword in dry conditions, treat the leather occasionally with a leather conditioner, and keep the rosewood grip away from prolonged damp or direct heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ornate Roman Gladius?
It is a hand-forged Roman gladius dressed in matching engraved metalwork across the guard, pommel, and scabbard chape. It is a decorative and presentation piece — a real, full-tang Roman blade where the metal detailing is the centrepiece — in 5160 spring steel.
What is engraved — the guard, pommel, and scabbard?
Yes — all three fittings carry matching engraved metalwork: the guard collar, the pommel cap, and the metal chape on the scabbard. Together they tie the sword and its scabbard into a single presentation set.
What are the dimensions of this gladius?
The standard piece measures 26 inches overall, with a 19-inch blade and a 7-inch handle, and the blade weighs approximately 0.9 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 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 handle material?
Yes. Riveted rosewood is standard, framed by the engraved fittings. Whitewood, buffalo horn, and exotic timbers are available on request to suit your display preference. Mention your choice when ordering.
Can I customise the metalwork or engraving?
Yes. Standard engraving — names, dates, Roman mottos such as SPQR, or a crest — is included at no extra charge. For fully custom metalwork on the fittings or a bespoke design, use our Custom Forge service. See also our Personalized Blades page.
Does it come with a scabbard?
Yes. The Ornate Roman Gladius includes a leather scabbard finished with an engraved metal chape that matches the guard and pommel.
Is this a real sword or just a display piece?
It is both. The engraved metalwork makes it a decorative piece, but it is a genuine hand-forged sword — 5160 spring steel, oil-tempered, full tang — not a cast wall-hanger. It can be handled and displayed alike.
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 gladii carry a 30-day satisfaction guarantee in unused condition and a 6-month warranty against manufacturing defects. Custom and personalised gladii are forged to your specification and are non-returnable. Full details are on our Warranty and Returns Policy page.
Can I order a fully bespoke ornate gladius?
Yes. Specify a custom length, custom handle, bespoke metalwork on the fittings, and personalised engraving 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: | 26 inches Long in total |
| Handle: | 7 inches Long Full tang Handle made from Rosewood |
| Weight: | 770 Grams Approx |
| 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. |
