Customized Roman Gladius Sword

Customized Republican Gladius — 22-Inch Hand-Forged Roman Sword

The Everest Forge 22-inch Customized Republican Gladius is our single best-selling sword — a hand-forged Roman short sword built in Kathmandu from 5160 high carbon spring steel sourced from recycled vehicle leaf springs. Inspired by the early Republican-era gladii carried by Roman soldiers during the expansion of the Republic, this 22-inch blade combines authentic Roman geometry with decorative custom touches on the guard and pommel, making it a standout piece for collectors, reenactors, and anyone wanting a working short sword with character.

This is not a stainless wall-hanger. It is hand-forged using traditional Nepalese methods, balanced water-tempered for a hardened-yet-flexible edge, fitted with a solid rosewood handle, sharpened to a working edge, and shipped with a leather scabbard. Battle-ready, full-tang construction, and built for real use — cutting drills, target work, reenactment, or display.

Product Specifications

Customise Your Republican Gladius

This is not a one-size-fits-all product. Every Republican Gladius can be tailored to your specification before forging begins. Standard customisation is included at no extra charge. Specify your preferences in the order options or contact us before ordering.

Need something more bespoke? Custom guard designs, pommel shapes, exotic handle materials, or fully one-of-a-kind designs are available through our Custom Forge service.

Why This Gladius Is Our Bestseller

The right length for everything. The 22-inch blade is the optimal Roman legionary length — long enough for serious cutting, short enough for the thrust-and-recovery combat the gladius was designed for. Authentic balance, comfortable handling, and the most popular size for both display and use.

Real, working steel. 5160 high carbon spring steel is what professional knife makers and bladesmiths choose for combat-grade blades. It is the same steel used in heavy-duty vehicle leaf springs, chosen for shock resistance, edge retention, and toughness. Differentially heat-treated and water-tempered for a hardened edge with a tougher spine.

Decorative, but functional. The customised guard and pommel give this gladius a unique identity within the historical lineage — standout aesthetic without compromising the blade's working performance. It cuts as well as it displays.

Hand-forged in Nepal. No machine production. No mass-stamped steel. Forged blade-by-blade by Nepalese master smiths whose families have forged blades for generations. See the full forging process on The Making page.

Customised to you. Choose your length, handle material, scabbard, and finish at no extra charge. Add engraving for a name, date, military motto, or family crest.

Who This Sword Is For

Roman history collectors — A definitive piece for any Roman or military history collection. The Republican Gladius represents the early expansion of Rome before the standardised Imperial patterns — an authentic moment in military history.

Reenactors & living history groups — Roman legion reenactment, gladiator schools, and historical events. Period-accurate geometry, full-weight steel, leather scabbard.

HEMA & martial artists — Practitioners studying Roman military technique. The 22-inch length and 770g weight give correct historical handling for thrust-and-cut training. Blunt training versions available at no extra charge for sparring.

Cutting-practice enthusiasts — Buyers who actually cut tatami mats, water bottles, and bamboo. The weight distribution and edge geometry of the 22-inch Republican Gladius is well suited to cutting drills.

Gift buyers — Military veterans, history enthusiasts, retirement gifts, milestone presentations. Add engraved name and date for an heirloom presentation piece. See engraving options.

Film, theatre & production — Stage combat, film and TV historical productions, photography props. Real authentic steel for production use, with blunt training versions for choreography.

How It's Made

See the full forging process →

What's Included

• Hand-forged 22-inch Customized Republican Gladius
• Decorative custom guard and pommel
• Solid rosewood handle (or your chosen material)
• Leather-covered wooden scabbard
• Sharpened working edge (or blunt training edge if specified)
• Free standard engraving on request (name, date, motto, or simple logo)
• Care & maintenance instructions
• Worldwide DHL Express or FedEx International shipping with tracking
• 30-day satisfaction guarantee
• 6-month manufacturing warranty

The Republican Gladius — A Brief History

The Republican Gladius was the standard sidearm of Roman legionaries during the Republic period — from approximately the 3rd century BCE to the late 1st century BCE. Adopted from the Celtiberian tribes of Iberia (giving it the name gladius hispaniensis) and refined through generations of Roman military use, the Republican Gladius predates the more standardised Imperial Mainz, Pompeii, and Fulham patterns that came later.

It was the sword of the soldiers who fought the Punic Wars against Carthage, conquered Greece, and took the Republic across the Mediterranean. Compared to later Imperial gladii, the Republican is typically longer and broader, with greater variation in shape from blade to blade — reflecting the era before mass-standardised armouries. This makes the Republican Gladius particularly suited to customisation, since the original swords were already individualised by their forgers.

Our 22-inch Customized Republican Gladius honours that legacy: authentic Republican-era geometry, traditional water-tempered steel, decorative guard and pommel that reference the individualised character of the originals.

Shipping, Returns & Warranty

Production time: 3–5 business days. Each gladius is hand-forged after your order.

Shipping: Worldwide via DHL Express or FedEx International Priority with full tracking. Typically 5–10 business days delivery from dispatch. Total order-to-delivery time approximately 8–15 business days. Full details on our Shipping & Returns page.

Customs: International orders may incur customs duties or import taxes charged by your country's customs authority. These are paid separately by you on delivery.

Returns: 30-day satisfaction guarantee on standard configurations in unused condition. Custom and personalised configurations are non-returnable as they are forged to your specification. Full warranty policy.

Warranty: 6-month limited warranty against manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship. Damage from misuse not covered.

Secure checkout: All payments processed through PCI-compliant gateways with 256-bit SSL encryption. Checkout security details.

Care & Maintenance

After every use: Wipe the blade clean and dry. Apply a thin coat of light oil (mineral oil, camellia oil, or 3-in-1 oil) to the blade.

Storage: Store in a dry environment away from humidity. Avoid long-term storage inside the leather scabbard, as leather can retain moisture and accelerate rust on high carbon steel.

Rust spots: Light surface rust is normal on 5160 carbon steel and easily removed with very fine steel wool (#0000 grade) and a few drops of oil. Wipe clean and re-oil.

Sharpening: Use a quality whetstone (1000-grit working, 3000+ for finishing) at 20–25 degrees per side. Avoid power grinders, which can overheat and ruin the temper.

Handle care: Condition rosewood handle occasionally with linseed or tung oil. Avoid prolonged water exposure.

Full care guide on our FAQ page.

Frequently Asked Questions