- Model: Gladius Sword
- Product Code: GladiusSword6
- Location: Kathmandu, Nepal
Available Options
Eagle Gladius — A Roman Short Sword Crowned with an Eagle-Head Pommel
The Eagle Gladius from Everest Forge is a Roman short sword built around a single striking feature — an eagle-head pommel, the aquila that stood as the standard of every Roman legion. Where our Mainz, Pompeii, and Fulham pieces are defined by blade typology, the Eagle is defined by its crown: a presentation gladius for collectors who want the symbol of the legions in hand-forged 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 carries a straight, double-edged Roman short-sword profile, a rosewood grip rising into the sculpted eagle-head pommel, and a wooden-core scabbard covered in leather. This is a piece for display, collection, gifting, reenactment, and controlled cutting practice where permitted by local law.
The Eagle and the Roman Short Sword
The eagle — the aquila — was the most important standard a Roman legion carried. Borne at the head of the legion, it represented the unit's honour, courage, and continuity, and losing it was the gravest of disgraces. Roman standards and emblems were widely adorned with the eagle as a symbol of strength and permanence, which is why it remains one of the most recognisable motifs of Rome.
The gladius itself was the standard short sword of the Roman legionary, typically 16 to 24 inches in blade length, used across the Republic and Empire. Pairing that iconic short-sword form with an eagle-head pommel makes this a tribute piece — the everyday sidearm of the legions crowned with the symbol they marched behind.
Why This Eagle Gladius Stands Apart
Sculpted eagle-head pommel
The defining feature — a hand-sculpted eagle head crowning the grip, modelled on the aquila standard of the Roman legions. Catches the light from every angle on display.
Roman short-sword profile
A straight, double-edged gladius blade in the classic Roman short-sword form, true to the sidearm of the legionary.
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 into the pommel for structural integrity — a presentation piece that is still a real, handle-able sword.
Rosewood grip and leather scabbard
A shaped rosewood handle rising into the eagle pommel, paired with a wooden-core scabbard covered in leather.
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
Customise Your Eagle Gladius
Most details on this gladius can be specified to your preference before forging begins. The eagle-head pommel is the signature of this piece; for alternate pommels or fully bespoke presentation work, use our Custom Forge service.
Length
Standard 18-inch blade, or specify any length from 14 to 30 inches. Forged to your dimension at no extra charge.
Handle Material
Rosewood as standard, paired with the eagle-head pommel. 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 family or regimental crest — engraved on the blade or handle, included at no extra charge.
Hand-Forged, Not a Wall-Hanger
An Everest Forge Eagle Gladius
- 5160 high carbon spring steel
- Oil-tempered to working hardness
- Full-tang construction
- Hand-forged blade and hand-sculpted pommel
- A presentation 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 pommel and factory finish
- Built for display only — not for handling
The Complete Gladius Collection
Mainz Gladius
The early waisted pattern with a long reinforced thrusting point.
Pompeii Gladius
The standardised straight-edged pattern with a short triangular point.
Fulham Gladius
The transitional pattern bridging the Mainz and Pompeii.
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 Eagle Gladius Is For
- Collectors and display buyers — those who want a presentation gladius built around the eagle standard of the legions, finished to display alongside a Roman collection.
- Gift buyers — a striking, meaningful gift for a Roman history enthusiast, military veteran, or milestone occasion, with optional engraving.
- Roman history collectors — buyers building a Roman or military history collection who want the iconic short sword with the aquila motif.
- Reenactors and living history — a hand-forged short sword in real steel for Roman legion groups and historical events.
- Cutting-practice users — buyers who want a real, working short sword as well as a display piece.
- 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 a straight, double-edged Roman short-sword blade.
Heat treatment
The blade is hardened and oil-tempered to a working hardness, balancing a durable edge against a resilient spine.
Pommel and finishing
The eagle-head pommel is sculpted and fitted to the rosewood grip, the edge is brought up, and the leather-covered scabbard is finished to match.
What Is Included
- One hand-forged Eagle Gladius in 5160 spring steel with sculpted eagle-head pommel
- Wooden-core scabbard covered in leather
- Personalised engraving where requested, at no extra charge
- Care guidance for the blade, handle, and leather
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 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. 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 and eagle pommel away from prolonged damp or direct heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Eagle Gladius?
The Eagle Gladius is a hand-forged Roman short sword crowned with a sculpted eagle-head pommel — the aquila that served as the standard of the Roman legions. It pairs the classic gladius blade form with the most recognisable symbol of Rome, making it a presentation and collector piece in real, working steel.
What does the eagle pommel represent?
The eagle, or aquila, was the principal standard of a Roman legion — carried at its head as a symbol of honour, courage, and continuity. Roman emblems were widely adorned with the eagle to represent strength and permanence, which is why it remains one of the defining motifs of ancient Rome.
What are the dimensions of this Eagle Gladius?
The standard piece measures 24 inches overall, with an 18-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 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, or for stage rehearsal — just note it in your order or contact us before forging.
Can I choose a different handle material or pommel?
The standard grip is rosewood with the sculpted eagle-head pommel. Whitewood, buffalo horn, and exotic timbers are available on request. For an alternate pommel or fully bespoke presentation work, use our Custom Forge service.
Can I have the gladius 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 Eagle Gladius includes a wooden-core scabbard covered in leather, designed for secure carry and display.
Is this a real sword or just a display piece?
It is both. The eagle pommel makes it a presentation piece, but it is a genuine hand-forged sword — 5160 spring steel, oil-tempered, full tang — that stands up to controlled cutting practice as well as display. It is not a stainless wall-hanger.
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 custom length or a fully bespoke Eagle Gladius?
Yes. Specify any blade length from 14 to 30 inches, a custom handle, an alternate pommel, and personalised engraving — or commission a fully bespoke presentation gladius through our Custom Forge service. We confirm every detail before forging begins.
| Specification | |
| Blade: | 18 inches Long Blade made from carbon steel 5160 |
| Total Length: | 24 inches Long in total |
| Handle: | 6 inches Long Full tang Handle with eagle Head pommel |
| 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. |
