Gladius Hispaniensis – Leaf-Blade Sword

Gladius Hispaniensis — Hand-Forged Roman Leaf-Blade Sword with Wooden Scabbard

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Gladius Hispaniensis — Hand-Forged Roman Leaf-Blade Sword with Wooden Scabbard

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$224.99

Ex Tax: $224.99

Model: Roman Gladius Sword
Product Code: Gladiussword5
Location: Kathmandu,Nepal

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Gladius Hispaniensis — A Hand-Forged Roman Leaf-Blade Sword with Wooden Scabbard

The Gladius Hispaniensis from Everest Forge reproduces the original gladius — the long, leaf-shaped Roman sword adopted from the Celtiberian tribes of Iberia, the pattern that began the whole gladius family. It is the earliest and longest of the historical gladii, and the root from which the later Mainz and Pompeii forms developed. This one is dressed with a distinctive wooden scabbard and brass fittings rather than a plain leather sheath.

Each blade is hand forged in Kathmandu, Nepal from 5160 high carbon spring steel, oil-tempered to working hardness, with a full tang. It is fitted with a turned rosewood grip and comes with a wooden scabbard finished with brass throat, brass bands, and a brass chape. The standard blade is 18 inches, and other lengths can be specified before forging.

An honest note. This is a hand-forged collector and reenactment sword. We describe how the Roman gladius was used historically — the thrust-and-cut of the legions — because that history is what the design expresses. We do not sell our blades as weapons. Because every gladius is forged individually, small variations in wood grain, weight, finish, and brasswork are natural marks of handwork, not flaws.

Everest Forge — Hand-Forged in Nepal

Make This Gladius Hispaniensis Yours

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

Customise This Gladius → Commission a Bespoke Gladius →

The Gladius Hispaniensis — A Brief History

The gladius hispaniensis — literally the "Spanish sword" — 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, and it served the Roman infantry through the centuries of the Republic's expansion.

It is the ancestor of the whole gladius family: the later, standardised Mainz and Pompeii patterns developed from this earlier Spanish form. Reproducing the Hispaniensis means reproducing the leaf-blade silhouette that started it all — broad through the body, drawing to a long point.

Why This Gladius Hispaniensis Stands Apart

The original leaf-blade gladius

The earliest and longest gladius pattern, with the leaf-shaped Spanish blade that the Mainz and Pompeii forms descended from.

Wooden scabbard with brass fittings

Unlike a plain leather sheath, this gladius carries a hardwood scabbard dressed with a brass throat, brass bands, and a brass chape — a more traditional, substantial carry.

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.

Turned rosewood grip

A turned rosewood handle with a globular pommel, shaped for a secure, balanced hold.

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

Pattern

Gladius hispaniensis — leaf-shaped Spanish-Roman blade

Blade length

18 inches (standard) — other lengths available

Handle length

8 inches

Overall length

26 inches (standard)

Blade weight

Approx. 0.89 kg

Blade

Leaf-shaped, double-edged

Steel

5160 high carbon spring steel

Heat treatment

Oil-tempered to working hardness

Tang

Full tang

Handle

Rosewood (standard)

Scabbard

Wooden scabbard with brass throat, bands, and chape, included

Edge

Sharpened working edge — blunt training edge available

Customise Your Gladius Hispaniensis

Most details on this gladius 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 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. 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, Roman mottos such as SPQR, or a family or regimental crest — engraved on the blade or handle, included at no extra charge.

Build My Gladius Hispaniensis →

Hand-Forged, Not a Wall-Hanger

An Everest Forge Gladius Hispaniensis

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 Gladius Hispaniensis Is For

Roman history collectors — buyers who want the original, leaf-shaped Spanish gladius — the ancestor of the whole family — to anchor a Roman or military history collection.
Reenactors and living history — Roman Republic reenactment groups who need the early Hispaniensis geometry in real, hand-forged steel.
Collectors who want a distinctive carry — those drawn to the wooden, brass-fitted scabbard over a plain leather sheath.
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 serious, lasting gift for a history enthusiast, with optional engraving for names, dates, or a crest.
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 the long, leaf-shaped Hispaniensis blade with its full point.

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

What Is Included

One hand-forged gladius hispaniensis in 5160 spring steel
Wooden scabbard with brass throat, bands, and chape
Personalised engraving where requested, at no extra charge
Care guidance for the blade, handle, wood, and brass

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. Wipe the brass fittings with a soft, dry cloth, and keep the rosewood grip and the wooden scabbard away from prolonged damp or direct heat.

Everest Forge — Hand-Forged Roman Gladius

Order Your Gladius Hispaniensis

Choose your length, handle, edge, and engraving — or commission a fully bespoke Hispaniensis. 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 gladius hispaniensis?

The gladius hispaniensis — the "Spanish sword" — 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, and it is the ancestor of the later Mainz and Pompeii forms.

How is the Hispaniensis different from the Mainz and Pompeii?

The Hispaniensis is the earliest and longest, with a leaf-shaped Spanish blade. The Mainz that followed is a broad, waisted blade with a long point, and the Pompeii has straight parallel edges and a short triangular point. The Hispaniensis is the root of both.

What kind of scabbard does it come with?

This gladius comes with a wooden scabbard dressed with a brass throat, brass bands, and a brass chape — a more substantial, traditional carry than a plain leather sheath.

What are the dimensions of this gladius?

The standard piece measures 26 inches overall, with an 18-inch blade and an 8-inch handle, and the blade weighs approximately 0.89 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 18-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 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.

Why is it called the "Spanish" sword?

Because the Romans adopted it from the Celtiberian tribes of the Iberian Peninsula — modern Spain — which is why it is called the gladius hispaniensis. It became the foundation of the Roman gladius tradition.

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 or fully bespoke Hispaniensis?

Yes. Specify any blade length from 14 to 30 inches, a custom handle and fittings, and personalised engraving — or commission a fully bespoke gladius hispaniensis from your own archaeological reference through our Custom Forge service. We confirm every detail before forging begins.

Specification
Blade:	18 inches long Blade made from 5160 ,Carbon steel
Total Length:	26 inches long in total
Handle:	8 inches long handle Made from Rosewood
Weight:	700 Grams approx
Note:	Measurements and weight may vary slightly due to the handmade nature of each blade.