Modern Skeletonized Gladius – Roman Sword

Modern Skeletonized Gladius — Hand-Forged Roman Sword with Drilled Double-Fullered Blade

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Modern Skeletonized Gladius — Hand-Forged Roman Sword with Drilled Double-Fullered Blade

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$184.99

Ex Tax: $184.99

Model: Gladius sword
Product Code: Gladiussword7
Location: Kathmandu, Nepal

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Modern Skeletonized Gladius — A Hand-Forged Roman Sword with a Drilled, Double-Fullered Blade

The Modern Skeletonized Gladius from Everest Forge is a contemporary take on the Roman blade. It keeps the gladius silhouette but lightens it with a skeletonized, drilled blade and a double fuller, finished with a contoured ergonomic grip. It is a modern, fast-handling interpretation rather than a strict historical reproduction — a distinctive piece for collectors and cutting practice.

The blade is hand forged in Kathmandu, Nepal from 5160 high carbon spring steel, oil-tempered to working hardness, with a full tang. The skeletonizing and double fuller drop weight from the blade, and the contoured rosewood grip sits naturally in the hand. It comes with a leather scabbard. The standard blade is 21 inches, and other lengths can be specified before forging.

An honest note. This is a hand-forged collector and cutting-practice piece — a modern, lightened interpretation of the gladius, not a historical reproduction and not marketed as a weapon. Because every blade is forged individually, small variations in the skeletonizing, wood grain, weight, and finish are natural marks of handwork, not flaws.

Everest Forge — Hand-Forged in Nepal

Make This Skeletonized Gladius Yours

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

Customise This Gladius → Commission a Bespoke Blade →

A Modern, Lightened Take on the Gladius

The Roman gladius was a compact, balanced short sword. This version reinterprets that form for a contemporary look and feel: the blade is skeletonized with a row of drilled holes and carries a double fuller, both of which remove weight and shift the balance toward the hand. The result is a faster, lighter blade with a distinctive modern profile.

The contoured grip continues the modern treatment — shaped to sit ergonomically in the hand rather than following a strict historical handle. Taken together, this is a gladius built to feel current, while still being a genuine hand-forged blade in spring steel.

Why This Skeletonized Gladius Stands Apart

Skeletonized, drilled blade

A row of drilled holes lightens the blade and gives it a distinctive modern look — the defining feature of this piece.

Double-fullered profile

Two fullers run down the blade, dropping weight and adding the contemporary, engineered aesthetic.

Contoured ergonomic grip

A shaped rosewood grip designed to sit naturally in the hand, balancing the lightened blade.

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.

Full-tang construction

The tang runs the length of the grip for structural integrity — a real, handle-able blade, not a display piece.

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 skeletonized gladius — drilled, double-fullered blade

Blade length

21 inches (standard) — other lengths available

Handle length

10 inches

Overall length

31 inches (standard)

Blade weight

Approx. 0.95 kg

Blade

Skeletonized (drilled), double fuller

Steel

5160 high carbon spring steel

Heat treatment

Oil-tempered to working hardness

Tang

Full tang

Handle

Contoured rosewood (standard)

Scabbard

Leather scabbard, included

Edge

Sharpened working edge — blunt training edge available

Customise Your Skeletonized Gladius

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 21-inch blade, or specify any length from 14 to 30 inches. Forged to your dimension at no extra charge.

Handle Material

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

Build My Skeletonized Gladius →

Hand-Forged, Not a Wall-Hanger

An Everest Forge Skeletonized Gladius

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

Modern Gladius

A modern cutting gladius for training, HEMA, and cutting practice.

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.

All Roman Gladius Swords

Browse the full Everest Forge gladius range by pattern, length, and use.

Who This Skeletonized Gladius Is For

Collectors of modern blades — buyers drawn to a contemporary, engineered take on the gladius rather than a historical reproduction.
Cutting-practice users — those who want a lighter, fast-handling blade for tatami, bottles, and bamboo.
HEMA and drilling — practitioners who want a real-weight blade with a quick balance. A blunt training version is available.
Buyers who want something different — the skeletonized blade and double fuller make it a standout display piece.
Gift buyers — a striking, modern hand-forged gift, with optional engraving.
Film, theatre, and production — a distinctive blade for 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 blade, then the double fullers and the skeletonizing holes are worked in to lighten it.

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 contoured rosewood grip is shaped and fitted, the edge is brought up, and the leather scabbard is finished to match.

What Is Included

One hand-forged modern skeletonized gladius in 5160 spring steel
Leather scabbard
Personalised engraving where requested, at no extra charge
Care guidance for the blade, handle, and leather

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 above certain lengths; it is the buyer's responsibility to check local law before ordering.

Standard blades 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, paying attention to the skeletonizing holes where moisture can sit. Store the blade out of the scabbard in dry conditions for long-term keeping. Treat the leather occasionally with a leather conditioner, and keep the rosewood grip away from prolonged damp or direct heat.

Everest Forge — Hand-Forged Roman Gladius

Order Your Skeletonized Gladius

Choose your length, handle, edge, and engraving — or order a blunt training edge. 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 skeletonized gladius?

A skeletonized gladius is a modern interpretation of the Roman blade with material removed from the blade — here, a row of drilled holes and a double fuller — to lighten it and give it a contemporary look. This one is hand-forged in 5160 spring steel with a contoured grip.

Why is the blade drilled and double-fullered?

The drilled holes and double fuller remove weight from the blade, shifting the balance toward the hand for a faster feel, and they give the gladius its distinctive modern, engineered appearance.

What are the dimensions of this gladius?

The standard piece measures 31 inches overall, with a 21-inch blade and a 10-inch handle, and the blade weighs approximately 0.95 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 21-inch blade can be made to any length from 14 to 30 inches. Contoured 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, mottos, or a 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 skeletonized gladius includes a handmade leather scabbard, for safe carry and storage.

How is it different from the historical gladius patterns?

The historical Mainz, Pompeii, and Republican gladii are built to archaeological references. This is a modern, lightened interpretation — skeletonized and double-fullered, with a contoured grip — 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?

Standard blades carry a 30-day satisfaction guarantee in unused condition and a 6-month warranty against manufacturing defects. Custom and personalised blades 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 skeletonized 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 skeletonized gladius through our Custom Forge service. We confirm every detail before forging begins.

Specification
Blade:	21 inches Long Blade Made from carbon steel
Total Length:	29 inches long in total
Handle:	8 inches long Full tang Handle
Weight:	850 Grams approximately
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.