Hand-Forged Roman Pugio Dagger – Full-Tang 5160 Leaf-Shaped Blade

The pugio was the short double-edged dagger carried by soldiers of the Roman army as a personal sidearm alongside the gladius. Its defining feature is a broad, waisted, leaf-shaped blade with a pronounced central rib, worn in a decorated metal-mounted sheath. This one is a modern, hand-forged interpretation in 5160 spring steel.

Yes. This is a real, fully functional pugio, not a cast display piece. It is hand-forged from 5160 high-carbon spring steel, full tang, oil-tempered, and sharpened to a true edge before it ships. It is built to be handled, and finished cleanly enough to display as a centrepiece.

The blade is forged from 5160 high-carbon spring steel, the same alloy used in heavy-duty truck leaf springs, prized for toughness and edge retention. It is oil-tempered for a hard edge backed by a flexible, shock-absorbent spine.

Yes. The tang runs the full length of the handle, so there is no rat-tail or glued-in tang to fail. Full-tang construction is what makes the dagger strong enough to handle rather than just display.

The broad, waisted, leaf-shaped blade with a central rib is the defining feature of the Roman pugio. The widening then narrowing profile puts mass toward the point while the central spine stiffens the double-edged blade. On this dagger the profile is drawn and ground by hand.

Yes. The standard blade is 15 inches, and you can order it shorter or longer to your spec. You can also choose the blade finish, the edge, and add engraving. Every dagger is forged to the spec you select, so the size is yours to set.

The handle is shaped rosewood fitted over a full tang, with polished metal fittings. Each grip is shaped and fitted by hand for a secure hold.

Yes. Every dagger ships with a black leather sheath with metal mounts to protect the blade for storage and carry. It is made by hand to fit the blade size you order.

Yes. You can add a name, initials, or a short message to the blade, and you can upload your own logo or photo for custom engraving. Personalized blades are forged to order, so please confirm the details before you buy.

Yes. Every blade is sharpened to a true edge before it leaves the forge unless you request otherwise. It arrives ready to handle or display.

Yes. We ship worldwide from Nepal by DHL or FedEx in 7 to 14 business days with tracking. In-stock specs dispatch within 2 to 3 business days; fully custom builds take roughly 4 to 6 weeks to forge first. Import and blade laws vary by country, so please check your local rules before ordering.

Yes. Beyond the options on this page, our Custom Forge service builds blades to your own drawing or specification, including the profile, grip, and fittings. Use the Custom Forge page to send your idea and we will quote it. Lead time is typically 4 to 6 weeks.