- Model: Roman Gladius Sword
- Product Code: Gladiussword10
- Location: Kathmandu,Nepal
Available Options
Republican Delos Gladius — A Hand-Forged Roman Republican Gladius Sword
The Republican Delos Gladius from Everest Forge reproduces a Roman Republican gladius based on the archaeological example from the island of Delos. It belongs to the broader, earlier gladius family — the Republican-era form that preceded the standardised Imperial Mainz and Pompeii patterns — and it carries the wide, substantial blade that defined the swords of the expanding Republic.
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 rosewood handle and comes with a handmade leather scabbard. This is a piece for historical collection, living-history reenactment, HEMA study, and controlled cutting practice where permitted by local law.
The Republican Gladius and the Delos Find — A Brief History
The Republican gladius was the sword of the Roman Republic during its expansion across the Mediterranean, broadly dated to around the 2nd century BCE. It descended from the gladius hispaniensis adopted from the Celtiberian tribes of Iberia, and it sat as a transitional form between that early sword and the more standardised military blades of the later Empire. Compared with the Imperial patterns, the Republican gladius was longer and broader.
The Delos type takes its name from a specific archaeological example associated with the island of Delos. As a documented Republican-era find, it gives a faithful reference point for reproducing the broad-bladed gladius of the period — which is exactly what this hand-forged version is built from.
Why This Republican Gladius Stands Apart
Republican Delos pattern
Based on a documented Republican-era find from Delos — the broad, substantial gladius of the Republic, before the standardised Imperial forms.
Broad Republican blade
A wide, full 24-inch blade with the presence of the early gladius — longer and broader than the later Mainz and Pompeii patterns.
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.
Rosewood grip and leather scabbard
A shaped rosewood handle paired with a handmade leather scabbard, included for safe carry and storage.
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 Republican 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 24-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.
Hand-Forged, Not a Wall-Hanger
An Everest Forge Republican 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
Mainz Gladius
The early Imperial 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.
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 Republican Gladius Is For
- Roman history collectors — buyers who want the broad, early Republican gladius to anchor a Roman or military history collection, forged from an archaeological reference.
- Reenactors and living history — Roman Republic and legion reenactment groups who need period-accurate geometry in real, hand-forged steel.
- HEMA and martial-arts students — those studying Roman thrust-and-cut footwork with a real-weight blade. A blunt training version is available for sparring.
- Cutting-practice users — buyers who work tatami, bottles, and bamboo and want the weight of the broad Republican blade.
- 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 broad Republican blade profile of the Delos pattern.
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 handmade leather scabbard is finished to match.
What Is Included
- One hand-forged Republican Delos gladius in 5160 spring steel
- Handmade leather scabbard
- 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 away from prolonged damp or direct heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Republican gladius?
The Republican gladius is the Roman sword of the Republic during its expansion across the Mediterranean, broadly dated to around the 2nd century BCE. It descended from the gladius hispaniensis and sat between that early sword and the standardised Imperial patterns. It was longer and broader than the later Mainz and Pompeii types.
What is the Delos type?
The Delos type takes its name from a specific archaeological example associated with the island of Delos. As a documented Republican-era find, it gives a faithful reference for reproducing the broad-bladed gladius of the period — which is what this piece is forged from.
What are the dimensions of this Republican gladius?
The standard piece measures 32 inches overall, with a 24-inch blade and an 8-inch handle, and the blade weighs approximately 0.89 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 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 handle material?
Yes. Rosewood is standard. Whitewood, buffalo horn, and exotic timbers are available on request to suit your display or handling preference. Mention your choice 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.
Does it come with a scabbard?
Yes. Every standard Republican Delos gladius includes a handmade leather scabbard, designed for safe carry and storage.
How is the Republican gladius different from the Mainz and Pompeii?
The Republican gladius is the earlier, longer, and broader form. The Mainz that followed has a waisted blade and long point, and the Pompeii has straight parallel edges and a short triangular point. The Republican is the ancestor of both.
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 Republican gladius?
Yes. Specify any blade length from 14 to 30 inches, a custom handle and fittings, and personalised engraving — or commission a fully bespoke Republican gladius from your own archaeological reference through our Custom Forge service. We confirm every detail before forging begins.
| Specification | |
| Blade: | 24 inches long Blade made from 5160 ,Carbon steel |
| Total Length: | 31 inches long in total |
| Handle: | 8 inches long handle Made from Rosewood |
| Weight: | 920 Grams approx. |
| Note: | Measurements and weight may vary slightly due to the handmade nature of each blade. |
