The Spartan Hoplite Short Xiphos Sword — 18-Inch Hand-Forged Horn-Handle Greek Companion Blade

The Spartan Hoplite Short Xiphos Sword — 18-Inch Hand-Forged Horn-Handle Greek Companion Blade | Customisable 14"–24"

The Spartan Hoplite Short Xiphos Sword by Everest Forge is the compact 18-inch Greek Xiphos built in the Spartan tradition — shorter than the standard 21–24" hoplite Xiphos, hand-forged with a polished water buffalo horn handle as standard, and built for the buyer who wants the most historically authentic Spartan-era companion blade we forge. Hand-forged in Kathmandu, Nepal from 5160-grade leaf spring steel, water-tempered, full-tang, and shipped sharpened — this is the Xiphos for serious Spartan-history enthusiasts, hoplite reenactors, HEMA practitioners, and collectors who want an entry-point Greek sword with maximum historical authenticity.

At 18 inches of blade, 6 inches of horn handle, 24 inches overall, and approximately 2.3 lbs (1043 grams), the Spartan Hoplite Short Xiphos sits in the documented Spartan-era short-sword size range. Plutarch records that when King Agis was asked why Spartans carried shorter swords than other Greeks, he replied: "So we may get closer to the enemy." The 18-inch length is precisely the Spartan answer to the heavier 21–24" Athenian and Macedonian Xiphos blades. Fully customisable: choose your blade length from 14" to 24" (the widest range of any Xiphos sword we offer), your blade finish (Satin standard, Mirror, Raw / Forge, or Blacked), your handle material (Horn standard, Rosewood, Whitewood, or Leather wrap), and your leather scabbard colour from 6 options. Free personalised engraving on every blade and free custom logo or photo upload.

Dimensions & Specifications

The Spartan Hoplite Short Xiphos is hand-measured and hand-forged from individual 5160-grade leaf spring steel billets, salvaged from heavy-duty vehicle suspension and reforged into blades. Every sword is quality-checked, water-tempered, sharpened, and fitted with its hand-stitched leather scabbard before shipment. The standard configuration ships with a polished water buffalo horn handle — the most historically authentic material for a Greek Xiphos grip.

Customise Your Spartan Hoplite Short Xiphos

Every Spartan Hoplite Short Xiphos we forge is made to order — there is no stock, no warehouse, no mass production. Every sword is forged for one customer at one specification. The widest customisation range in our Xiphos catalogue — choose anywhere from a 14-inch compact blade to a full 24-inch Xiphos sword. All choices are selected through the dropdowns on this page; personalisation text is typed into the order field, and custom logos or photos are uploaded as a file.

Key Features of the Spartan Hoplite Short Xiphos

Polished horn handle as standard. The only Xiphos in our range that ships with a polished water buffalo horn handle by default. Horn is the most historically authentic material for a Greek Xiphos grip — documented in archaeological finds across Sparta, Athens, and the wider Greek world. Each handle has a unique natural grain pattern.

5160-grade leaf spring steel from truck suspension. The same material used in heavy-duty vehicle leaf springs — salvaged directly from truck suspension and reforged into blades. Chosen for shock resistance, edge retention, and toughness under repeated cutting loads. Water-tempered to working hardness. Not stainless. Not a wall-hanger. Real working sword steel.

Spartan-era short-sword dimensions. At 18 inches blade length, the Spartan Hoplite sits in the documented Spartan-era short-sword size range — shorter than the 21–24" Athenian/Macedonian standard. Spartans favored shorter blades for the tighter formations and aggressive close-quarters fighting that defined their phalanx tactics.

Classical leaf-blade geometry. True double-edged Greek Xiphos profile — broad at mid-blade, tapering to a deadly point, both edges sharpened. Optimised for both decisive cuts and deep thrusts, exactly as ancient sources describe.

Full-tang construction. Solid 5160 steel runs through the entire 6-inch handle, riveted through hand-carved horn (or your chosen material). No glued tangs, no welded extensions — one piece of steel from tip to pommel.

Hand-forged in Kathmandu, Nepal. Forged by hand on traditional anvils by master blacksmiths. See the full forging process on The Making page. Meet our team on Meet the Maker.

Widest customisation range in our Xiphos catalogue. Order this product anywhere from 14" (true dagger scale) up to 24" (full classical hoplite scale) — the most flexible single Xiphos product we offer.

Free personalised engraving + free custom logo upload. Spartan motto, name, regimental crest, family motto, military insignia, or any custom artwork — all included at no extra cost on every Spartan Hoplite Short Xiphos.

What Is the Spartan Xiphos? Plutarch and the Short-Sword Tradition

The Spartans famously carried shorter swords than other Greek hoplites — and they were proud of it. Plutarch records the exchange in his Sayings of Spartans:

"When someone asked King Agis why Spartans carried such short swords, he replied: 'So we may get closer to the enemy.'"

The Spartan philosophy of close-quarters discipline shaped their entire approach to warfare. The standard Greek hoplite Xiphos measured 21–24 inches in blade length, but Spartans deliberately carried blades closer to 18 inches — short enough to be drawn quickly in the tight phalanx formation, short enough to fight in the press of bodies after spears had broken, and short enough to demand the warrior commit fully to the engagement.

The Spartan Hoplite Short Xiphos honours this tradition at 18 inches standard. It is the entry-point Greek sword in our range — but built to the historical proportions of the most disciplined warriors in classical Greek history. Read the full Xiphos history blog.

Who Buys the Spartan Hoplite Short Xiphos

Spartan-history enthusiasts — The Xiphos built specifically for Spartan kit. The 18-inch length, the polished horn handle, the Spartan-red scabbard option, and the Plutarch quotation in the engraving field all combine to make this the most Spartan-thematic Xiphos in the entire range.

Hoplite reenactors — Reenactment groups portraying Spartan or other classical-era hoplites need a historically defensible short Xiphos. The 18-inch blade, horn handle, full-tang construction, and traditional leather-wrapped wooden scabbard all match documented hoplite kit. Pair with our 21" Greek Xiphos Sword for a documented hoplite primary-and-sidearm loadout.

HEMA practitioners — Historical European Martial Arts practitioners working ancient Greek sword techniques benefit from the 18-inch length — long enough to drill cuts and thrusts seriously, short enough for tight-quarters technique. Blunt training versions available at no extra charge.

Entry-point Greek-sword buyers — The most affordable Greek Xiphos sword in our range, without compromising on steel, forging, finish, or customisation depth. Buyers stepping up from the dagger range will find this the natural next purchase.

Greek-history gift buyers — A hand-forged Greek Xiphos sword with engraved Spartan motto, classical Greek inscription, or recipient's name is a serious gift for the right person — history enthusiasts, classical scholars, retiring teachers, military veterans, milestone-birthday recipients with Greek heritage.

Display and museum-quality collection builders — The horn-handle Satin-finish standard configuration reads as authentic on a display wall or in a glass case. The Raw / Forge finish option produces an even more archaeologically authentic look for serious museum-style display.

Cosplay and theatre production — 300, Helen of Troy, Alexander, Hades, Assassin's Creed Odyssey hero-tier productions. The 18-inch length and polished horn handle make this particularly suited to Spartan-themed roles.

What's Included With Every Spartan Hoplite Short Xiphos

• One 18-inch Spartan Hoplite Short Xiphos Sword (or your chosen length 14"–24")
• Hand-stitched leather-wrapped wooden scabbard (your colour choice from 6 options)
• Free personalised text engraving (your name / Spartan motto / Greek inscription)
• Free custom logo or photo engraving (your uploaded artwork)
• Manufacturer's care guide
• Tracked worldwide shipping via DHL Express or FedEx International
• 30-day satisfaction guarantee + 6-month manufacturing warranty

The Xiphos in Greek History — From Hoplite Sidearm to Spartan Signature

The Xiphos (Greek: xiphos) was the iconic short sword of the Greek hoplite for over 400 years — from the 8th century BCE through the rise of Macedonian arms under Alexander. In the Greek phalanx, the warrior's primary weapon was the spear (dory). When the spear broke or could no longer be wielded in tight close-quarters fighting, the Xiphos was drawn for survival.

While the standard Greek hoplite Xiphos measured 21–24 inches in blade length, the Spartans deliberately carried shorter Xiphos blades — closer to 18 inches — for the tactical and philosophical reasons captured in Plutarch's account. This shorter Xiphos became one of the most recognisable symbols of Spartan warfare and discipline. Used by Spartans at Thermopylae, by Athenians at Marathon, and by Macedonians under Alexander, the Xiphos influenced later Mediterranean short-blade designs — from the Roman gladius to the Iberian falcata.

Worldwide Shipping & Trust

Every Spartan Hoplite Short Xiphos ships from Kathmandu, Nepal via DHL Express or FedEx International with full tracking. Total typical timeline: 8–15 business days (3–5 days for forging and quality-checking, plus 5–10 days for international delivery). Custom lengths and personalised orders may take longer.

• Shipping & Returns — DHL/FedEx delivery, tracking, customs
• Warranty & Returns Policy — 30-day satisfaction, 6-month warranty
• Secure Shopping — SSL checkout, PCI-compliant payment
• The Making — how every blade is forged
• Meet the Maker — our blacksmiths in Kathmandu
• Battle Ready Standard — what we mean by battle-ready

Compare With Other Xiphos Daggers and Swords

The Spartan Hoplite Short Xiphos is our entry-point Greek sword and the only one shipping with a horn handle as standard. Compare with the rest of the Xiphos range:

• 14" Hoplite Sidearm Dagger — Compact historical sidearm Xiphos ($134.99)
• 15" Tactical Xiphos Knife — Modern Blacked tactical/bushcraft Xiphos ($139.99)
• 17" Authentic Hoplite Xiphos Dagger — Premium oil-tempered historical replica ($149.99)
• The Spartan Hoplite Short Xiphos (this product) — 18" horn-handle Spartan-era short sword
• 21" Greek Xiphos Sword — Classical hoplite bestseller ($174.99)
• 22" Angel Wings Xiphos — Distinctive winged-guard design ($224.99)
• 24" Ancient Greek Xiphos — Full-length classical Xiphos ($234.99)
• The Royal Xiphos — 28" Extra Large — Officer's blade flagship ($374.99)
• View All Xiphos Swords — Full category

Frequently Asked Questions — The Spartan Hoplite Short Xiphos