Ritter Steel Roman Gladius.
Mar 1, 2009 19:57:25 GMT
Post by YlliwCir on Mar 1, 2009 19:57:25 GMT
Ritter Steel gladius reviewed by RK Williams of Southwestern Indiana USA
This gladius caught my eye a quite a while ago for it's unusual appearance. I found it for a bargain
on ebay a few years ago. Keep in mind I got it second hand and it has a few blemishes that may not
be present on a new piece. I get the overall length to be 29 1/2 in.
Here is the vendor description;
The Roman Gladius Sword
A very distinctive twist to this ancient design Roman sword rests in the striking solid brass studs
that encircle the rich wood pommel and guard. Truly an imperial touch to this historical functional
battle ready sword! Leather sheath included. Blade: 2-1/4"W x 22"L. Overall length 30".
#2010 Retail Price $240
That is from the Ritter Steel Website. It can be found for substantially less money.
First impressions of this sword is that it felt quite heavy in hand, also was rough in appearance
which may or may not be attributed to it's second hand status. It weighs in at a hefty 3 1/2 lbs.
The hilt is ornate in a fashion I have never encountered in a gladius.
The pommel is an oblong round shape with inset brass studs.
The grip is a bit shy of 4 in. long, 3 7/8 around at the guard tapering to 3 1/8 at hilt. Finger
contoured with brass bands.
The guard is oval in shape with brass studs and a brass plate.
The blade thick, about 1/4 in. at the pronounced center spine. I seem to detect a very slight distal
taper. The blade is 21 1/2 in length and 2 1/4 in width. POB is 4 1/4 in. from the guard.
It came with a very steep secondary bevel, not sharp enough for me to cut with any success.
It has a Pompeii type shape to the blade.
I had to work on the edge to get it to cut. I got it to just paper cutting sharp.
The action video.
This gladius was heavy in use and I could feel the weight of it in my shoulder after a bit. I had to
apply extra speed and force to the cut and the thrust. Not an easy sword to use. It does appear to be quite durable.
To sum up. This is an interesting piece in the way it is decorated and for what I paid it's a good
addition to my gladius collection. However I wouldn't pay full price. If one was looking for a gladius
to actually use I'd pass on this one. If on the other hand you're like me and love all things gladii,
you might like to pick up this one, if you could find it at a cut rate price.
This gladius caught my eye a quite a while ago for it's unusual appearance. I found it for a bargain
on ebay a few years ago. Keep in mind I got it second hand and it has a few blemishes that may not
be present on a new piece. I get the overall length to be 29 1/2 in.
Here is the vendor description;
The Roman Gladius Sword
A very distinctive twist to this ancient design Roman sword rests in the striking solid brass studs
that encircle the rich wood pommel and guard. Truly an imperial touch to this historical functional
battle ready sword! Leather sheath included. Blade: 2-1/4"W x 22"L. Overall length 30".
#2010 Retail Price $240
That is from the Ritter Steel Website. It can be found for substantially less money.
First impressions of this sword is that it felt quite heavy in hand, also was rough in appearance
which may or may not be attributed to it's second hand status. It weighs in at a hefty 3 1/2 lbs.
The hilt is ornate in a fashion I have never encountered in a gladius.
The pommel is an oblong round shape with inset brass studs.
The grip is a bit shy of 4 in. long, 3 7/8 around at the guard tapering to 3 1/8 at hilt. Finger
contoured with brass bands.
The guard is oval in shape with brass studs and a brass plate.
The blade thick, about 1/4 in. at the pronounced center spine. I seem to detect a very slight distal
taper. The blade is 21 1/2 in length and 2 1/4 in width. POB is 4 1/4 in. from the guard.
It came with a very steep secondary bevel, not sharp enough for me to cut with any success.
It has a Pompeii type shape to the blade.
I had to work on the edge to get it to cut. I got it to just paper cutting sharp.
The action video.
This gladius was heavy in use and I could feel the weight of it in my shoulder after a bit. I had to
apply extra speed and force to the cut and the thrust. Not an easy sword to use. It does appear to be quite durable.
To sum up. This is an interesting piece in the way it is decorated and for what I paid it's a good
addition to my gladius collection. However I wouldn't pay full price. If one was looking for a gladius
to actually use I'd pass on this one. If on the other hand you're like me and love all things gladii,
you might like to pick up this one, if you could find it at a cut rate price.