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Post by Deleted on Sept 2, 2009 23:02:50 GMT
Can someone please tell me (hopefully a connoisseur of Roman swords) what the heaviest yet functional gladius weighs? I'm still new to this, so please bear with me.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 2, 2009 23:33:58 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Sept 3, 2009 0:56:56 GMT
Do you mean modern commercial reproductions or historic originals?
I think a good general rule for gladius-size swords (not just Roman era, but all eras and cultures), is that they shouldn't weigh much more than 2.5 lbs at the most, and even that's a bit too heavy.... a good range is 1.5 to 2.25 lbs, give or take....
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Post by YlliwCir on Sept 3, 2009 1:02:18 GMT
I wouldn't want to go higher than 2 - 2 1/2Lbs max.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 3, 2009 1:30:21 GMT
Heavy does not equal functional. Some of the best gladius are rather light but extremely well made. Also you might be more interested in a spatha depending on what you want the weapon for. A gladius is primarily designed to thrust, the spatha is a cavalry weapon and so designed to cut and thrust. Why do you specify that you want it to be heavy? How much do you want to spend?
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Post by Deleted on Sept 3, 2009 20:05:03 GMT
Thanks for the replies. I wanted a bit of heft to it, just a bit and so I was curious as to how much one weighed on average and they appear to be pretty light. I love short swords but sometimes the lightness throws me off. I'll look at a spatha such as was suggested above. To answer your question, bloodwraith, I would spend up to $250 but I won't be buying one anytime soon...
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Post by Deleted on Sept 3, 2009 20:11:05 GMT
I think it depends on the length; not all gladii are made the same it seems. Some are more historically accurate than others (I'd stay away from the Windlass ones unless you really like them) but it really depends on what you want it for.
If you prefer a bit of heft, you might want to opt for a spatha- but again, it depends on who makes it. I've seen one that was about 1 3/4 lbs (Windlass made) - while a good looking sword it seemed to light at 38" to be of real interest to me; but then, my whole focus is on the sword types that knights of the Crusades would've carried. Maybe a little after that, too.
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Post by torawashi on Sept 6, 2009 4:55:44 GMT
Can someone please tell me (hopefully a connoisseur of Roman swords) what the heaviest yet functional gladius weighs? I'm still new to this, so please bear with me. Hi; I have several Roman gladii, but if you're looking for a hefty one, my suggestion is the Praetorian gladius from Valiant Armoury. It weighs in at 2 lbs. 9 oz. which sounds rather heavy but actually is quite well balanced and easy to wield. the Mainz pattern blade is quite accurate and the grip is attractive and easy to hold. the leather scabbard is not historically accurate (as far as we know, anyway), but is nicely curved to match the shape of the blade. Hope this helps. Good luck.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 6, 2009 15:36:00 GMT
Truthfully, if used as intended, as a stabbing weapon, lighter is better, speed and the arm behind it being the key. Actually, one of the best ones out there is the cheap but functional Deepeeka wood handled version. Plain but functional and pretty dang close to what the average legionary would have been issued. It's very close to historically correct, with a couple of very minor tweaks this one can be close to spot on. Most gladii being offered today range from "ok" to "downright laughable" in a historical context. Of course, if you like the looks of the "Fantasy" Gladii, The Valiant Armory version is pretty nice. The scabbard is crap (we know what they looked like, and that's NOT it....) and the grip is....well....maybe for a Praetorian Officer, maybe.
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Post by torawashi on Sept 6, 2009 16:56:18 GMT
Truthfully, if used as intended, as a stabbing weapon, lighter is better, speed and the arm behind it being the key. Actually, one of the best ones out there is the cheap but functional Deepeeka wood handled version. Plain but functional and pretty dang close to what the average legionary would have been issued. It's very close to historically correct, with a couple of very minor tweaks this one can be close to spot on. Most gladii being offered today range from "ok" to "downright laughable" in a historical context. Of course, if you like the looks of the "Fantasy" Gladii, The Valiant Armory version is pretty nice. The scabbard is crap (we know what they looked like, and that's NOT it....) and the grip is....well....maybe for a Praetorian Officer, maybe. SPQR; Let me clarify the statement that you seem to have taken exception to. When I said "as far as we know" concerning gladius scabbards, what I meant was the scabbard is not historically accurate as far as what has been found thus far. there are certainly many more swords and scabbards of all eras that have not been discovered than those that have. Since, obviously, we can only go by what has been found in that sense, yes, the scabbard is historically inaccurate. Hope that clears up what I meant to convey. Also, the lady asked about "heavy" and "functional". Historically accurate was not part of the question.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 8, 2009 16:16:36 GMT
Just go for the Kris Cutlery Gladus you will be happy with it. All it's scabbard needs is copper or bronze plate where you can engrave the the campanigns you've been. Good blade with a good grip it thrust and cuts well. I know I am happy with mine
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