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Post by Deleted on Sept 8, 2010 1:12:29 GMT
Has anyone bought the new 4211N pompeii Gladius from Deepeeka? I hear it is a upgrade from their old model. I sent a email to Deepeeka asking what the changes are, so hopefully we can if no one knows the differences. I believe they are using a better steel quality and blade profile to get a better tang as well but not sure.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 10, 2010 19:34:50 GMT
There has been major changes from 4211 to 4211N but most of the changes focus on changes on the furniture (flat pommel to round pommel, changes in scabbard fitting). There might be some changes to the blade, but I am not sure if the quality of blade/blade temper is of any improvement. I am quite sure the tang on newer Deepeeka gladius is not welded (if you got one that is welded, have it replaced). Still, it is perfectly acceptable to use a deepeeka gladius for cutting if sharpened. On the plus side it is affordable and more (historically) accurate compare to gladius of the same price (excluding Albion of course). Personally I prefer a rounder guard and a shorter grip so I've modified mine with a file and a hand-saw to my taste
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Post by Deleted on Sept 10, 2010 20:56:20 GMT
I bought this as my first gladius expecting it to be rather bad. But I have been surprised at it ever since, the blade steel isn't top quality and quite soft, but when sharpened up its a descent cutter. All the fittings are tight and solidly made, and after loads of practice handling and cutting to test the structural integrity, its still just as solid as when I received it. Of course it cant compare at all to the gen2, windlass or valiant armory gladii, but for the price its still a good buy. The only problem i've had with it is the grip , as it is square shaped and feels a bit uncomfortable when swung, but as it was intended as a stabbing weapon, having a square shaped handle helps increase your grip whilst stabbing. Remember that it comes very very blunt, it took me quite a while to sharpen it up and even though it can cut through bottles, it doesn't do so very cleanly, more of a ripping effect from the force of the strike (or maybe thats just my technique). It also looks really great and is historically accurate. hope this helps.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 10, 2010 21:02:30 GMT
Oh yeah and before I ordered this gladius I asked a lot of questions to the seller, who was one of the guys who helped deepeeka redesign the gladius from the old one into this one. He assured me the tang is thicker than previous models and is NOT welded, and the sword will stand up to a bit of a beating. He also told me that it isn't for blade on blade contact, but will stand up to sword on shield just like the ancients fought.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 10, 2010 21:10:44 GMT
I agree that the deepeeka pompeii could be improved upon. The grip of most gladius is orthogonal (8-sided). One could use a rasp or a half-round file (don't forget a mask) to remove the sides. In my case, I bought a bone from a local pet store (take some time to find a good one), and make a new grip with a rasp and a half-round file. Took me a good afternoon to get it into decent shape and another couple of hours to get the groove nicely carved out. One could find more information here www.larp.com/legioxx/gladhnts.htmlI don't really care much about Deepeeka scabbard. It seems like it is made of hard cardboard or something. If I have the time, could make my own scabbard with Deepeeka's fitting. Alternatively, KOA offers sharpening service, it will come sharp but with a secondary bevel, one could smooth the bevel with some low grit sandpaper and polish it up to a 800 grit. Edit: If I recall correctly, the carbon content of steel is fairly low and edge retention probably isn't as great as modern-made sword. Some roman reenactors were concerned that modern made gladius are 'over-engineered' to perform much more than it was originally intended....(like cutting tanks ). In addition, the blade of gladius is rather soft and short so it almost never breaks on contact (though it might bend of course).
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Post by chrisperoni on Sept 10, 2010 21:20:34 GMT
What are the respective prices for each- new and old?
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Post by Deleted on Sept 10, 2010 21:36:17 GMT
This is the reply I got from Deepeeka on the 4211N gladius.
"Dear Sir;
Thankyou for your mail. The colour of AH4211 is black whereas the scabbard of AH4211N is Red. There is difference in pomel. Decoration plate on AH4211N is see through. Scabbard bottom part has changed decoration. This is not combat ready."
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Post by Deleted on Sept 10, 2010 22:58:53 GMT
What are the respective prices for each- new and old? They are about the same, with 4211N a lil more expensive. Both should retail for less than $150.... heck I've seen the 4211 on ebay for $30 brand new at one time...lol. Of well I've seen one Albion (firstgen) gladius got snapped on ebay for $300, that was painful to watch Edit: KC gladius is a little heavy but quite sure is "combat ready", don't really know much about the rest.
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