Generation 2 Mainz Gladius - October 2008
Oct 2, 2010 21:05:05 GMT
Post by RicWilly on Oct 2, 2010 21:05:05 GMT
Generation 2 Mainz Roman Gladius IP-023-2 reviewed by Richard Williams of Evansville, Indiana USA.
I have been considering this blade for some time. I have the brother to it, the Gen2 Pompeii, and it's been one of my
favorites. When this one was offered up by a fellow SBG forumite at a deal of a price I could resist the call no longer.
The retail price is $199. I got mine considerably cheaper, thanks Axeman!
Some statistics:
Overall length - 29 1/2 inches.
Blade length - 21 inches.
Blade width - 2 inches at the guard, 1 5/8 at the waist and 1 7/8 at the flare.
Blade thickness- Imperial Weapons put it at 3/16 inches. It appears a bit thicker to me, I don't have calipers.
Grip length - 4 1/4 inches.
Grip circum. - 4 inches on the ridges, 3 5/8 on the finger grooves.
Guard - 3 inches wide, 1 1/2 thick and 1 1/2 at it's tallest.
Pommel - 2 1/2 inches wide, 1 3/8 thick and 2 inches at it's tallest not including a 1/2 inch pommel nut.
Weight - 2 pounds going by my bathroom scale.
The blade arrived paper cutting sharp. The fittings were solid and tight with no defects. Came with a decent wood core
leather covered scabbard with metal accents:
Keep in mind I took the pictures after doing some extensive test cutting so any apparent scratches or marks were probably
put there by me.
Pommel view:
Hilt:
The blade:
The blade has been described as hexagonal in shape, tho I detect a very shallow fuller (going strictly by touch) for most
of it's length, the last 6 1/4 inches being a diamond cross section. The blade is stiff with a sufficient flex for me.
This gladius feels very good in hand, light and quick.
Testing:
The sword cuts very well and it really shines when thrusting (it is a gladius after all). I am well pleased with it.
Report card:
Historical accuracy - Not really historical imo. I would call it a modern interpretation of a gladius.
Fit and Finish - 4/5 some minor blemishes of no import. No effect on the structure.
Handling - 4/5 it would benefit from more ovaled or squared grip to be more user friendly.
Structural integrity - 5/5 at this point no looseness in the fittings or damage to the blade.
Value for money - 4/5 at the retail price and a steal at what I paid.
To sum up I'd recommend this gladius to anyone who wanted a Handy little sword. For myself I am very happy with it.
I have been considering this blade for some time. I have the brother to it, the Gen2 Pompeii, and it's been one of my
favorites. When this one was offered up by a fellow SBG forumite at a deal of a price I could resist the call no longer.
The retail price is $199. I got mine considerably cheaper, thanks Axeman!
Some statistics:
Overall length - 29 1/2 inches.
Blade length - 21 inches.
Blade width - 2 inches at the guard, 1 5/8 at the waist and 1 7/8 at the flare.
Blade thickness- Imperial Weapons put it at 3/16 inches. It appears a bit thicker to me, I don't have calipers.
Grip length - 4 1/4 inches.
Grip circum. - 4 inches on the ridges, 3 5/8 on the finger grooves.
Guard - 3 inches wide, 1 1/2 thick and 1 1/2 at it's tallest.
Pommel - 2 1/2 inches wide, 1 3/8 thick and 2 inches at it's tallest not including a 1/2 inch pommel nut.
Weight - 2 pounds going by my bathroom scale.
The blade arrived paper cutting sharp. The fittings were solid and tight with no defects. Came with a decent wood core
leather covered scabbard with metal accents:
Keep in mind I took the pictures after doing some extensive test cutting so any apparent scratches or marks were probably
put there by me.
Pommel view:
Hilt:
The blade:
The blade has been described as hexagonal in shape, tho I detect a very shallow fuller (going strictly by touch) for most
of it's length, the last 6 1/4 inches being a diamond cross section. The blade is stiff with a sufficient flex for me.
This gladius feels very good in hand, light and quick.
Testing:
The sword cuts very well and it really shines when thrusting (it is a gladius after all). I am well pleased with it.
Report card:
Historical accuracy - Not really historical imo. I would call it a modern interpretation of a gladius.
Fit and Finish - 4/5 some minor blemishes of no import. No effect on the structure.
Handling - 4/5 it would benefit from more ovaled or squared grip to be more user friendly.
Structural integrity - 5/5 at this point no looseness in the fittings or damage to the blade.
Value for money - 4/5 at the retail price and a steal at what I paid.
To sum up I'd recommend this gladius to anyone who wanted a Handy little sword. For myself I am very happy with it.