Maximus sword by windlass

kultofathena.com/product.asp?item=SW635

If you're talking about this one, I think it's their reproduction of a sword from Gladiator.

As a gladius it's a bit too long, I'd really have to call it a gladius-fitted spatha if anything. A bit fantastical and I wouldn't go for it if you want a more accurate reproduction.

I also note that it is NOT labeled as 'battle ready'. KoA tends to know what it's doing when it comes to that, and as such I wouldn't use it as anything more than a display model. The low price also brings functionality into question. I would also not be terribly surprised if the blade is stainless steel.

It does have a threaded pommel, however, so theoretically you could buy it and take it apart, show us and see if we think it's functional.

Windlass hasn't made the Maximus for quite some time, but when they did it was okay. It was tempered high carbon steel but had a plastic handle. Replace that and it would be okay. I just picked up the Sword of Tigris made by windlass from ebay (hasn't gotten here yet, though). And I did a little research on the swords--there are a few really old threads on SFI about the Gladiator swords. If I have a chance to pick up the Windlass made Maximus in the future I probably will (unless the Tiger really stinks).

I wouldn't buy the one Elheru linked even to hang on the wall.

Well, I picked up a Windlass Maximus from ebay for about $70--it's in rough shape (will need a new grip and refinishing of the pommel), but what the hey.

More interesting is Museum Replicas has announced in their blog that will be producing new Gladiator replicas--including the Maximus and a couple other swords along with armor pieces. Full blog post here: blog.museumreplicas.com/2011/06/gladiator-sneak-peak.html#links

For anyone interested there's a real windlass maximus sword on eBay right now for 149.00

Just saw the Sword of General Maximus on the KOA pre order page. I think it looks absolutely aweful :lol: , but where else can you find what looks like a completely accurate spatha blade for a good price. Gonna buy one when they are released and just throw out the hilt and make my own.

You must post your thoughts on it, Dave. I've actually been kinda looking forward to that one.

I pre-ordered the General Maximus spatha and it arrived in Dec. It is flashy, and sharp but heavy as heck...over 3 lbs I believe. The pommel has a gold leaf cover on it and this unscrews with a small gold screw to reveal a larger stout screw flush into the pommel and tang end. I haven't disassembled it further as I had recently broken a bone handle off my Hanwei Mainz disassembling that sword. The scabbard is sturdy and has adornments in gold plate as well. For $250 I think it was a good deal...the Marto version is unsharpened and was $450 if I remember and the hardware looks identical. They make a sub $100 dollar one with a dull 440 blade as well with the same hardware.
"Are you not entertained?"

lol

Interesting. I own the latest release from Windlass in High Carbon steel and there no markings at all. I don't believe the sword is of any collector value with or without stampings...at least not presently. Windlass probably stopped stamping them to shave production costs. In my opinion only, I would prefer not having the made in India stamp at all...but again that's just me. Please keep us posted on what you find out from Windlass, it is interesting.

$3,800 is absolutely ridiculous. I am new to swords, what is Factory X? their reputation and the like