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Post by Wias on Jul 12, 2012 21:58:27 GMT
I've been researching for the last few days trying to find a Mainz Gladius which is historically accurate and fully battle ready, the sort of thing a legionnaire would be proud to take on campaign. Unfortunately, it seems very few people make this sort of thing, as many of the "Mainz" gladii have no waist, brass not inset into the guard, threaded instead of peened, not sharp, all sorts of things. Even the heavily praised Kris Cutlery Gladius isn't waisted (not to mention constantly out of stock). So I narrowed it down to a custom made gladius from Mark Morrow or an Albion Allectus. The Albion swords receive universal praise for their historical accuracy, balance, and swingability. I don't think I've heard any cutting attempts with one, likely due to the high cost, though I don't intend to take out furniture or anything drastic. I'm mainly looking for a display and conversation piece that is actually functional. How does the swords Mark makes compare?
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Post by dwilson on Jul 13, 2012 0:39:22 GMT
I have no experience with Mark Morrow, but he does receive praise from Roman reenactors (check this page: www.larp.com/legioxx/gladius.html). One advantage is that you'll get a sword made to your specifications. Given his reputation, I wouldn't hesitate in contacting him for a project (but I'm all projected-out now). On the other hand, you can't go wrong with an Albion. Plenty of folks have cut with Albion gladii (myself included). They are certainly functional and will cut quite well. Or make a great functional display piece. (FYI, to be fair to the Kris gladius, it's actually a copy of a Pompeii-pattern sword, and isn't a Mainz pattern.)
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Post by Wias on Jul 14, 2012 0:39:31 GMT
I guess what I'm mainly looking for are reviews of a Mark Morrow sword. The link says he makes awesome blades, but it doesn't have any details.
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