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Post by RufusScorpius on Apr 13, 2020 11:12:11 GMT
I finally got around to testing out my new Gladius from KOA with their sharpening service. Bottom line up front: it's a good blade. Buy it if you like Gladii. The weight seems fine, it's a bit lighter than my old Spatha (from unknown source), and it feels good in the hand. Balance point is around 5". It's a fairly large sword when in the scabbard. The overall proportions are very nice. The details are what makes it. These embossings appear to be stamped and are fairly thin. I think they would be appropriate on a period gladius for a soldier that got a particularly good reward after the battle and could afford a bit of bling. Back end is plain, but still well done. Tip detail is also very nice. Other details of the sword are also very nicely done. So let's look at the blade. I will say up front that I found very few things to complain about with the actual blade. It's straight, no warps or bends. It does have some wavyness on the surface, but unless you catch the light just right, you can't see it and it does not affect performance at all. Merely cosmetic. And I'm certain that a real Gladius wasn't this good anyways. This is the KOA sharpened edge. Very nice, very even. A bit rough on the surface finish. I tested the sword "as is" and it cuts just fine. Later I will polish the edge a bit smoother. Otherwise, I am very happy with the sharpening and they did a first class job on it. So what? Who cares? Swords aren't for looking at, right? So let's cut a bit with it! I am doing all my thrust testing now with carpet to make it more realistic. I am not skilled with the short sword, and these are my very first cuts with the Fulham. Final thoughts: It's a winner! I like this sword a lot and I can definitely see myself using it a lot. It obviously thrusts, and it obviously can cut. Feels good in the hand, and the included neck strap means I can carry anywhere with no problems.
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Zen_Hydra
Moderator
Born with a heart full of neutrality
Posts: 2,625
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Post by Zen_Hydra on Apr 13, 2020 11:26:46 GMT
While certainly not perfect, this is definitely one of the best looking Deepeeka products I've seen. I guess the rumors are true about how much better their Roman era products are than all the rest of their offerings.
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Post by RufusScorpius on Apr 13, 2020 11:34:38 GMT
Yes, there are a few cosmetic flaws, and it's a bit loose in the scabbard. BUT- since I paid well under $200 for it I can't complain. It has a very nice blade, and the scabbard is a real winner. I can put up with a few less than perfect areas for that price, and to have good steel is the really important part anyways. It feels good in the hand- that makes a big difference no matter what.
I was also a bit hesitant because the Deepeeka reputation is very hit or miss- but this definitely is one of their better products by far.
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pgandy
Moderator
Senior Forumite
Posts: 10,296
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Post by pgandy on Apr 13, 2020 12:46:06 GMT
Thanks for the report. I’m beginning to see Deepeeka in a new light and your review enforces that. There was a time that when I saw the name Deepeeka I couldn’t move on fast enough. Also I like the fact you used carpet to test the thrust. With that point and that bottle it would have been a worthless demo otherwise. You made it look worthwhile. The scabbard looks beautiful. Enjoy.
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Post by treeslicer on Apr 13, 2020 18:18:33 GMT
Thanks for the informative review. Could you please show us how it looks with the rest of your outfit?
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Post by RufusScorpius on Apr 13, 2020 19:14:28 GMT
Thanks for the informative review. Could you please show us how it looks with the rest of your outfit? Soon. I've got one more thing to get and I can show the full kit in context. Soon. Very soon. Would be now but the stupid virus has shut down some suppliers. I'll give a full go of it when everything is complete.
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Post by nerdthenord on Apr 13, 2020 19:17:52 GMT
Thanks. Doesn't look bad at all for Deepeeka.
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Post by RufusScorpius on Apr 13, 2020 19:28:55 GMT
Thanks for the report. I’m beginning to see Deepeeka in a new light and your review enforces that. There was a time that when I saw the name Deepeeka I couldn’t move on fast enough. Also I like the fact you used carpet to test the thrust. With that point and that bottle it would have been a worthless demo otherwise. You made it look worthwhile. The scabbard looks beautiful. Enjoy. I'm doing all my thrust testing with carpet from now on. I found that even a screwdriver can punch a hole in a milk jug. It proves nothing. The carpet is more of a challenge to the blade and even though it's not the best, it at least can give some resistance for comparative purposes. I heard about the carpet trick from some guy on some forum, some where...
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pgandy
Moderator
Senior Forumite
Posts: 10,296
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Post by pgandy on Apr 13, 2020 20:51:27 GMT
Thanks for the report. I’m beginning to see Deepeeka in a new light and your review enforces that. There was a time that when I saw the name Deepeeka I couldn’t move on fast enough. Also I like the fact you used carpet to test the thrust. With that point and that bottle it would have been a worthless demo otherwise. You made it look worthwhile. The scabbard looks beautiful. Enjoy. I'm doing all my thrust testing with carpet from now on. I found that even a screwdriver can punch a hole in a milk jug. It proves nothing. The carpet is more of a challenge to the blade and even though it's not the best, it at least can give some resistance for comparative purposes. I heard about the carpet trick from some guy on some forum, some where... I thought that looked familiar. :P
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Apr 13, 2020 21:12:02 GMT
YAY! I'm glad this review is finally here, although it's frustrating as hell: I WANT TO BUY ONE!
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Jash
Member
"Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum!"
Posts: 297
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Post by Jash on Apr 14, 2020 1:42:47 GMT
Nice review! This is one model I've been eyeing myself... glad to see it continues to not disappoint
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Scott
Member
Posts: 1,675
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Post by Scott on Apr 14, 2020 3:07:12 GMT
Damn you! You've got me wanting one now...
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Post by aldarith on Jun 24, 2020 15:31:44 GMT
It would not be a bad idea to cross-post your review on the Roman Army Talk forums. The people who design the Deepeeka Gladii are on that forums and actively interact with the users there. A lot of the jumps in quality of the DEEPEEKA offerings are a direct result of those forums.
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Post by aldarith on Jun 29, 2020 7:16:32 GMT
I'm wondering - would you be willing to do any other tests on the sword?
Is it peened or a nut?
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Post by RufusScorpius on Jun 30, 2020 0:22:37 GMT
I'm wondering - would you be willing to do any other tests on the sword? Is it peened or a nut? Sure, I'm open to doing tests on the sword. Absolutely! The problem I have is that I have one of those jobs that requires me to spend a lot of my time actually working and doing stuff, so my "free" time is very limited. I've had new armor since Christmas that I still haven't got around to getting a good review done, but I did manage to make some modifications to it (because I'm learning!). I wish I could spend something like a half a day at at time just goofing with the stuff and then I could make a number of reviews. Shoot, man. I had to go all the way to Germany just to spend a few hours sparring! That's how tight my time is....But nobody to blame but myself, I wanted the stupid job....
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Post by aldarith on Jul 3, 2020 22:20:23 GMT
Sounds intense! I hope you get some time
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Post by aldarith on Jul 19, 2020 13:44:47 GMT
Aldarith, What kind of other tests would you be interested in being put on this piece? I do suppose 'other' was a bit vague! A better choice might have been 'more' tests. I'm interested in Deepeeka's stuff - not only because of the attractive price point but because they are so often maligned and I want to investigate. I'd be interested in seeing 'more' light target cutting as well as some 'other' tatami / beach mat cutting. I won't ask anyone to abuse their sword any more than that... unless they WANT to, in which case I would ask to be your first spectator
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