Windlass Gladiator Sword
Oct 24, 2008 21:36:40 GMT
Post by YlliwCir on Oct 24, 2008 21:36:40 GMT
Windlass Steelcrafts Gladiator Sword - 501124 reviewed by RK Williams of Evansville Indiana USA
This little blade caught my eye about six months ago. I have a fondness for short blades and especially gladii. The simple
functionality of this one appeals to me. I ordered it on 10/18/08 from Kult of Athena for $129.95 plus $10.43 shipping and decided
to try their sharpening service for $18.00 bringing the grand total to $158.38. I was surprised to receive my sharpened
shortie on 10/23/08. Kudos to KOA for fast service.
Vendors description: Gladiators fought with a wide variety of weapons, but the simple short sword was one of the favorites.
This gladiator sword is based on the Roman Maintz Gladius of the time, but with a much simpler hilt suitable for the slave
who would wield it. Features an unsharpened high carbon steel blade, wood grip and antiqued brass guard an pommel. Includes
a matching leather scabbard with antiqued brass accents.
Overall Length: 23 3/4'' Blade: 17''
Weight: 2 lb 3.6 oz
Dry handling impressions; this blade felt weighty in the hand, not heavy, just substantial for it's size. A serious piece of
business so to speak. Everything felt tight and solid. The edge KOA put on it had a secondary bevel and was sufficient to
cut paper.
The pommel and guard are attractive with a rustic look nothing fancy.
The grip is 4 inches long varies from 3 1/4 to 4 in. around and is rectangular with rounded edges. Fits my hand nicely.
It has a screw on pommel assembly, with a sufficient tang.
The guard is about 3 1/4 ins. across, 3/4 or so tall and about 3/4 wide.
Point of balance is less than an inch from the guard making this a fast blade in hand. Blade is 2 3/8 in. at it's widest and 1 7/8 at the waist.
The blade appears to be between 3/16 and 1/4 in. thick to my eye (still no calipers) and fairly stiff as a gladius should be.
Nice and pointy, no distal taper to speak of with a leaf shape.
The scabbard is stiff leather with brass accents. Stitched neatly up the back.
Action test:
As you can see this gladius performed its function very well. It is easy and enjoyable to use.
The only downside I observed is that the grip rotated about a 1/8 of an inch or so off center on a bad cut;
It was just the grip itself, the pommel and guard remained solid.
It didn't move freely and I was able to rotate it back in place
with moderate to heavy effort. I don't see this as a big issue and would be an easy fix in my opinion.
Report card:
Historical accuracy - No idea, looks old style to me.
Fit and Finish - 4/5 Minus 1 for not coming from the factory sharp, a pet peeve of mine.
Handling - 5/5 No complaints here, it's sweet to use.
Structural integrity - 3/5 Loses points for the rotating grip.
Value for money - 4/5 Worth the price.
To sum up I am impressed with this one. If you like the shorties, this one should please you.
This little blade caught my eye about six months ago. I have a fondness for short blades and especially gladii. The simple
functionality of this one appeals to me. I ordered it on 10/18/08 from Kult of Athena for $129.95 plus $10.43 shipping and decided
to try their sharpening service for $18.00 bringing the grand total to $158.38. I was surprised to receive my sharpened
shortie on 10/23/08. Kudos to KOA for fast service.
Vendors description: Gladiators fought with a wide variety of weapons, but the simple short sword was one of the favorites.
This gladiator sword is based on the Roman Maintz Gladius of the time, but with a much simpler hilt suitable for the slave
who would wield it. Features an unsharpened high carbon steel blade, wood grip and antiqued brass guard an pommel. Includes
a matching leather scabbard with antiqued brass accents.
Overall Length: 23 3/4'' Blade: 17''
Weight: 2 lb 3.6 oz
Dry handling impressions; this blade felt weighty in the hand, not heavy, just substantial for it's size. A serious piece of
business so to speak. Everything felt tight and solid. The edge KOA put on it had a secondary bevel and was sufficient to
cut paper.
The pommel and guard are attractive with a rustic look nothing fancy.
The grip is 4 inches long varies from 3 1/4 to 4 in. around and is rectangular with rounded edges. Fits my hand nicely.
It has a screw on pommel assembly, with a sufficient tang.
The guard is about 3 1/4 ins. across, 3/4 or so tall and about 3/4 wide.
Point of balance is less than an inch from the guard making this a fast blade in hand. Blade is 2 3/8 in. at it's widest and 1 7/8 at the waist.
The blade appears to be between 3/16 and 1/4 in. thick to my eye (still no calipers) and fairly stiff as a gladius should be.
Nice and pointy, no distal taper to speak of with a leaf shape.
The scabbard is stiff leather with brass accents. Stitched neatly up the back.
Action test:
As you can see this gladius performed its function very well. It is easy and enjoyable to use.
The only downside I observed is that the grip rotated about a 1/8 of an inch or so off center on a bad cut;
It was just the grip itself, the pommel and guard remained solid.
It didn't move freely and I was able to rotate it back in place
with moderate to heavy effort. I don't see this as a big issue and would be an easy fix in my opinion.
Report card:
Historical accuracy - No idea, looks old style to me.
Fit and Finish - 4/5 Minus 1 for not coming from the factory sharp, a pet peeve of mine.
Handling - 5/5 No complaints here, it's sweet to use.
Structural integrity - 3/5 Loses points for the rotating grip.
Value for money - 4/5 Worth the price.
To sum up I am impressed with this one. If you like the shorties, this one should please you.