Bronze Legion Handmade D2 Steel Roman Gladius Short Sword | Broad Leaf Shaped Double Edged Blade, Matte Bead Blasted | Ribbed Dark Hardwood Grip with Bronze Guard & Spherical Pommel | 22 Inch | Leather Scabbard | Historical Collector Gift for Him | BMK-1131

Description

Bronze Legion is a gladius built to the proportions the Roman army actually used — twenty-two inches overall, which is short enough to draw in a shield wall and heavy enough at the point to punch through what it met there. The blade is the classic broad leaf: it widens through the middle and narrows to a long stabbing point, double edged the whole way. Cut from D2 tool steel and bead blasted to a flat matte, so it reads as a working weapon rather than a wall ornament.

The furniture is the part that dates it. A ribbed dark hardwood grip — the finger grooves are not a modern ergonomic touch, they are how the originals were turned — between a bronze guard and a large spherical bronze pommel. That heavy ball at the back is functional: it counterweights the broad blade so the balance point sits just ahead of your hand.

Built for: collectors, reenactors and anyone who wants a historical pattern that is a real blade rather than a costume prop. The short length makes it one of the few swords that is genuinely practical indoors and one of the easier ones to display.

Why D2 rather than a plain carbon steel: a gladius is a thrusting weapon, and the point takes the load. D2 runs harder than the mild steels most replica gladii are made from, so the point holds its geometry, and it is semi-stainless — which matters on a blade with this much flat surface to look after.

Care: D2 is semi-stainless, not stainless. Wipe the blade after handling and keep a light coat of mineral oil on it. The bead-blasted finish is matte and will hold a fingerprint, so a cloth is your friend. Bronze develops a warm patina — leave it or polish it back, whichever you prefer. Store the sword out of the scabbard; leather holds moisture against steel.

FAQs

Is the shield in the photograph included? No — the scutum is a prop for the photograph. The sword and its leather scabbard are what ship.

Is this a historically accurate gladius? It follows the broad leaf-blade Mainz pattern in proportion and profile, and the grip, guard and pommel are the traditional three-part arrangement. It is a handmade interpretation, not a museum reproduction — the steel is modern and better than anything a Roman smith had.

How heavy is it? Lighter than it looks. A gladius is a short sword, and the spherical pommel balances the broad blade so it feels quick rather than nose-heavy.

Does it arrive sharp? Yes, both edges. If you want it delivered unsharpened for display or reenactment use, note it on the order — most reenactment groups require blunt.

Is a scabbard included? Yes — a fitted leather scabbard comes with the sword.

Make it a gift: add laser engraving at checkout. Every order ships from Memphis, TN with a lifetime warranty — backed by 2,000+ verified 5-star reviews.

Model: BMK-1131