The Roman army’s approach to warfare was direct and pragmatic. It chose the gladius as its principal sidearm because it was practical and efficient and excelled in any close combat situation. The early gladius (our version is the Maintz pattern) was wasp waisted with a long point that combined cutting power and stabbing ability in one handy weapon. This is the sword that conquered most of the known world. Made of high carbon steel by Windlass Steelcrafts.

Originals were excavated from the ruins of Pompeii. You can see examples in H. Russell Robinson’s book What The Soldiers Wore On Hadrian’s Wall''. This gladius in the maintz pattern has a faux ivory grip with ornate brass applique on the scabbard.