Roman Gladiator Spartan Gladius Sword and Sheath

THIS IS A MASSIVE SWORD WITH A HEAVY STEEL BLADE WHICH FITS WELL IN IT'S SHEATH & IS COMFORTABLE TO HOLD. IT REMINDS ME OF THE PINE SWORD I USED TO PRACTICE WITH AS A YOUNG WARRIOR. WIELDING THIS SWORD OVER MY HEAD I CAN HEAR THE ROMAN MOB SCREAMING FOR BLOOD; "HAIL SPARTACUS!"

This is a hefty well made sword that is more than worth the money. It�s bigger that the pictures would have you believe and the stainless steel appears to be of good quality and looks as if it could take a fine edge. You have to hold this sword to appreciate the power of these things in the hands of those old time Roman soldiers. I�m more than happy with the sword and the sheath is not bad either. It�s real leather and the only thing I don�t like is the way the strap is affixed around the handle with a modern snap. It�s a minor issue and could easily be changed out for something more appropriate to the time period. All in all it's a great buy.

So first off its more of a two handed grip which is not historically accurate for a gladius. The blade is obviously cut not forged and it is not cut well. The blade is not even on both sides. It is slightly curved on one end and angular on the other. Another weird thing is mine didn't come with a sheath. Also I was swinging it around one day (not hitting anything just slow swordsman drills) and the pommel popped off and the whole grip fell apart. I was able to put it back together but now I cant even pick it up with out it falling apart. So its purely a decorative piece, and a bad one at that. Sorry to say it but this is one of the worst purchases I have made on BUDK and they are usually awesome.

The blade is thin, flimsy and wobbly, very disappointed. The wood handle is quite nice though.

Ordered this with a few other items for $39.99. It is pretty cheaply made even for $39.99 and wobbly and dull. I just returned it and saw the price dropped to $19.99. I might have kept it for that price and saved the shipping charges. Not up to budk standards.