Valiant Armoury Praetorian Gladius

[Torawashi]

The ancient world is one of the periods in history that fascinates me. I have walked in the footsteps of Alexander in Greece, stood in the Parthenon on the Acropolis in Athens and traveled to the Italian island of Sardinia. I consider myself fortunate to have seen these places and this has given me a better understanding for what they meant to the civilized world. This sword is of the type excavated in Mainz, present day Germany, where i spent about 10 years of my life (Germany, not Mainz).

The Valiant Armoury "Praetorian" is named in honor of the Praetorian guard that was created in 27 BC by the Roman Emperor Augustus. It is a Mainz style Roman Gladius sword. This type first appeared shortly after Mainz was founded as the Roman permanent camp of Moguntiacum in 13 BC by the Roman general Drusus. The swords made at Mainz were generally sold to the people of the lands to the north of Mainz. They are characterized by a slight waist running the length of the blade and a long point. The Valiant Armoury Praetorian Roman Gladius features a sharp, hand hammer forged carbon steel blade. The handle is alternating brass and macassar ebony hardwood.

The Roman Gladius was a short sword intended primarily for thrusting, although the edges were sharp and was a pretty efficient cutter too. the Roman legionaries would move in close and used the large shield (scutum) to protect the man on their left in the shield wall and stab with the sword at their usually flimsily protected enemy. It was the discipline of the Roman legions that gave them so many victories.

I submit to you the following images for your enjoyment/edification. I have named this sword "Crocea Mors"(Yellow Death). It was the name of Julius Caesar's sword.
Overall Length: 27 7/8'' Blade: 19 3/4''
Weight: 2 lb 9.2 oz

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w71/jimnpatsy/CroceaMorsMarbleHorizontalBump.jpg
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w71/jimnpatsy/CroceaMorsHerselfLargeBump.jpg
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w71/jimnpatsy/VA-Gladius3.jpg

[HeadCheese]

Thanks for the history lesson!

How about an in-depth review of your particular "Yellow Death" when you get a chance. I've considered getting a Gladius at some point and would appreciate a fit-and-finish as well as performance review.

[Dotanuki]

Excellent review Tora,

A very overlooked sword, this is the sword that conquered the ancient world of the Romans.
Yet very often it is given very little discussion.
This sword while primarily a thrusting weapon (tactics used) could do it all.
Look at the pommel, and overall construction, this sword was made for raw, get in your face close combat.
Both Tora and I are students of ancient warfare.
A quick correction though, my friend.
The Romans, at the time of the Marian legions, (Julius Caesar) used this sword in very close, shoulder to shoulder combat. They would block the man in front with their scutum (big square shield) and stab the man to their right. As the man to the right was engaged with the man in front, this would leave his right side (sword arm) open. He would not be expecting it.
With the press of the battle, and bodies being packed together, this lethal strategy conquered the world.
Clever devils, those ancient Italians, eh!

[Torawashi]

Dot; yes you're correct about the combat tactics, they would do this after they had thrown their Pilum, a type of throwing spear with a soft metal forward shaft. if it missed the opponent and hit his shield the shaft would bend and make the shield too awkward and heavy to hold, thus causing the enemy to drop his shield and leave himself open for spear or sword thrusts. The primary targets for the sword were the throat the groin and the belly for evisceration. if the opponent was too well protected in these areas the legionary would go for the legs or hamstrings. these people were just as intelligent (if not more so) as we are, they just had to work within the technology of the times.

[Torawashi]

Thanks for the history lesson!

How about an in-depth review of your particular "Yellow Death" when you get a chance. I've considered getting a Gladius at some point and would appreciate a fit-and-finish as well as performance review.

OK headcheese, you got it; the sword is very well made, of carbon steel, don't know the actual carbon content but it is a very well tempered, sturdy blade, edges are very sharp, at least on my example. the blade has a matte finish rather than a glossy shine. I prefer the matte blade finish on Western swords. the hilt is of macassar ebony wood with brass spacers along the grip which make for a good grip for your fingers.
it is, of course, "battle ready", full strong tang that runs through the pommel and is topped with a solid brass pommel nut as in the originals. the facing of the boss (gladii don't have tsuba or cross guards, they have a "boss") where it meets the blade is of solid brass. everything fits very tightly together and the grain of the wood is beautiful to behold.

The weight (2 lbs. 9 oz.) would seem heavy for a shortsword, but the sword is balanced superbly and it is very comfortable to hold and wield. as a cutter it shines. although its primary purpose is thrusting, it cuts well. I have cut water filled milk jugs, pop bottles, and light tatami mats. all were cleanly cut. I have thrust into water filled milk jugs and the tip of the blade is like a needle but it's well reinforced so it won't break or bend on you. I don't cut or thrust against hard objects like trees or boards. Let the manufacturers do the destruction test, I don't want to destroy my swords. yes the blade was designed to punch through chain mail but chain mail has a give to it and is not solid. this is a sword and not an axe or spear. the scabbard is the only thing that is not historically accurate. it is made of leather, high quality, sturdy, and is the shape of the waisted blade. very nice looking. I would recommend this gladius to anyone looking for a historically accurate example of a Mainz pattern Roman gladius for both cutting and display. I might also note that this sword has been out of stock for a while, it sold out quickly when it came out and nobody has them right now, not even Valiant Armoury, but they should be available soon I have been told. I also have a Pompeii pattern Roman gladius which I will review at a later date.
Does this help?:sword:

[Torawashi]

Deleted by Torawashi

[HeadCheese]

<Delete Button Activated>

[Torawashi]

you're right, of course....the comment was uncalled for and i retract it. it's been a bad day and i won't bore you with the reason why. but that's no excuse for bad behavior on my part. you have my apologies my friend. and i didn't know you had sent me a rep. thanks very much.

[goose710]

Handled like gentlemen both!!!!
As is the case most times a bad day/ family stuff/ bills/ job/ etc can make us a bit unthinking /testy/ or just plain in a foul mood. Add to it typed messages can be taken in the wrong context, humor can some times be mistaken for a jib.
You guys just proved That we CAN all get along if we take but a moment to consider why something was said and how it was said.
you guys rock!
da gooseman

[Taygrd]

Ditto, handled like true men.

[Torawashi]

Handled like gentlemen both!!!!
As is the case most times a bad day/ family stuff/ bills/ job/ etc can make us a bit unthinking /testy/ or just plain in a foul mood. Add to it typed messages can be taken in the wrong context, humor can some times be mistaken for a jib.
You guys just proved That we CAN all get along if we take but a moment to consider why something was said and how it was said.
you guys rock!
da gooseman

Thanks for the kind comments Goose, it was my fault and HeadCheese was right. I erased my post as there was no need for something like that to remain on public view. :ohyeah:

[HeadCheese]

Thanks for the vote of confidence. It's my genteel upbringing coming into play, I suppose.

I'm going to kill my posts, because I had quotes.

[bobO]

=D>:flowers:B-) Lead by example. Bravo guys.