Jun
The word ‘gladius’ is latin for ‘sword’ and was used to describe the sword favoured by ancient Roman foot soldiers.
Although historically the word was used to describe any shape of sword, it has since become synonymous with a very specific sword design – one with two sharp edges and a sharp tapered point.
As this image shows, the gladius has a very distinct shape, with it’s knobbed hilt and specific blade style.
An Updated (and more practical) Classic
The Cold Steel Gladius Machete takes this classic shape as it’s foundation and builds upon it with modern updates to create a tool unlike any other machete.
Whilst it still features the classic style of pommel, it has the added strength and durability that comes from a full tang construction.
The handle has been made to reduce the impact of chopping action by using high-impact polypropylene in its construction.
This super tough handle material is also weather proof, so it can be used in pretty much any environment without the worry of rotting, splitting or cracking.
The Cold Steel Gladius comes complete with a very sturdy Cord-Ex sheath that covers the blade all the way to the handle. The sheath has a tough belt loop and a press studded strap to keep the machete secure.
In the hand the Gladius machete feels both sturdy and weighty. The weight is needed, as it will make using the machete swing and hit with more impact, making jobs like clearing brush that much easier.
However, it doesn’t feel too heavy (it weighs a touch over 27 oz), so using it shouldn’t be too taxing.
A lot of machetes may arrive in an semi blunt state, so that you have to put your own edge on the blade prior to use, but that is not the case for the Cold Steel Gladius Machete. This machete arrives razor sharp on all sides so it is ready to use with no preparation required.
The blade is a generous 18″ of 1055 steel. This type of steel is ideal for this kind of tool as it excels at toughness and edge retention.
1055 steel is great for blades that will be suffering heavy impacts, so a perfect material for machetes.
The only real disadvantage of using 1055 steel in a machete is that it has little stain resistance, so cleaning and maintenance is important to prevent discoloration.
However, the Cold Steel Gladius Machete has a baked on matte black anti rust finish, so stains should not be a worry!
The way the blade widens slightly before tapering to a sharp point pushes the balance of the blade towards the tip. This helps when swinging the machete, adding momentum and making any strike more efficient and effective.
The fact that it is double sided is also advantageous, you don’t need to worry about which way round the machete is held or which hand the machete is in, it will be equally effective from all sides.
This is a great tool, and would be highly effective when used for a wide range of activities including chopping, clearing, agriculture, hunting, defence, building, carving, cutting…the list goes on!
In the past I’ve used a few different machete styles, from the classic Parang to the Nepalese style Kukri but I’ve never used a machete in this style.
I must admit I like the idea of this a lot.
The feeling of clearing brush, or trimming back some of my increasingly unruly garden with a Roman sword inspired machete is pretty damn cool, don’t you think?
And remember…”what we do in life… echoes in eternity!”
