[Luke Zechman]

Hello everyone! I am new to this forum and was excited to finally have a place to ask some questions. Placed an order for my first sword this week, and was wondering what you all might think. First off, what is the general thoughts on Generation 2 products. From what I understand they are tough products, but lack in historical accuracy. I have ordered the Mainz pattern gladius from them, and from other reviews had discovered that it isn't very historically accurate. What makes a Mainz pattern gladius historically accurate. Any information about size, weight, materials used, or configuration and shape of furniture would be helpful. I guess since it is my first sword i am more concerned with handling characteristics and durability, but for future purchases I will be gunning for authenticity. Please help direct me. thanks

[Matthew Amt]

Ave!

I'm not familiar with Generation 2 swords, but my own humble site might be helpful:

http://www.larp.com/legioxx/

http://www.larp.com/legioxx/gladius.html

There's also huge amounts of good information on the Roman Army Talk board,

http://www.romanarmytalk.com/rat/

Good luck and Vale,

Matthew

[Antonio Lamadrid]

This may help you:

http://www.sword-buyers-guide.com/ancient-swords.html#Roman

http://www.sword-buyers-guide.com/ancient-roman-swords.html


If money is not an issue, and you want to get it right:

http://www.albion-swords.com/swords/albion/ne...-mainz.htm

[Nathan Robinson]

[David Wilson]

While I appreciate being quoted (and it's a sentiment I stand by), I must point out some disagreement with their evaluation of the Kris Cutlery Gladius (Sorry, I know, a bit off topic), but it's actually made in the Phillipines. In terms of historical accuracy, it's actually not too far off, compared to some others. The major problem is the exposed gaurd plate; it should be sunk into the gaurd. The grip is a bit bigger than the historical finds allow, but I consider this a minor quibble. It's very comfortable to use, especially when doing a lot of cutting, and at least the shape is correct.

Okay, back onto cheap Mainz gladii....

Well, there's always Deepeeka. Deepeeka's gladii are very accurate, historically, but I consider them more "show" than "go". If you want to do some cutting, I would not seek out a Deepeeka, due to several factors: hilt assembly, unpredictable and inconsistent heat treatment, the lack of an edge (you'll have to edge and sharpen it yourself)....

Del Tin makes a nice-looking Mainz-pattern, with a very, very nice scabbard available. It suffers from one major historical accuracy problem as well, an exposed steel gaurd plate. There's also a vestigial "mini ricasso" area, that's barely noticeable. Like the Indian-made swords, the DT is unsharpened. But I wager it would make a better cutter than the Deepeeka!

The only other commercially-made Mainz-pattern gladius I'm aware of that is both historically accurate and functional is the aforementioned Albion. Look at it this way: Yeah, it's expensive. But I'd say it's worth it. Sadly, they don't make a scabbard (I'd contact Christian Fletcher for this. I cheated -- the older Albion gladii fit quite well in Deepeeka scabbards. I don't know why, but they did. I don't know if the newer ones will, they may be too small for the scabbards). In any event, maybe it's worthwhile to save your money for the higher quality stuff!

Or, go custom. Mark Morrow (http://www.swordsmith.net/) is highly recommended by reenactors. Joe Piela's Lonely Mountain Forge (http://www.lonelymountain.hoplologia.org/) has also done a lot of work for reenactors.

Oh yes, one last option, although right now it exists in the realm of vaporware: The Valiant Armoury Actium gladius from their "Signature Collection" Christian Fletcher/Angus Trim design line. It looks promising!
http://www.valiant-armoury.com/