All Purpose Tactical Machete with Sheath, Great for Clearing Brush, Survival, Camping and Outdoor Activities, Gladius Machete, One Size,Black

It came sharp. despite my fears due to other reviews, the gladius is sharp, clean, and required nothing more than some light deburring with a knife sharpener to make it an extremely lethal, battle ready, one-handed, short sword. I love the weight, feel, and grip. Awesome sword for a great price, very sturdy. It's overall length is equal to my katana, so it's a bit longer than I expected ( that's a good thing) I thought it was going to be another hatchet grade long knife, but it's so much more! Pair it with a targon shield from cold steel for defense and you're set in that department lol

History buffs might recall the short swords issued to 19th century artillerymen for the purposes of helping to clear brush and use as a last-ditch weapon. Many of those short-swords were, like this, based off of the antique Roman gladius. Cold Steel's interpretation of this weapon bears resemblance to a short Mainz-style gladius from around the time of Christ, as well as the later incarnation from the time of America's Civil War. As an old artilleryman, I like that. The scabbard is sturdy nylon reinforced with rivets and plastic, and it's rigid enough to work well. This gladius, like most other machetes, is not an urban breaching tool so get that thought out of your mind if that's something you're contemplating. It slices, cuts, and stabs through most animal and vegetable material something fierce, but it was clearly never meant to be used as a prybar or to smash metal hardware, and you'll damage it if you try to use it like that. That said, this is a wicked blade that can clear brush as well as most South American style machetes, and would probably be very effective for discouraging unfriendly locals if discretion was required or in the absence of authorization to use your rifle. Obviously, when doing heavy chopping through wood, you're not going to want to use the needle-like tip. If Cold Steel's design has a fault, it's the severe point that they've ground on this weapon. A more gradual taper would have made the tip sturdier. But when stabbing someone, the tip they gave this weapon would make it very deadly even through thick clothing. The balance on this sword is closer to the hilt than it is on most machetes, resulting in a weapon that is balanced more like a traditional short sword and is livelier in the hand than most machetes that were made simply for clearing brush. This is a fighting tool. Some people have made a big deal about Cold Steel calling this a "machete" when it is clearly intended for use as a short sword. My understanding of this practice is that they are attempting to differentiate their inexpensive, no-nonsense, everyday use product line from their pricier "swords", which are functional as well as pretty and shiny enough to display on your wall. That said, I'm not privy to any information that anyone else isn't. If you're looking for something to decorate your house with, look elsewhere. This is an ugly tool intended for brutal work, and it is a time-proven design that has been inflicting horrific results in close combat for over 2,000 years. There's a very good reason that this pattern is still around after so long: it works. If you're looking for a sword that wouldn't look ridiculous in a 21st century military setting and you're authorized to carry things like this, give it a thought. I would totally have carried this along with my pipe-tomahawk back when I was in the military.

This is my first Cold Steel product I have purchased. I was BLOWED AWAY by the look of this monster! This thing maybe called a machete but this is no machete. This is a short sword!! The 1055 carbon steel blade is what I have heard to be a tough steel that can take impacts and holds its edge well. On top of that it's tough steel the blade is thicker than I have expected. I have never seen any edged weapon with a blade this thick! This thing is built like a tank. When it came it had some rough burrs on the blade,but after using a wet stone I smoothed them out. The handle is pretty good and can get a good grip on it. I wrapped mine in paracord. I also made a sling for it so now I can carry it on my back! I must warn you. The very tip is thin and would avoid using this tip to chop down trees or bushes or what not. Not that the tip is not strong,but its not designed to be whacked on trees,rocks or vegetation like that. This thing is not designed to be used as a machete. It is made to kill. Its tip and its double edge proves that this is a weapon and the wielder is not just trimming his bushes with it. I dont see this as a garden machete. I see this a defensive weapon. I see this as the thing you reach for when you know someone broke into your house. I have this sword by my bedside at night for this very reason! Its an awesome defense weapon! Its tip looks like it will go through a man if you wanted it too. Its light and easy to control,that makes this sword deadly. As I states earlier. This is a weapon. You can use it as a machete if you want too. But I would be careful with the tip when cutting down tree branches. And also keep in mind that when your going at it at that tree remember that you have a second,equally sharp blade facing you at all times. It will do a great job as a garden machete don't get me wrong,but its designed to be a weapon meant to kill. The primary purpose of this thing is being a weapon in my opinion, but thats just me. Overall a great sword and definitely worth buying!

Für den Preis bekommt man ein wirklich überraschend solides Stück Stahl. Das Finishing ist zugegeben nicht perfekt und die Schneide verträgt auch etwas Nacharbeit - aber da habe ich schon deutlich schlechtere Stähle gesehen. Dieser Stahl erlaubt jedenfalls eine gute Behandlung und lässt sich sehr scharf schleifen. Der Griff ist einfach (Kunststoff) aber fest und griffig, notfalls auch für 2 Hände (die Einschnürung vor der Kugel auf den Bildern gibt es bei meinem Exemplar nicht). Den Griff mit Schnur, Leder o.Ä. zu umwickeln ist gut machbar und sichre hilfreich, durch die große "Kugel" am Griffende besteht aber kaum Gefahr, das die Machete aus der Hand rutscht... Die Klinge ist natürlich nicht sehr stark, biegt sich schon durch und bringt nicht allzuviel viel Gewicht nach vorn - ist dem Preis geschuldet. Die Scheide ist zweckmäßig und stabil. Man erhält jedenfalls eine wirklich eindrucksvolle Klinge!

I am impressed with the quality of the Cold Steel Gladius Machete. Some call it a sword-chete, and it certainly is that. I daresay that any self-respecting Roman legionary of the ancient past would be very happy if this was all he had to hand in a fight. Sure, it may not compare to a true gladius type sword costing hundreds of dollars, but it would be great for home defence, for when those pesky zombies show up, or just for chopping up some brush for a campfire. It is a solid bit of kit, very well made, and I'm very thankful that it came without the annoying sticker on the blade, which many reviewers had expressed their displeasure about and was apparently extremely difficult to remove. It is a full tang blade, about 2.8 mm thick. the blade length is 18 inches long, with a handle length of 7 7/8 inches long for a total length of 25 7/8 inches. The total weight is 27.2 ounces. These are the measurements and weight given by Cold Steel on the package closure. Mine also came pre-oiled to aid in preventing rust. From what I hear from other reviewers, with the kind of steel used for this machete, that is an essential thing to regularly do for this blade to keep rust away. The handle is able to be held quite securely using the main grip, but also the pommel is large enough that you can actually grab it and swing with both hands in a safe and secure manner. Although keep in mind that the original gladius after which this is patterned, is a sword meant to be used one-handed, and mainly for thrusting, but this is a machete rather than a sword, so however you wish to use it, please do so, as long as you do it safely. There is a fair-sized lanyard hole in the pommel, and if you expect to be using this as a machete, then perhaps it would be safer to add a lanyard, to aid in controlling the blade when you swing it. It might keep anyone close to you from getting speared on the rather pointy end, if it should fly out of your hand while you attack whatever object offends you, brush or bushes, etc... Overall, I really like this machete, and find it not only looks cool, it has a well balanced feel in the hand. The sheath is quite nice, with a tough plastic end cap, to prevent the very sharp point from bursting through the end. For safety's sake, I suggest gripping the end cap while drawing the gladius from the sheath. You're less likely to lose a finger or two, just in case something goes wrong. Remember, safety first. So, whether you're a certified zombie killer, or like to pretend that you're a Roman legionary holding off the forces of barbarism, remember to do it when there are no wee folk around, or at least not within range of the blade, should it accidentally fly out of your hand while practising your fancy blade-handling skills. This is not some toy for a kid, or even for some adults. You could hurt someone, or yourself rather badly with this item, if you are not careful. Enjoy, but use common sense and keep yourself and others around you safe.

I sent the first one back because the hilt had gouge marks form the grinder. It was very sharp however, it cut paper easily. The one I have now has very good fit and finish, but can barely cut paper. This is OK for a machete. It is light, 1lb 11oz, with a point of balance 3" from the hilt. So it is not tiring to use. It is full tang, and has a very solid plastic moulded hilt. So there is nothing to go wrong. The black paint will keep most of the rust away. It would work OK as a machete, although a more traditional design would be better for yard work. As a practical sword, it would work very well for indoor work, especially with a shield. The point speaks for itself. The sheath is also sturdy and serviceable. At the price point it is an excellent sturdy sword-like thing. I also have the Chinese sword machete which is as choppy as the Gladius is stabby. So this would be an excellent choice for anyone low on swords on a budget.

Kenne den Gladius von Cold Steel seit 2011 und hatte schon lange vor , diese Machete zu kaufen. Endlich im jahr 2016- ist es soweit. Die verpackung macht schon einen qualitativ hochwertigen eindruck, die Gladius Machete ist luft und wasserdicht -> 'n durchsichtigem Hartplastik - eingeschweisst. Nach dem Auspacken, wurde ich nicht enttaeuscht , es ist eine sehr respekteinflössende Waffe . Die Verarbeitung ist gut, und es kommt schon ab werk ziemlich scharf geschliffen beim Kauefer an.Material ist KarbonStahl,welcher schwarz lackiert wurde. Der Gladius liegt ausgewogen in der Hand,laesst sich gut schwingen, die Balance stimmt.Die Scheide,die mitgeliefert wird, besteht aus einem stabilem Cordura-Plastik Mix, welches mit robusten stahl Nieten fixiert wurde--> scheint ziemlich haltbar zu sein.Ein kleiner kritikpunkt ist, das der griff,der aus dem plastikmaterial Polypropylene besteht ein wenig zu rutschig ist, das problem könnte man leicht beheben indem man den griff mit einer lage schwarzem tennisband umwickelt.. ich habe dafür inklusive versand knapp unter 48€ bezahlt. Cold Steel bürgt definitiv für Qualitaet,ich wurde von dieser Firma noch nie enttauscht, kann ich jedem Sammler und Messer & Schwert Fan nur empfehlen. Für den Preis kann man nix falsch machen .

Very cool. Heavy, sharp and good looking. The bottom of the hilt is a little too big in my opinion but overall it's a great addition to my collection. Worth the price for sure.