A SHORT SWORD refers to any sword with a blade length under 24 inches in length. Prime examples of the “Short Sword” are the Gladius and the Xiphos, Roman and Greek weapons respectively.

The Gladius was the sword that helped to transform a struggling city-state into one of the greatest empires the western world has ever seen. To give credit where credit is due, Rome’s military success was really a product of training and discipline, but this incredibly effective weapon surely helped! We carry several designs, including those named for the city near which the first example was excavated: the Mainz and the Pompeii.

The soldiers (Hoplite) of the Greek city-states typically fought their battles in a rectangular formation of tightly packed warriors (Phalanx) carrying long spears (Sarissa) and heavy broad shields (Hoplon). When the formation and/or spear broke or was otherwise no longer viable, the Hoplite would draw the short double-edged blade (Xiphos) they carried for just such occasions and fight on!

We generally stock four or five of each pattern. Multi-colored hilts, such as those on the Black and White and Ivory and Brown Pompeii gladii will have slight variations in coloration. Each of the swords below has an approximate length and weight associated with it. Be aware that a greater weight does not necessarily mean the sword will “feel” heavier as the additional weight is often in the hilt/pommel which will make the weapon seem lighter when used in staged combat.

SHORT SWORDSDESCRIPTIONWEEKLY PRICE *
Mainz Gladius22 inch flat ground blade; 2 ¾ pounds.
An early form of the famous Roman sword with distinctive “waisted” blade.
$10
$12.50 with scabbard
Elite Gladius22 inch diamond cross section blade; 3 pounds.
A Pompeii style crafted for the discerning Imperial Roman Centurion.		$10
$12.50 with scabbard
Frontier Gladius21 inch lozenge cross sectioned blade; 2 ¾ pounds.
A more basic and substantial pattern, also in the Pompeii style, for the trooper guarding the Empire’s borders.		$10
$12.50 with scabbard
Black and White Pompeii Gladius20 inch flat ground blade; 1 ¾ pounds.
The later form of gladius that was more streamlined and cheaper to produce (important for a thinly stretched empire). Our hilts are made of tough lexan.		$10
$12.50 with scabbard
Brown and Ivory/Black Pompeii Gladius20 inch flat ground blade; 1 ¾ pounds.
The later form of gladius that was more streamlined and cheaper to produce (important for a thinly stretched empire). Our hilts are made of tough lexan.		$10
$12.50 with scabbard
Black and Silver Pompeii Gladius22 inch flat ground blade; 2 pounds.
The later form of gladius that was more streamlined and cheaper to produce (important for a thinly stretched empire). Our hilts are made of tough lexan and aluminum.		$10
$12.50 with scabbard
Greek Sword (Xiphos)19 inch flat ground blade; 2 pounds.
The soldiers of the Greek city-states (Hoplite) typically fought their battles in a Phalanx, a rectangular formation of tightly packed warriors carrying long spears. When the formation and/or spears broke or was otherwise no longer viable, they drew the short double-edged blade at their waists called a Xiphos and fought on! 		$10
$12.50 with scabbard
Short ALUMINUM Dao19 inch ALUMINUM blade; 1 ¾ pounds.
The Dao is a traditional Chinese sword with a single edged blade optimized for slashing/chopping and they appear in a wide variety of lengths and styles. Our "Dao" has an extra-long grip but a very short blade. You will be unlikely to find a lighter feeling sword anywhere.
This blade is made of aluminum, a much lighter and softer metal than steel. These can ONLY be used in blade-to-blade contact with other aluminum (or wooden/resin) blades.
No scabbard currently available.		$10

* 4 week minimum for all rentals. Scabbards with associated frog and/or baldric are $2.50 when available. Simple frogs always supplied free of charge.