The Roman Legion was the largest military unit of the Roman army, who were highly disciplined, well trained and heavily armed. They were the most powerful war machine in the ancient world, both feared & respected; they were the backbone of the Roman army. These legionaries carried Gladius swords to use as short stabbing weapons, and they were very effective when used for cutting or slashing. There are few weapons in world history that have had such a great tactical importance as the Roman Gladius. The stabbing wounds produced by the Gladius almost always were fatal. Our heat treated full tang handmade Roman Legion Gladius is extremely durable and virtually indestructible. The blade is crafted from 1095 high carbon steel which has been expertly tempered to a 57 HRc hardness. It is made as robustly as is possible with its blade and tang being made from a single solid piece and is finished with black linen micarta composite grip scales which are solidly riveted directly to the tough blade tang and overlaid with a leather grip wrap. Included is a leather sheath to complete the sword.