Kult Tactical Labs – Modern Gladius
In stock
$164.95
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- Every blade inspected before shipping
- 30-day returns
- Blade
- 65 Mn Steel
- Overall Length
- 26 1/2"
- Weight
- 2 lbs 4 oz
- Brand
- Kult Tactical Labs
Overview
Kult Tactical Labs - Modern Gladius
New from the experimental Kult Tactical Lab is a modern reformation of the iconic Roman Gladius. Taking full advantage of modern material technology and craftsmanship, this Gladius was made to be a powerful cut-and-thrust sword built for handling all the rigors of a frontier environment or a post apocalyptic world. The blade is just long enough to handily dwarf most combat or survival blades out in the open, but is short enough to be a vicious fighter in close-quarters, particularly when used with thrusting techniques. The blade has a thick raised ridge for central durability which greatly thins to a wide and slope-angled cutting plane ideal for slicing deeply and cleanly through a target. The 19.25 inch blade is sharpened to a keen and well-honed edge; it is crafted from tough and dependable 65 Mn high carbon steel with a tempered hardness of 51-52 HRc.
For peak durability the sword has a true full tang construction with the full width of the 5 inch grip matching 1-to-1 with the very thick blade tang - altogether, blade and grip tang are crafted from one solid piece of steel for maximally optimized durability. The grip scales are there to give it a more tactile grip and these are crafted from tough composite-layered G10 which is triple riveted for a secure and lasting connection. The recessed impression on the grip scales near the "guard" of the sword allow for thumb placement to give the user different grip style options that may increase blade control to their liking - a feature not seen on historic Gladii or even many other modern tactical Gladius swords. The inside profile curve of the guard along the side of the sword also allows for comfortable thumb placement for yet more single-handed grip options. The grip is also just long enough to allow for a second hand if needed in an emergency situation, but it is not so long as to get in the way with handling the blade with a single hand.
The sword comes with a MOLLE compatible sheath crafted from tough and tightly woven nylon constructed with tight stitching and reinforced with steel rivets - an excellent material for weathering the elements and a great balance for toughness and a thin profile to minimize the amount of space taken by blade and sheath in your carry bag or storage. It has a baldric for shoulder carry.
Specifications
Every measurement that matters
- Brand
- Kult Tactical Labs
- Pommel
- Integrated
- Overall Length
- 26 1/2"
- Blade Length
- 19 1/4"
- Blade
- 65 Mn Steel
- Weight
- 2 lbs 4 oz
- Edge
- Very Sharp
- P.O.B.
- 2 1/2"
- Thickness
- 5 mm - 3 mm
- Width
- 57.8 mm
- Grip Length
- 5"
- Country of Origin
- China
Reviews
What collectors are saying
Q&A
Questions from the community
Q What is this sword designed to do? Common Question
This is a battle ready, modern take on the Roman gladius built as a cut-and-thrust fighter. The blade's raised central ridge adds strength while the wide, sloped cutting plane is set up for deep, clean cuts, and the leaf-point profile keeps it effective for thrusting at close range. It suits a buyer who wants a sturdy fighting sword rather than a display piece.
Q Does this sword have a full tang? Common Question
Yes. The tang runs the full length and width of the grip in one solid piece of steel with the blade, so there is no weaker weld point where blade meets handle. The G10 grip scales are riveted on with three fasteners for a secure, lasting hold rather than forming the structural tang themselves.
Q What steel is the blade made from, and how durable is it? Common Question
The blade is forged from 65Mn high carbon steel, a tough spring steel commonly chosen for its ability to flex and absorb shock without snapping. Paired with the full tang construction, it's built to handle hard use rather than sit as a wall-hanger.
Q Does the sword come sharp? Common Question
Yes, the edge ships very sharp and ready for cutting work. Treat it as a live blade from the moment it arrives, with the handling and storage care that implies.
Q What targets can I cut with this? Common Question
The wide, slope-ground cutting plane and sharp 19 1/4 inch edge are suited to test-cutting media like tatami mats and water bottles. The thrusting point also carries over the gladius's historical role as a close-quarters stabbing weapon.
Q What does the balance point feel like in the hand? Common Question
The point of balance sits 2 1/2 inches out from the guard, keeping the weight close to the hand. That makes for a nimble, quick-responding sword, well matched to the gladius's cut-and-thrust fighting style rather than heavy, momentum-driven swings.
Q What is the sheath like, and can I store the sword in it long-term? Common Question
The included sheath is tightly woven nylon with steel rivets and reinforced stitching, built MOLLE-compatible with a baldric for shoulder carry, so it's meant for field use rather than display. For long-term storage, keep the blade out of the sheath, since nylon and leather both trap moisture against the steel and invite rust over time.
Q How do I take care of this sword? Common Question
Wipe the blade down after handling, apply a light coat of oil to the 65Mn steel to prevent rust, and store it somewhere dry. Keep the sword out of its nylon sheath for long-term storage, since the material can hold moisture against the edge, and check the G10 grip's rivets periodically to confirm they stay tight.
Q What is the grip like to hold? Common Question
The grip uses composite-layered G10 scales with a textured surface for a secure hold, triple riveted to the tang. Recessed thumb placement near the guard and a curved inner guard profile give a few different single-handed grip options, with enough room on the 5 inch grip to add a second hand if needed.
The Maker
Kult Tactical Labs
Kult Tactical Labs reimagines and reengineers the battle-proven designs of old, melding fully modern materials technology and process with the time-tested weapons of antiquity to create powerful, practical swords for the modern warrior. These survival swords are constructed as robustly as possible with high quality pure modern steel to match.
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