Cold Steel Training Gladius
In stock
$28.99
- Shipping estimated at checkout
- Every blade inspected before shipping
- 30-day returns
- Blade
- Polypropylene
- Overall Length
- 31''
- Weight
- 13.3 oz
- Brand
- Cold Steel
- Era
- Ancient
Overview
Cold Steel Training Gladius
The best of the world's sword fighters have known a simple truth for ages... if you want to become a reasonably good sword fighter you should endeavor to learn sword fighting techniques, footwork and the basic stances. However if you want to be a master at sword fighting you have to eventually start fighting with a "live blade". If your ultimate goal is to wield a razor sharp sword safely and effectively, you need to train with a sword that approximates the size, feel and heft of a live blade, yet minimizes the possibility of causing grievous, permanent, or life-threatening injury to yourself or your training partner. This concept was implemented by the ancient Romans, who used dull wooden swords to train their Gladiators and soldiers. And Japanese Samurai used a wooden training sword that was called a Boken. It's an elegant solution to a vexing problem and effective enough to still be used today. The only problem is that a wooden sword can rot, crack, chip or splinter and eventually become useless. Cold Steel's solution to these dilemmas was to design a synthetic substitute, low in price and impervious to the elements. The Cold Steel line of Training Swords are made of the heaviest grade polypropylene available and closely duplicate a real sword in length, size, weight and feel. While they're not quite as rigid as wood, they have the winning advantages of being virtually unbreakable, remarkably stiff and cut resistant.
Specifications
Every measurement that matters
- Brand
- Cold Steel
- Era
- Ancient
- Pommel
- N/A
- Overall Length
- 31''
- Blade Length
- 22''
- Blade
- Polypropylene
- Weight
- 13.3 oz
- Edge
- N/A
- P.O.B.
- 4 1/4''
- Thickness
- 20.4 mm - 19 mm
- Width
- 57.4 mm - 71.4 mm
- Grip Length
- 8 1/2''
- Country of Origin
- Taiwan
Reviews
What collectors are saying
Q&A
Questions from the community
Q What is the Cold Steel Training Gladius made of? Common Question
Heaviest-grade polypropylene.
Q How long is it and where is the balance point? Common Question
Overall length is 31 inches with a point of balance about 4-1/4 inches from the guard.
Q Is it suitable for contact training or sparring? Common Question
Yes, it is designed as a durable synthetic trainer for drills and controlled contact; always use proper protective gear and follow local club rules.
Q Does it come sharpened? Common Question
No. The edge is unsharpened (N/A) and the tip is blunt for training.
Q How does it feel in hand? Common Question
It has forward-weighted balance similar to a gladius and a stiff, solid feel with a textured, ribbed grip for traction.
Q Is it weather resistant? Common Question
Yes. The polypropylene construction is impervious to moisture and won’t rot, crack, or splinter like wood.
Q What is the cultural or historical inspiration? Common Question
It is a synthetic trainer modeled after the Roman gladius, intended for practicing sword techniques safely.
Q Where is it manufactured? Common Question
Taiwan.
Q How should I maintain it? Common Question
Wipe clean after use; avoid excessive heat sources. Inspect for burrs or chips and smooth them carefully if needed.
Q Does it include a scabbard? Common Question
No scabbard is included; it is sold as a standalone training sword.
The Maker
Cold Steel
Cold Steel was founded in 1980; a stalwart of the knife community, Cold Steel also has a large selection of swords and daggers which are sourced from all over the world. Functional and competitively priced, Cold Steel products showcase a substantial variety of offerings and they cover martial arts weapons, historical swords, and robust tomahawks and practical machetes.
Often paired together
GREAT I got 2 of these about 3 years ago for me and my son to train with. We both love them. and almost imposable to break. I’ve left them outside in all kinds of weather and have never noticed even the smallest difference in shape or anything else. they look and preform just like the day I got them. if you want a one handed training sword, this is the one for you
Amazing durability and build! very stiff but since its made of polypropylene that makes sense. The weight distribution is the only slight drawback, it is a little forward weighted, but it being only a training weapon, this isn’t a huge drawback. I’ve used this in light to heavy sparring and so far after 2 weeks it has one chip in it, and its from a real metal, but dull blade. it was super easy to just melt back into shape with a lighter and a ruler.
Ultimately, when I bought this some time ago, I wanted something decent to duel with. This wasn’t really it. The sword is a solid brick of polypropylene, unwieldy to duel with for extended periods – but highly durable. Not as swooshy as I hoped, and not entirely comfortable for a single hand on occasion. Very forward balanced. It’s an ok sword otherwise.