Gladius discussion (was: show your gladius off)

[XorX]

which "flexibility"??? most of the Mainz-blades were made in mid-carbon steel or high-carbon-edges on a low carbon core. these composites don`t work in a "flexible" way... they bend without breaking. normally and well-made and well-used. flexibility as we know it from later times was not (or very seldom) achieved in these times (till 3rd-4th century). a blade of 50cm doesn`t need to be flexible to work as a weapon