Update on the Spatha and Gladius fighting techniques!

[Tarbicus]

I don't know how possible a loose grip would be with a gladius. The pommel generally seems to have been too large to permit a "handshake" grip (assuming I understand the meaning of that expression), and you certainly couldn't hook the index finger over the guard, like you could on a Viking sword, the way the Sassanians are known to have done.

The attached photo is a rare, detailed representation of how the Romans viewed the gladius in action, and goes a way to illustrate the limitations I am referring to:

Well, I just had a thought.

The huge pommel - what better way to ensure that when you pull the gladius back, after stabbing someone, you don't lose your grip of it when pulling back if stuck in the victim's body or armour. Could this be a design feature demonstrating its primary function as a thrusting weapon?

Your hand's slippy with sweat and blood, and the blade gets stuck in someone's ribs. It also could possibly explain the other feature on most gladii - the large ridges on the handgrip serving the same function. Form follows function.