Rome vs Han essay- want get some opinions

[Dan Howard]

Never said that. I only stated that they could have given spathas where the situation required cutting more than thrusting. I don't see Roman cavalry using the gladius, do I?

Gladii are not used by cavalry because they are too short for mounted combat, not because they are unsuited for slashing. The best cutting blade in the world is useless if it can't reach the opponent.

Besides, the Polybius example given is of the early Spanish gladius. The gladius evolved several times after that period.

So which typology in your opinion is unsuited for slashing? Have you personally handled this typology? Why do you think it is unsuitable for slashing?