01-31-2015, 04:20 PM
I have an SOTW gladius and I can say a few things about it. First off, the scabbard was a mess. The brass parts did not fit well and the plates were awful and were poorly punched. The blade slipped out of the scabbard fine, but that was about it. My blade had a freak accident happen to it - getting well grinded (Most Indian blades are just lumps of steel. Ask Robert Wimmers and he will explain much better than I can.) Mine was quite well balanced and had a nice hilt, but the scabbard was the downside. I ordered new scabbard plates from Suhel that cost around $60 USD and now I am reworking the scabbard to match a sword from Mik's. Overall, it cost around $220. Okay, but if you want really high quality, save up and get Matt Lukes or Mar Morrow to make you one. They are both craftsmen and make their blades good. Its expensive, but well worth it. I have a custom pugio made by Phil McKay, and I love the quality. Custom pieces are always beauties, but off-the-shelf ones are cheap. Its a trade-off and it is your choice on which one to take.
P.S. If you do get an SOTW, you WILL need to modify it in some way. Another okay off the shelf gladius is the Deepeeka, but it has an TERRIBLE square grip and costs more. And it will need modifying too. Only custom work is perfect
P.S. If you do get an SOTW, you WILL need to modify it in some way. Another okay off the shelf gladius is the Deepeeka, but it has an TERRIBLE square grip and costs more. And it will need modifying too. Only custom work is perfect
Regards, Jason
