Combat Commander Gladiator Sword | Full-Tang Gladius Sword | 16 5/8" Razor Sharp Blade | 1060 High Carbon Steel Roman Sword Real | TPR Rubberized Handle | Reinforced Nylon Sheath | 24" Length

I purchased this sword after reading reviews for both United Cutlery and Cold Steel's "gladius" swords. First off, this sword is not in the style of the traditional Roman gladius.The blade has a nore leaf-shaped profile, making it closer to the Greek Xiphos (though this is much, much shorter) Anyways, Cold Steel's sword is nearly exaclty as to how the Roman gladius is, with a straight short blade.However, I am glad that I purchased this one, though the blade IS stainless steel (SS), it is very strong. The blade is a little thicker than a machete blade, but again, is very tough. The handle is a hard rubber but still comfortable and for those asking, the "sword" is full tang, meaning the metal of the blade extends all the way through the handle to the pommel. There is a glassbreaker on the end which is a really neat addition. The blade does come sharp, but not enough to pass the paper test (though you could sharpen it more if you want, I will).Finally, the shealth is better quality than I thought, as I expected it was nylon but unlike I expected was lined with thin plastic and reinforced at the tip. It has a snap to secure the sword in and a loop to hitch it to the belt.All in all, the United Cutlery "Combat Gladiator" sword is most definitely worth the $30 and is extremely good quality for the price. It arrived within two days of my purchase in the United Cutlery box which was in the Amazon box, the sword itself wrapped separately and secured ib the shealth- also wrapped- in the box.

If this is the type blade you're looking for, then this is the crém-de-la-crém of viable options in a working model! I'm not really a personal fan of a double edged design (sword was a gift), but the Combat Commander feels just right in the hand by weight, size and heft. Very nimble little piece for slashing and back-slashing, but especially stabbing there with!In third part comparison to the military grade SOG "Fusion" Tomahawk which compares well to the M48 Tactical Tomahawk, the brother of this very sword, I would say it's essentially built to the very same standards - this sucker is solid! If you ever thought getting one of these new age 'hawks in your hand felt good, wait until you pick-up a Combat Commander!It should also be noted, as everyone wants to know how it compares to the Cold Steel alternative, this sword is a few inches shorter, but given the machete metal used in the CS model, that's really preferential. The thickness seems a little better with minimal noteworthy bend, comparably. Also, the deeper grind is comforting and it comes razor sharp, like "...dang"Any potential misgiving are more akin to oddities than real problems, so to speak. The lanyard hole is certainly in a curious location, but I'd hesitate to call it "awkward" after looping a dogtag chain through it and testing said lanyard-equivalent through middle and ring fingers, it takes all of 5-seconds to re-acclimate to. On the other hand, the fastening strap can be, and I stress, EASILY sliced off by careless un-sheathing, I really should have known better...To those on the fence, the price is good, so just go for it. If it still doesn't float your boat, lash it to a back-up bug-out bag for your buddy's brother ;-). They'll praise you @ Go Time for arming them so w/ such a BA piece of generic kit, seriously! I mean, the Combat Commander can hardly claim the title of "specialty item" but it looks/feels like exactly what you need in the closet for a grid down type scenario for those who never took the time to lean their own preferences, aka the valuable bro who finally says "You were right all along, now give me a weapon!"

Beyond expectations for sure. Balance of the sword is ideal for powerful cuts/slashes and thrusts, with enough weight behind the blade to make any strike count. Light enough to be nimble in hand, and for immediate recovery after swing or thrust. Perfect balance of power and speed, leaning slightly towards power. Devastating blade geometry for thrusting. With just enough length to be a trusted self defense weapon against single, or multiple attackers. Top mobility when wielding this sword is one of it's best qualities. Skull crusher at the bottom of sword is great addition - would easily break through heavy glass. Handle ergonomics is fine for me with size large hands - with another inch and half room for larger hands. I wrap all my blades/swords with one long cotton strip cut from t-shirt for comfort, superior traction in hand, and to eliminate any potential for slippage in a tricky situation. So I can't attest for the handle material after prolonged use. But with the wrap it's great. Blade edge came very sharp out the box. I would not want to be on the end of this self defense tool. That would be one mighty of a bad day! Ideal for close quarter combat. Would trust my life with this sword in a life/death crisis, or prolonged survival scenario. Perfect for the apocalypse indeed. God speed ;)