@axeofgod72 Buy one and try it out. It's a much more practical blade than it appears. I'd consider this my favorite Cold Steel "Machete Grade" blade for the price. And yes you certainly need one! (or maybe two) Later MDP
@555Nato I love my Condor blades (recently discovered them and I have some vids on them) Don't own their Barong (yet) but I would classify the Condor line as an upgrade to your average Cold Steel line of blades. Later, MDP
I think the Roman Legionairs and for that matter the Gladiators also would be happy to use this Gladius machete in combat.For it is a lightweight but very sturdy tool.
And the handle is ofcourse much tougher than the originals being made out of wood, ivory or bone.
But those were the materials being available in those centuries.Being given the choice these legionairs would have picked the polypropylene hands done.That is some tough stuff.
@555Nato If you like this Short-Sword/Machete check out the modern reinterpretations of classic blades by Cobra Steel (Atlanta Cutlery). They have a Kopis, Falcata and an Greek (Lakonia) sword that are amazingly functional. I might like their falcata even more than the CS Gladius
@555Nato I have a 2 vids on the Cobra Steel line of blades: the Kopis and the Falcata. I find the Falcata to be a very high quality product and I'd say that I find it equal if not superior to the CS Gladius. The grips on the Falcata are pebbled and rubberized. The Kopis is rubberized but smoother in texture. I don't own the others (at least not yet). I find both to be well worth the price and highly durable with good overall retention as far as sharpness/durability is concerned. MDP
@MDPrepper ,just saw your videos.Am I right that the Kopis has harder polypropylene like handle and the Falcata has the softer rubber grip?Or are they the same with the only difference the texture?
I love the CS Gladius machete a lot.And I like the durable polypropylene more than rubber as far as grip go..It's just tougher .Rubber tends to wear out more quickly.But that's just my experience.
@555Nato The Falcata has as softer more textured grip (which I prefer) to the harder rubber on the Lakonia. Overall the CS Gladius polyprop will last longer under harsh conditions but I think the rubber grips are far move comfortable to use if you have wet or sweaty hands.
@555Nato The Kopis and Lakonia have the harder grips (compared to the Falcata) I also love the weight of the CS Gladius. I hope they make a slightly "higher end" steel version as some point (like they did with their Khukri and Pendleton lines)
@555Nato I'd just like so see a bit thicker blade, with a better finish. I'm ok with the steel but I might want to see 1060 or 1095 or maybe even Spring Steel (for durability on a battefield/heavy use) just because I don't have anything in Spring Steel (would be fun to play with).
@MDPrepper nah,you don't want 1095 in such a large blade.1055 is much tougher.Less prone to breaking than 1095.The heat treat in 1095 has to be really good to make it tough ,as in the Junglas.But the RTAKII has been broken many times with easy chopping.1055 doesnt break easily.Look at Noss destruction test with the CS kukri machete.Awesome.The Gladius a little thicker..the only thing I would add,is a diamond shaped blade.Not flat.The rest is all fine to me.The finish is good enough also
@MDPrepper the edge retention is not so much better in a 1095 steel than in a 1055 steel.While 1055 does have lower wear resistance at the same hardness, the interesting thing is that it has a higher wear resistance at the same toughness. You have to draw 1095 down to about 56/57 HRC to get decent working toughness on a large knife.
@555Nato Not sure about the japanese swords. I certainly like the my condor blades. I'd love to see a diamond pattern on the gladius but would like the option of other steels qualities (I'd like to play around with the different steels in the same blade style to make a proper comparision)
@MDPrepper ,I prefer the rubber grips on knives like the Mora Bushcraft Triflex.That knife has an awesome grip too.As good rubber like grips have.
The problem with rubber handles on larger knives and choppers is,that they tend to wear fast and sometimes twist around the tang.
This is also a reason that I prefer the polypropylene handle on big knives.And they are also very comfortable.No wear on the hands when chopping.Rubber is superb in smaller knives.
@555Nato That's a good point about the rubber wrapping around the grip. . .but it depends on how it's secured (haven't used the falcata enough to see). I'm not sure I need the falcata to be a "lifetime" blade. If I wear it out I'll buy another one. I agree that the polyprop is the most durable and cost effecient option
@Darkturnips Just measured it: slightly over 2 inches wide over the standard length (inner 3/4th section) of the blade. 2.5 inches at the "bulge" towards the tip before it tapers down again to the point. Nice little blade for the money. . .
@MDPrepper thanks bro, appreciate it. I'm looking into getting one of these later on and was thinking about fabricating an aluminium scabbard for it- I accidentally stabbed my current machete straight through its rubber sheath, my camelback and the reservoir within today : /
@Darkturnips Man that sucks. . .sorry to hear about all the damaged gear. that's teach you to carry your machete on your back. I still prefer waist carry for long blades. The CS Gladius is nice but I think I prefer my new Cobra Steel Falcata to it. . .seems more versitile (I've got a vid of it posted. . .it's nice!!)
@HerbWalker Maybe, but it's not actually a tip. . .its two separate plastic plates so the bottom and sewn edges of the sheath are still just cordura. The plastic doesn't even seem that sturdily attached. Maybe it's to give some rigidity to the lower sheath??
@carlyle0229 Yes it does appear to be full tang. My magnet picks up and attaches along the entire length ofthe grip and even at the base of the pommel.
not too practical for most real-world applications, but it would make a great toy, and a truly scary home-defender... i want one!
axeofgod72 1 week ago 2
@axeofgod72 Buy one and try it out. It's a much more practical blade than it appears. I'd consider this my favorite Cold Steel "Machete Grade" blade for the price. And yes you certainly need one! (or maybe two) Later MDP
MDPrepper 1 week ago
Some Condor products ain't too bad either.I like the Condor Barong a lot for example.Tough stuff and good steel
555Nato 2 weeks ago
@555Nato I love my Condor blades (recently discovered them and I have some vids on them) Don't own their Barong (yet) but I would classify the Condor line as an upgrade to your average Cold Steel line of blades. Later, MDP
MDPrepper 2 weeks ago
@MDPrepper ,Condor is good stufff.The quality control could be a bit better some now and then.
I have seen some blades with quite a bend in it.And some handles being a little imperfect.
Some shouldn’t be sold it was that bad,the bend.
But overall they are great
555Nato 1 week ago
I think the Roman Legionairs and for that matter the Gladiators also would be happy to use this Gladius machete in combat.For it is a lightweight but very sturdy tool.
And the handle is ofcourse much tougher than the originals being made out of wood, ivory or bone.
But those were the materials being available in those centuries.Being given the choice these legionairs would have picked the polypropylene hands done.That is some tough stuff.
555Nato 2 weeks ago
@555Nato I enjoy it greatly. Need to find more time to chop up things with it. . .but so far it's my favorite Cold Steel "machete"
MDPrepper 2 weeks ago
@MDPrepper , yes it is called a machete.But to me it is more like the original...a short sword.
555Nato 2 weeks ago
@555Nato If you like this Short-Sword/Machete check out the modern reinterpretations of classic blades by Cobra Steel (Atlanta Cutlery). They have a Kopis, Falcata and an Greek (Lakonia) sword that are amazingly functional. I might like their falcata even more than the CS Gladius
MDPrepper 2 weeks ago
@MDPrepper The Greek Lakonia and the Kindjal are very interesting. Is the steel good ? Is it not too soft?How sharp can you get it.
And the handle. Hard rubber? How should I see this?Like it is, a hard rubber. Or more like the hard polypropylene which is very tough stuff.
It is interesting indeed.
555Nato 2 weeks ago
@555Nato I have a 2 vids on the Cobra Steel line of blades: the Kopis and the Falcata. I find the Falcata to be a very high quality product and I'd say that I find it equal if not superior to the CS Gladius. The grips on the Falcata are pebbled and rubberized. The Kopis is rubberized but smoother in texture. I don't own the others (at least not yet). I find both to be well worth the price and highly durable with good overall retention as far as sharpness/durability is concerned. MDP
MDPrepper 2 weeks ago
@MDPrepper ,just saw your videos.Am I right that the Kopis has harder polypropylene like handle and the Falcata has the softer rubber grip?Or are they the same with the only difference the texture?
I love the CS Gladius machete a lot.And I like the durable polypropylene more than rubber as far as grip go..It's just tougher .Rubber tends to wear out more quickly.But that's just my experience.
555Nato 1 week ago
@555Nato The Falcata has as softer more textured grip (which I prefer) to the harder rubber on the Lakonia. Overall the CS Gladius polyprop will last longer under harsh conditions but I think the rubber grips are far move comfortable to use if you have wet or sweaty hands.
MDPrepper 1 week ago
@MDPrepper Yes I know these softer grips are very comfortable.But when using a blade heavy the soft grip tends to wear out easy.
Look at the CS Trailmaster.Handles lik that loose their checkering very quickly.
But the Lakota has harder grip?That’s good to me.
The handle on the Cold Steel Gladius machete is perfect to me.
Also the butt end,pommel,as in the original Gladius, makes the holding of the gladius perfect.
555Nato 1 week ago
@555Nato The Kopis and Lakonia have the harder grips (compared to the Falcata) I also love the weight of the CS Gladius. I hope they make a slightly "higher end" steel version as some point (like they did with their Khukri and Pendleton lines)
MDPrepper 1 week ago
@MDPrepper higher end steel?What do you mean?For large blades 1055 or 1075 is ideal in my opinion.Other steels tend to break easier.
555Nato 1 week ago
@555Nato I'd just like so see a bit thicker blade, with a better finish. I'm ok with the steel but I might want to see 1060 or 1095 or maybe even Spring Steel (for durability on a battefield/heavy use) just because I don't have anything in Spring Steel (would be fun to play with).
MDPrepper 1 week ago
@MDPrepper nah,you don't want 1095 in such a large blade.1055 is much tougher.Less prone to breaking than 1095.The heat treat in 1095 has to be really good to make it tough ,as in the Junglas.But the RTAKII has been broken many times with easy chopping.1055 doesnt break easily.Look at Noss destruction test with the CS kukri machete.Awesome.The Gladius a little thicker..the only thing I would add,is a diamond shaped blade.Not flat.The rest is all fine to me.The finish is good enough also
555Nato 1 week ago
@MDPrepper the edge retention is not so much better in a 1095 steel than in a 1055 steel.While 1055 does have lower wear resistance at the same hardness, the interesting thing is that it has a higher wear resistance at the same toughness. You have to draw 1095 down to about 56/57 HRC to get decent working toughness on a large knife.
555Nato 1 week ago
@MDPrepper ,weren't the Japanese samurai swords made from 1075 steel?I'm no expert on this by the way.Condor uses 1075 steel too.
555Nato 1 week ago
@555Nato Not sure about the japanese swords. I certainly like the my condor blades. I'd love to see a diamond pattern on the gladius but would like the option of other steels qualities (I'd like to play around with the different steels in the same blade style to make a proper comparision)
MDPrepper 1 week ago
@MDPrepper ,if it aint broke don't fix it :- ).1055 is very tough...
Take care man
555Nato 1 week ago
@MDPrepper ,I prefer the rubber grips on knives like the Mora Bushcraft Triflex.That knife has an awesome grip too.As good rubber like grips have.
The problem with rubber handles on larger knives and choppers is,that they tend to wear fast and sometimes twist around the tang.
This is also a reason that I prefer the polypropylene handle on big knives.And they are also very comfortable.No wear on the hands when chopping.Rubber is superb in smaller knives.
Just my opinion ofcourse.
555Nato 4 days ago
@555Nato That's a good point about the rubber wrapping around the grip. . .but it depends on how it's secured (haven't used the falcata enough to see). I'm not sure I need the falcata to be a "lifetime" blade. If I wear it out I'll buy another one. I agree that the polyprop is the most durable and cost effecient option
MDPrepper 4 days ago
@MDPrepper ,those tennis racket wraps are pretty durable I think.
But inner tube for bicycles is a very good option as well.Works great.They are in different sizes available..
I understand your idea about the Falcata.
That is the way I look at my Moras.
They are cheap,so not much worries about those.And besides that.They are much more durable than one might think.Cheap price,but great worker.
555Nato 3 days ago
would you consider it a zombie killer?
frootloop339 1 month ago
@frootloop339 I suppose you could slay a zombie fairly well with one. . .
MDPrepper 1 month ago
Comment removed
thatguywiththeegg 2 months ago
What's the width of the blade? Can't find it anywhere.
Darkturnips 3 months ago
@Darkturnips Just measured it: slightly over 2 inches wide over the standard length (inner 3/4th section) of the blade. 2.5 inches at the "bulge" towards the tip before it tapers down again to the point. Nice little blade for the money. . .
MDPrepper 3 months ago
@MDPrepper thanks bro, appreciate it. I'm looking into getting one of these later on and was thinking about fabricating an aluminium scabbard for it- I accidentally stabbed my current machete straight through its rubber sheath, my camelback and the reservoir within today : /
Darkturnips 3 months ago
@Darkturnips Man that sucks. . .sorry to hear about all the damaged gear. that's teach you to carry your machete on your back. I still prefer waist carry for long blades. The CS Gladius is nice but I think I prefer my new Cobra Steel Falcata to it. . .seems more versitile (I've got a vid of it posted. . .it's nice!!)
MDPrepper 2 months ago
I think that plastic tip on the sheath is to keep it from poking thru & stabbing you through your leg. LOL :)
HerbWalker 3 months ago
@HerbWalker Maybe, but it's not actually a tip. . .its two separate plastic plates so the bottom and sewn edges of the sheath are still just cordura. The plastic doesn't even seem that sturdily attached. Maybe it's to give some rigidity to the lower sheath??
MDPrepper 3 months ago
If an Intruder saw you coming down the hall toward him with THAT in your hand, I think you'd have a brown mess to clean up!! DAMN!!! hahahaha
HerbWalker 3 months ago
is it full tang???
carlyle0229 3 months ago
@carlyle0229 Yes it does appear to be full tang. My magnet picks up and attaches along the entire length ofthe grip and even at the base of the pommel.
MDPrepper 3 months ago
beautiful weapon
TheRandomAssassin1 3 months ago
@TheRandomAssassin1 Yeah I like it alot!! Can't wait to get it out into some practical woodland/zombie use!
MDPrepper 3 months ago