Making Wooden Gladius Swords

See below for templates and the Instructable! I wanted to try something different in this build, so I laminated the blades from contrasting woods so the edge profile would show up in an interesting way. It didn't have quite as much contrast as I hoped for, but still makes for an interesting result.
These aren't a build for practice or sparring, just a fun project.
Instructable available:
www.instructab...
Templates are available via dropbox:
www.dropbox.co...
Affiliate links to some of my new favorite things I consistently use in my shop:
BACK IN STOCK: Silicone glue roller: -- amzn.to/3mNGqHd
DeVilbiss StartingLine Spray kit: -- amzn.to/3lC4GLW
Bolle Safety Glasses: -- amzn.to/3cWNuN5 Perfect fit for underneath headphones
Irwin 6" quick clamps: -- amzn.to/2NCxvLB
1.3 Lead Mechanical Pencil: -- amzn.to/2QjRC28
Kuru Toga .5 Mechanical Pencil: -- amzn.to/3964LTc
(convenient having multiple sizes in my shop apron)
Crown Tools Burnisher: -- amzn.to/3f3QmdU Nothing better for taking burn marks off wood
Denko Sekka Folding flush cut: -- amzn.to/3lCABf7 Extreme folding action!
Through the Amazon Associates program, I earn from qualifying purchases. I buy my own stuff, and will share with you the things that have improved quality of life in the shop. I’ll get a small commission for purchases made through Amazon links in this description at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support of this channel.

[@angelagreen7783]

I must say, you make such beautiful things.

[@GeeksWoodShop]

Thank you

[@CombatChicken]

I just found your channel but it's so awesome! Next build a viking sword? :) And oh yeah, take my sub! :)

[@GeeksWoodShop]

Ya, viking sword would be fun.

[@CombatChicken]

I'm actually looking to make one for myself. I bought a steel one for sparring during our training but those ones aren't allowed in events like comic con etc

[@sheridan5398]

Panda Corns

[@hmarshall9x19]

is that a standard 15 deg panel routing bit? and is the bearing extension to eliminate the flat part of the panel a custom thing or did you just get a larger bearing to put on it? Thanks

[@GeeksWoodShop]

Yep, panel bit as you say. You do need a larger bearing to keep it from getting that ridge on the bit, however a bearing still leaves too large of a gap between the bearing and cutters, for the width of these blades. I ended up using a few washers as the bearing, and I make sure they are tight on each time I use it. Good eye.

[@opiwaran354]

More swords!

[@adamorlowski4886]

ok but how can i make that with one single piece of wood and hand tools xD

[@brandtarcher5862]

Adam Orlowski I’ve tried... it’s possible but it’s very hard

[@Me-ny1mi]

Search up how to make a wooden sword there is a guy I saw that made a Gladius with handtools

[@thatxfatxguy]

a meticulous amount of shaving with a knife and sand paper

[@palminos8385]

@@thatxfatxguy so true

[@pamodipoppy]

I’m doing that very thing! Single board swords with limited hand tools. I’ve done a Longsword and am working on a Viking sword now. kzbin.info/www/bejne/r4nOXn9rfsamftk

[@user-xp9jo2rv3q]

Make a grim reaper staff

[@azimridzuan9122]

Mr NoName like a scythe?

[@user-xp9jo2rv3q]

Azim Was Here yeah I just forgot the name at the time

[@johnnysymmes7807]

Oh and pls make a cutlass

[@pepegg1992]

Gladius hispaniensis, espada española

[@darlenamarshall]

Could I have the sord

[@comicbooksandtransformersa5470]

#notificationsquad

[@stayfrosty2604]

but I made a wooden sword it's just that I need a sand belt

[@kleonymos5726]

Just rub it against cement until it sands its self

[@DeHeld8]

A wooden sword sword?

[@juantopoomg1230]

Solo le faltó usar el cañón de plasma😑 necesitamos un tutorial simple bro con las menores herramientas posibles pero bueno.

[@patw999]

I know this is an older post but I have been coming across Tube videos of people putting blue painters tape on both side then using super glue dabs to hold them in place. Everyone I have seen these people swear by this and say it's way better than double sided tape. Just a thought. Pat

[@GeeksWoodShop]

Thanks, it's a great recommendation. I've seen a few of those vids as well, definitely want to try the blue tape method now.

[@grayblackhelm6468]

So, uh... What was the box for? Seems really unnecessary in my opinion.

[@GeeksWoodShop]

You are correct, it's not necessary for 1 or 2 builds, I've made a few, so the box just makes alignment easier when making a batch.

[@SuperMaxwellg]

Seriously they are beautiful and perfect I've been trying to make my own and they come out terrible every time but I lack the equipment and patience to make them the way you do... I would love to order a pair

[@GeeksWoodShop]

Sorry for late reply, thanks much for your comment. Unfortunately, I don't have any available, I keep toying with the idea of putting a few up on Etsy, but haven't done it. You remind me that I should, thanks.

[@sweatybeanz808]

Nice

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Awesome job Tyson, I really liked that video. Now I really want to try making a sword! On a side note, my wife and daughter were watching this with me and were cracking up laughing at the tosses to the trash can. I do that every day from across the shop. Many times a day, but I never make a single shot.

[@GeeksWoodShop]

Ha! You'd think with all failures and practice we'd get better at those trash can shots.. but... at least I know I'm in good company

[@robertcornelius3514]

Funny. I keep one in the computer room too.

[@antoniogrzegorski5435]

why do u use mustard glue is better

[@kleonymos5726]

A little long but corect shape

[@ryanb1874]

it's leaf, for "Life", it to take life, I kinda like Ron Pearlman s weapon in Season of the Witch, it's totally outta line for the period, a full diamond cross section with, short, upturned cross gaurds, (wouldn't call them quillions, ) and it just looks like an old cartoon rendition of a sword.

[@saintbread5080]

The leaf one is called a gladius

[@suleykvahlok2392]

That stuff you were rubbing on the swords at the end made them look so alive and beautiful.

[@ryanb1874]

do you actually beat, on anything, with your wooden specimens, any fema or anything, Or just nice wall hangers? that don't rust but might swell with moister...

[@GeeksWoodShop]

No problems with swelling, but no, I don't use these for any actual sparring practice. You could, they'd last a while, but would probably build a bit different for contact. Thanks.

[@MYtinyPLace]

do you sale these

[@Diggilicious]

Whoa! Weird parallel universe or something. I love making wooden swords and just finished a gladius for my kid a few months ago. Now we're working on wooden ranger knives. I have a Zortrax M200 like you and I just printed a DH-17! You've convinced me to break my lathe out and turn something on it. Thanks for the videos! Really enjoying them. What do you like to use to treat the wood of your swords?

[@GeeksWoodShop]

Sweet! Total doppelgangers going on here.

[@IckerRyuga]

a Wooden gladius is basically a Rudis, isn't it?

[@davidshattuck1639]

They're the same shape. In the actual Roman times a gladius was an actual metal sword used by gladiators and roman soldiers. A rudis was a ceremonial/symbolic sword, made out of wood, and given to a gladiator once he had fought long enough to earn his freedom. But they looked the same besides metal vs. wood.

[@davidshattuck1639]

What a beautiful project!I love trying these kinds of projects in my shop during school breaks. Is there some way that I could get those templates you used? They don't happen to be somewhere online are they?

[@GeeksWoodShop]

Thanks, I've got a few templates linked in the description.

[@11savages23]

savage

[@FrigginBoomToys]

I've been messing around with prop shields on my channel. Would love to see you make a shield

[@GeeksWoodShop]

Haha, indeed, so would my son. (Which means it'll probably happen)

[@sharonsmith3910]

In reply to your mmmm just handles I have a use for some lightweight wooden handles which I will explain further if you can make just handles.

[@nightwolfwillis1138]

What's the glue you're using?

[@comicbooksandtransformersa5470]

glue XD

[@GuitarSamurai17]

Im working on a gladius but i cant get the handle shape correct! Im on my 4th try :(

[@GeeksWoodShop]

Oh no! Sorry, but good on ya for keeping at it.

[@kleonymos5726]

The shape of the handle can be straight with leather strips wrapped around it.

[@thewoodforge2563]

what blade did you use on the bandsaw?

[@LohanCHANNEL295]

I wont pay this.. How much??

[@AmitDas-dh3wc]

great work sir, can you make a sharped edge wooden katana? it might be a interesting project.if you make one then kindly film it.

[@gilmccomb8740]

They are lovely, mate.

[@GeeksWoodShop]

Thanks much!

[@jayd3nsia829]

How many money did you cost on all equipment.

[@KingLoth]

Like... at least 6 moneys

[@ParaJaxical]

So you made a Roman Sparta and a Greek Xiphos (leaf shaped sword

[@joeblankenship3310]

Did you add washers to your router bit or a bigger bering for the blade profile

[@Сашка-ш9м5ф]

just a nitpick, but it looks more like a bit short spatha, which is a long (can be long as european arming sword) gladius. But it's only my opinion

[@GeeksWoodShop]

I'm no expert, could certainly be closer to a spatha. Thanks.

[@mcnugget1825]

can i buy one

[@1996jessej]

SLESSER 15 you should just build one, it's really satisfying. I'm just finishing up one that I've been making mostly with a $15 coping saw and a hand plane.

[@romainvilleneuve]

awesome sword that will inspired me for doing a replica from movie

[@Dan-xd8mw]

What degree chamfer router bit did you use for the swords blade edge? 75 degree?

[@manomarlo1859]

Cool sword

[@mrgreenbudz37]

Would like to know if you would like to take on a project of making me two wooden Gladius's like used in Spartacus Blood and Sand? I have the pics.

[@GeeksWoodShop]

Hey, sorry for the slow reply. Email me and we can discuss.

[@joeblankenship3310]

What thick ness wood are your swords I was going to use 2x4 and make multiple blades at once how thin would you go for children to play with

[@GeeksWoodShop]

2x4 would be fine, but my guess is that you'd want to make them ~1/2" or thicker to beat around. These are thinner, but also made from denser wood. That's just my guess. Good luck, sounds fun!

[@johnnysymmes7807]

What wood r u using for the blade

[@comicbooksandtransformersa5470]

wood XD

[@grant4254]

Looks like Maximus' sword from "Gladiator"

[@saintbread5080]

Because its from freaking Rome iswell

[@fabienfrinot2896]

Very beautiful, +1 sub One time can u try to build an bow?

[@GeeksWoodShop]

I'd love to make a recurve someday, so hopefully so.

[@roBLINDhood]

This is great!! I'm gonna make one for me and my friend. :)

[@dawizard3287]

How much would you charge to make 2 more ??

[@henrywilsonwinter]

Fingerless work gloves. Epic.

[@vexfilms8807]

Plz make a Japanese sword called a katana

[@GeeksWoodShop]

I haven't started the video yet, but oh ya, I just finished a katana. ;)

[@nicoxstyle]

A wooden gladius, so it's a rudis

[@daniil2000]

intresting, I'm 16 and I've got no power tools yet it doesn't take me all that long to make my wooden Swords.

[@GeeksWoodShop]

That's great man, keep on making them. Different methods, but all fun.

[@reeceallison9122]

Hey, great video, really inspired me to start with sword making again, would it be possible to make scabbards for the swords you have already made? Such as the longsword and broadsword? Thank you 👌🏼💪🏻

[@GeeksWoodShop]

Certainly possible, will make one sometime. Thanks for your kind words.

[@comicbooksandtransformersa5470]

I, too would like to see that.

[@Powys6732]

Broadsword is Just what people who know nothing about swords call longswords and arming swords

[@МихаилКурлапов-х6о]

Здравствуйте! Очень кропотливая работа! Посмотрел с интересом, и точно не буду так делать 🙂, потому что планирую сделать мечи для игры, а не для выставки. Придумаю технологию попроще.

[@GeeksWoodShop]

Thanks. Good luck with your build, whatever methods you try!

[@vertigo7082]

Wooden swords Tone?

[@Joe___schmoe]

If you listen to it at 0.5 speed it sounds like you are drunk

[@comicbooksandtransformersa5470]

yeah (:

[@kyx2916]

Hello! Loved the video, you've earned my sub! have you ever thought of making these swords to sell? I would love to have things like the swords you've made but sadly I'm not that good at making things like this. Nor do I have the equipment to do so. Just curious haha, keep up the great work!

[@GeeksWoodShop]

Thanks, I've thought about it, nothing yet but may give it a try.

[@dommer6977]

Lovely work and great informative video. Thanks

[@GREGORGE0US]

wooden viking sword please!! :D

[@opasworkshop8373]

awesome job Tyson I can't wait to see what you come up with next project.

[@GeeksWoodShop]

Thanks Opa!

[@himanshuborse9952]

I like that katana you like it's Awesome 🫀🫀😀😀🇮🇳🇮🇳

[@GeeksWoodShop]

Thanks much!

[@TIMOTHEVS]

Wow, they look very nice!

[@GeeksWoodShop]

thanks!

[@PoxyBear]

Beautiful work.

[@lvl33link]

That moment when you've been watching these guys since there first video. Love how y'all still make God the center of it all.

[@jhunilcuevas9489]

wood shop huh! really nice so you sell those

[@ShogunJimi]

lovely - a fun build

[@GeeksWoodShop]

Thanks Jimi!

[@thamnien6036]

I love you

[@anthonyhargis6855]

Another one who just found your channel. Totally awesome! I love them. Had to subscribe.

[@comicbooksandtransformersa5470]

same

[@typicalmetalhead851]

Valorant Reaver Knife

[@bobbyvini3694]

I saw this video so cool man Great job awesome. Can you make roman sword with eagle headle and sheath please I would like to see. thanks for sharing!!!!

[@texasroper2222]

Would you sell a sword?

[@GeeksWoodShop]

Yes, I hope to put some up on Etsy, though not sure when that will be. I can reply again though if I get some listed.

[@texasroper2222]

@@GeeksWoodShop yes I would be very interested in 2 of them.

[@stayfrosty2604]

I would like to buy one plz

[@sharonsmith3910]

Would you make just handles?

[@GeeksWoodShop]

Just handles? Hmmm... curious.

[@TheBlizzkon]

looks very nice but i think a swords handle is supposed to be the length of 2 hands

[@ЕвгенийМаликов-г2в]

great job! But how many inches is the blade thickness?

[@beneditosantossantos3229]

Belíssima 👍

[@heytheremrbluedoodadoodado1953]

So cool. Can you make a Bronze Age sword

[@GeeksWoodShop]

Maybe at some point, would be fun for sure!

[@TAC-P-Shep]

You're awesome! Thank you for sharing the template!!!!!!!!!!

[@shannanschisler9577]

You can learn more about it on woodprix website I think.

[@kkimber8517]

You've inspired me to try something new, thank you.

[@betelgeuse023]

Gladius hispaniensis.

[@dannyreynolds9355]

Thank you for including templates, great work.

[@EnriqueCornejo-n6s]

😮😮😮😮😮😮

[@mathboy1212]

Suggestion. Painters tape both then super glue them together for the router template. Works amazingly.

[@GeeksWoodShop]

Thanks for the suggestion, blue tape + super glue is a great method for sure

[@richardosterholt4097]

What is the name of the tool you use to hold the wood in place on the ban saw?

[@GeeksWoodShop]

Hand screw clamps. They are super useful for many things.

[@richardosterholt4097]

Geeks Wood Shop I was meaning the guide at :21. Sorry I should of said the time

[@GeeksWoodShop]

Ah that. It's a grip-tite brand magnetic fence.

[@richardosterholt4097]

Thanks, looks like a very useful tool also

[@goldrushgoldrush-jv7nd]

Are these durable or just for show

[@GeeksWoodShop]

they are durable, but I wouldn't use them in sparring

[@rockinHurley777]

Any new swords in the works???

[@GeeksWoodShop]

You know... I've built several since then, even filmed a few, my editing is snail slow though... Look back through my Instagram to see a few others. Thanks!

[@brandonmcabee8514]

What router bit did you use to taber the edge down

[@donnyhernandez635]

came out beautifully,very instructional, great demo all the way through, thanx 4 sharing God Bless

[@GeeksWoodShop]

Thanks so much 😊

[@saintbread5080]

The leaf shaped one would be called a greek xyphos

[@MSh-vx3zv]

Not true, many forms of gladius featured a leaf shape or “waisted” design, widening at the tip. If it had more of a cross guard, rather than the typical wooden one of a gladius, and no large sphere pommel, it would be. They are very similar swords though, I’ll give you that.

[@saintbread5080]

But most gladiuses were straight

[@MSh-vx3zv]

S4Plays True, I wasn’t saying they were not. I was just saying that a leaf shaped gladius is still a gladius and not a xyphos, as it lacks too many features. The gladius was in use for over 600 years by the Romans, and had many variations.

[@jcwar6753]

Thanks for sharing, +1 sub

[@bugra6392]

Very crazy awesome

[@GeeksWoodShop]

Thanks

[@darcygleeson995]

u should make a sheild to go with the longsword

[@bgcfurni-tech1045]

Great job bro

[@bgcfurni-tech1045]

Am so inspired hope to try it!

[@maksympt1]

hypnotizing to watch

[@sithbadboy]

Very cool

[@SuperMaxwellg]

Can I buy 2?

[@edzellich2255]

Son bellisimos

[@Falcon15x]

How About We Change It Up And Make *A GLADIATOR AXE!!!*

[@saintbread5080]

Just no