I LOVE and HATE this sword. . . | A.P.O.C. Tactical Wasteland Gladius - by Angus Trim REVIEW

Question, should a two handed sword be able to cut better than a one handed sword half its weight? In this video we'll find the answer. Review of A.P.O.C. Tactical Wasteland Gladius - Designed by Angus Trim
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[@Levythynobz]

Just finished ready your book and I loved it :) Hoping there will be a sequel soon !

[@TheTrueAdonis]

I wonder when sequels

[@darthsidius9631]

Can shad review runescape weapons

[@The_Bell_Tower]

@@darthsidius9631 i think we can all easily predict the opinions on every last one. But the general commentary would at least be somewhat amusing.

[@darthsidius9631]

@@The_Bell_Tower yah majority if, not all of them would be shit irl but commentery would be entertaining

[@erikhendrickson59]

"Ready"

[@Yumao420]

Gladius are quite a bit special in their use. They look like a sword, but they don't cut and thrust like one; instead they are made to chop like a machete and stab like a knife. That gives them a very destructive swing and very quick stab in exchange for reach. Just in case anybody is interested knowing.

[@angrath2433]

Facinating

[@bigguy7353]

@@angrath2433 *fascinating

[@Fuzzycat16]

@@bigguy7353 *Facscinating

[@andrewcavallo1877]

@@Fuzzycat16 *Fascscinating

[@chrisruzsa2798]

@@andrewcavallo1877 *fastener lol

[@garethbaus5471]

The tests were pretty simple but you did a fairly decent job of demonstrating how much nuance there is when it comes to sword performance.

[@digzgwentplayer4159]

This was an unfair demo, he didn't use a watermelon as a sample target. (This is a meme statement btw, from the previous video)

[@scratchy996]

This sword is heavier than an arming sword because it is Tactical. If you make something Tactical, is needs to be stronger, so you can attach stuff to it, like a laser pointer, tactical grips, bayonets, etc.

[@digzgwentplayer4159]

@@scratchy996 I would love to see a scope and a silencer attached to a sword.

[@garethbaus5471]

@@scratchy996 pretty sure actual historical swords were pretty much their eras tactical weapons, they were already heavy enough.

[@emmettfitz-hume9408]

@@garethbaus5471 Did you feel a breeze just then, something blow your hair around? That was his joke going over your head.

[@ulfhedtyrsson]

As a traditional smith who also makes machetes, I've seen how these companies mass produce some of their stuff over seas. They cut it from sheet blanks and then hand it off to the next guy who then runs it across a sander once or twice. For the price, cold steel has great potential with some aftermarket honing and modding. I've had some axes and swords with just a little extra work out of box, made into great tools I've brutalized over years on the farm and in the jungle.

[@Wolf88888]

I totally agree. For the buck, the Cold Steel Gladius is my all-time favorite home defense weapon. Ugly, cheap? Yeah. But also, purely practical and indestructible.

[@ulfhedtyrsson]

Yeah I have two categories of large mass production companies work. Absolute garbage. And way too expensive and over done for the price. Very rarely do you find a gem like coldsteel where it's nice and simple, and durable and cheap. Even some of their stuff that you would think is just wall hanger trash, I've put a real edge on and used for years. I don't think I've ever had anything break despite long heavy use. One of the axes handles is just now starting to crack after 6 years. The bearded crusader ax as heavy tool use cutting fairly large trees. Bush and brush. And even stake driving and post nailing. But with these products I get to a point where I'm like, for that price I'll just make it myself.

[@elihollingsworth6852]

This is the APOC line designed by Angus Trim and they are all milled from 9260 spring steel. The katana is a masterpiece, even though it came dull.

[@PNWAffliction]

@@elihollingsworth6852 i have an apoc katana and the thing is a fking beast. An aaaaaabsolute beast. nothing else I have comes close on a vertical chop, when the bush doesn't have an option to slide out of the way. ;p like hitting scotch broom with a freaking crowbar. and the g10 absorbs all of the shock, feel nothing.

[@Kyle-sr6jm]

Cold Steel tomahawks are criminally good buys.

[@chuckhoyle1211]

I think a lot of "wasteland" or "apocalypse" or "zombie" swords go for thickness to get more durability out of the blade at the sacrifice of pure cutting ability.

[@thebanditman5663]

That's one of the big selling points, is that all the thickness is there so that in the inevitable event you have to sharpen it after say, chopping through skulls all day, it has mass to work with. It makes it a bad sword, but it also makes it your best long time friend if you can never find other weapons.

[@Ilyas-ty6cy]

@@thebanditman5663 Yeah but as long we don't live in survival apocalypse condition this sword is more use for a wall hanging thing. It's not that good for weapon, neither it that good for a tool, but at least it's durable.

[@krispalermo8133]

@@thebanditman5663 Steel pipe with a cardboard duct tape handle to deal with the kinetic impact vibration traveling down the pipe. Paint it or tape it in light saber colors, we as teenagers 25 to thirty years ago would tape coconuts to fishing line and see who could bust the coconut without knocking it like a baseball. a.) the pipe never goes dull, and can be used as a short staff. b.) Layer twist the fishing line into a braid for extra weight strength. Duct tape strength vs fishing line strength vs hardness foot pounds per sq inch to break a coconut. Three different ways to gage the strength of you swing impact with the steel pipe. c.) An open ended 1/4in steel pipe makes a fun launch plate form for sending off aimed bottle rockets. d.) Weight poundage of a 1/4in steel pipe that is four ft long is good strength training of your arm joints for sword combat. e.) Pipes swung through the air has a fun sound effect if swung at the right pressure angle.

[@bp9762]

You could sharpen a machete until it turns into a rapier, and that with less effort than you could sharpen a thick sword.

[@RealZeratul]

@@bp9762 pics or it didn't happen. Until then I'd rather sharpen it until it's a razor. ;D

[@johnkoch3176]

Leaf blades are indeed awesome. Next you should review "Sting" as a self defense sword. Being caught carrying that would more likely brand you as a nerd than a thug. Better optics if you are called into court. Also glows if there are Orcs nearby which is always useful!

[@Rekhan4242]

Gotta paint it with watch paint! Freak out your family!🤣

[@Allegheny500]

Reminds me of my youth when we would encounter one of the local gangs in our scout uniforms. We'd tell them we were a gang as well, our color was green and when we open carried knives and axes the cops tipped their hats to us in passing, so guess who's gonna win? We were never hassled.

[@MonkeyJedi99]

@@Allegheny500 Always good when your "gang" has the tacit support of another "gang" known to legally carry firearms and radio equipment.

[@kennethfharkin]

Sting was the first thing I thought of.

[@erind.t.e.992]

@@MonkeyJedi99 I mean, this, just this for, like, everything relating to how "enforcement" works

[@widgren87]

It is called a Tactical Wasteland Gladius yet it looks more like a Xiphos to me... Still I love a nice leaf-shape blade. "So close yet so far" seems appropriate for this review.

[@garethbaus5471]

Both were 1 handed short swords with a leaf shaped blade(depending on the style of gladius obviously) and a minimal guard. I am guessing it is referred to as a gladius primarily because of its straighter more angular profile despite it's overall proportions being more xiphos like.

[@widgren87]

@@garethbaus5471 Or maybe the name Gladius being more well-known to people then Xiphos, who knows.

[@astahfirula]

@@widgren87 more prone to believe this, he just named it a gladius because it is much more well know. outside of sword enthusiasts, almost nobody knows what a Xiphos is. and this is very clearly a modern take on it for me.

[@chrisdupuis2523]

@@astahfirula Which is weird because if you're buying or collecting swords then you probably already have at least a basic understanding of them. The alternative tends to be weebs buying katanas from the mall.

[@garethbaus5471]

@P Ciprian The Mainz style gladius had a very distinctly leaf shaped blade, and it is probably the most commonly depicted style of gladius in modern media. The profile of the sword shown in this video is fairly similar although it definitely has a more exaggerated leaf shape and some non-traditional bevel faceting.

[@theayeguy5226]

Have you ever considered commissioning a "modern" sword made to an optimal design, Shad?

[@libertyprime6932]

Would be awesome to see Shads attempt at a perfected modern sword. Similar to what Skallagrim did with the Skalchion

[@TheR00k]

Probably would be a cinqueda with a carbon handle

[@Da1337Man]

Problem is, that what one person might consider the perfect sword, someone else won't like it because they just don't like that paticular style of sword (Like how Skall has never been fond of Katanas) I think the best sword is the one that has the most versatility, one that can be wielded with either one hand or two and that is good enough at both cutting and thrusting, but specialized for neither. Does anyone know the specific name of a sword like that?

[@TheR00k]

@@Da1337Man hand-and-half longswords, the ones usually called bastard swords.

[@josephnebeker7976]

@@Da1337Man Yeah, it's called the bastard sword. Except that every sword has a specialty, and the bastard sword specialty is lightness, reach and flexibility in combat situations, including being a hand and a half sword.

[@BreandanOCiarrai]

what's odd is the weight. I knew Angus back when I lived in WA when he and Tinker worked together for a while on Tinkerblades. Angus came from the machining background and Tink from the custom swordsmith end, and they shared tricks and tips between them to produce blades that were phenomenally light and fast (Tinker on the custom end, Angus on the production end). Most of his blades back then (I moved fifteen years ago, so no clue if his setup remained the same) were machined to fine precision, so this makes me wonder if he actually manufactured this or if he designed it and someone else produced it with his name attached. It's FAR thicker than anything I've ever seen him make, and far heavier. Most of his and Tink's arming swords came in under 2lbs (less than a kilo), often being around a pound and some change.

[@jlan7844]

You actually got it there. Angus Trim designed it, but the actual manufacturing is done by A.P.O.C Swords. From what I've been able to gather they're one of those "tacticool" companies that churn out relatively cheap Chinese mall ninja swords (the blade in this video is about $130 depending on retailer, and is among their highest prices). Kind of ironic seeing as A.P.O.C is owned by Dragon King Swords, which are known for their fairly good Asian reproductions.

[@Verdunveteran]

@@jlan7844 the A.P.O.C. Tactical Wasteland Gladius goes for $180 US on Kult of Athena. I think Shad mentioned in the previous video that it was from them he had bought these blades. It's a HUGE price tag for such a overwheight and clumpsy piece compared to the $39.95 for their most expensive Cold Steel machete not to mention the $34.95 for the United Cutlery Combat Commander Gladiator Sword we see outperform the A.P.O.C. beast we see in this video! I mean you can get 5 of the latter for the price of a single A.P.O.C. monstrosity and still have money left for a coffee and a piece of pie!

[@jlan7844]

@@Verdunveteran I was trying to be at least a little generous by pointing out that I have seen vendors on Amazon selling this blade for $130.00. Which is interesting since usually Amazon is MORE expensive than other retailers. For example, those cheaper blades you mentioned go for about $50.00 for the Cold Steel and about $44.00 for the Gladius. Of course Amazon has "free" shipping on items over $25.00 so that may be where the price jump comes from. Though on a second look through I can't find any of those retailers that had the A.P.O.C for $130 any more (it HAS been a while), with the cheapest being Kult of Athena's $180. So I guess I have to concede that it is an even worse buy now. Especially If you get it from Amazon now, with $213.00 being the lowest price I've found there.

[@Unicorn161]

@@jlan7844 They make some good and bad swords. A pretty good steel that is able to handle some abuse, but the finishing is not very good. The Survival Yagatan is awesome, but the Tactical Cutlass is a bit off balance and feels like it's going to bounce out of your hands when it hits anything harder than foam.

[@Paladin357]

Gus is still doing blades via CNC with industrial heat treat, pretty much same as always. In the case of these APOC swords I'm very curious how close the production pieces are to his original design. I find it hard to believe Gus would design a sword, even a "tactical" one, with basically no distal taper. I'd also bet that the factory edge is not as well executed as the prototype.

[@lepapabarbu]

As far as i know, most historical leaf blade were made during the antiquity when they were mostly using bronze sword. I seen some companie selling steal leaf blade claiming they were using historical measurment (most of the time showing museum bronze sword)... they didnt understand that the measurement were taken from bronze sword and that bronze need to be more thick to survive a battle, steal can be way thiner and still be effectife and last way longer then Bronze.

[@DerTypDa]

Leaf-shaped blades make for such a nice aesthetic, it's a shame that there are so few decent reproductions around that incorporate that style.

[@0That_Guy0]

Just got to say it: One of the things that make it so easy to watch your reviews and analysis videos is the passion and excitement you have for what you do, it really shows! I’m loving it! Keep up the good work!

[@crimsonninja4097]

This sword is like a cross between a Gladius and a Xiphos. I agree with many of the points made here, if there is one thing I disliked it would be that he didn't point out the fact that The design of this sword (and Gladius in general) we're not really made to be used for hacking and Slashing anyway, rather they we're mainly for bloodletting the opponent such as stabbing or Slash striking with the tip.

[@bbrake]

in the last video kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y6LEgaSchr2smLc he pulled out a reproduction Roman gladius, and it looked like it had a straight blade. I'm guessing he specifically sought leaf-bladed swords for the added chopping power, and the term "gladius" is being used broadly?

[@crimsonninja4097]

@@bbrake I think it is being used broadly however it's not just amongst people who casually know of the term but many sword enthusiast's as well for example the longer ones he talked about seem more like Spatha then Gladius, at least in my opinion.

[@IdiotF0ol]

@@crimsonninja4097 spathas were straight edged. I think you're thinking of xiphos, which the hoplites used.

[@crimsonninja4097]

@@IdiotF0ol you must have misunderstood me when I said longer ones I was talking about the longer straight ones.

[@Aerostarm]

I love the gladius. I'm glad you bought it and decided that it was the best sword for self defence

[@darthsidius9631]

Can shad review RuneScape weapons?

[@ronnoc5278]

Not sure that really counts as a gladius though. The gladius was typically straighter, not leaf shaper and a definite there was a triangle at the end instead of curving into a point. It also usually had the distinctive and rare fully round grip with a spherical pommel. They call it a gladius but almost nothing matches up. Best I can classify it is as a Xiphos but the while XIphos typically had only the little guard, there would be a smuch shorter hilt with a pronounced pommel.

[@Aerostarm]

@@ronnoc5278 there were different varieties of gladius. Some were leaf shaped some were not. Some had more acute tips than others too

[@DCFHazardRebornChannel]

@@Aerostarm true, but he is right, its more of a xiphos really than a gladius. I mean sure there are Gladius swords that had more leaf blade shapes but ofc thesse also existed since they were based on the xiphos in the first place to begin with. Most distinguishing part was the rounder pomel and rounder guard. And going by comparison, the Combat Commander Gladius does look as a xiphos more since its modern hilt would relate closer to the Xiphos than the gladius. Its just that gladius is a much more common catchy "even my grandpa knows it" kind if name for marketing the sword. But yeah, definitely closer to a xiphos.

[@commit9787]

'Tactical' sword, and cutting bottles - has Shad finally entered his 'Mall Ninja' arc???

[@OzymandiasRex]

I couldn’t have hoped for a better video to follow up the last after falling in love with and buying the Gladius. In my country you can buy it for the equivalent of US$50 which makes it cheap enough to be replaceable if the material ever fails. I stopped buying swords years ago but there is just no denying the pure effectiveness of this one and at the price it was a no brainer.

[@Zand3rParkour]

FYI, my ~2 year old daughter climbed in my lap during the cutting test part and was giggling the entire time, especially when the machete broke the plank and the subsequent bottle cutting. Guess I've got a junior sword enthusiast 😅

[@XBullitt16X]

If anything it shows how important edge geometry is and important it is to get right on a blade.

[@fransthefox9682]

There are even historical swords with a weight of 0.6kg that can cut *beautifully.* Especially sabres. Goes to show that a heavy blade is indeed not necessary for better cutting.

[@cybermerlyn2]

A couple of things I noticed that would help with that sword. Like you I love that design, but in historic examples I noticed some things. I also understand the desire to buy a "battle ready" blade. However the points listed below are things that sword would need to improve performance. * Hollow grind in the leaf blade, would improve blade edge and reduce belly weight. * A pommel to help with weight distribution.

[@matthewbreytenbach4483]

If they reduce the blade's weight then hardwood grip scales would counterbalance it well enough.

[@wyattguilliams9479]

Battle Ready blades have a bend or flex to them, kinda like a shock absorber. Though I agree that reducing the weight of the blade particularly near the tip might help the overall balance and keep its leaf blade shape. But that's just my observation and basic understanding, I don't know if reducing the weight either partially or down the whole length of the blade would effect the designs durability. Because even though this specific Gladius is based on well the Gladius, it's still made to be like a Machete rather than an actual battle ready sword.

[@jamesbarisitz4794]

Get a coarse /medium combination stone and thin down the blade with water. It's gonna take some elbow grease, but you won't spoil the heat treatment. Finish with 400 grit and spray it black with an rattle can. Make it the weapon you wanted. ✌

[@johnsmithe4656]

They should have done that at the factory. Any product you need to fix upon purchase deserves less than 5 stars.

[@chuckhoyle1211]

It seems to behave more like a splitting axe due to the thickness of the blade.

[@Phoenix0F8]

If you're an experienced smith, sure, this makes sense and I don't mean the next paragraph to be disrespectful at all- just my two cents on the issue. The problem is that this blade will run you over $150 at every online marketplace I've seen. If I'm putting out that much for a sword, I shouldn't have to do aftermarket modifications on that scale. I have several great machetes at home and I don't recall spending over $30 for a single one of them. And they cut wood and other things just fine. I've literally cut down trees with them. Only modifications I usually need to make are to replace those paracord handle wrappings (which always start to come unwoven after a few good swings) with rubberized tape for better gripping. And a couple extra straps on the scabbard for different carrying configurations. But the idea of modifying the blade itself to that level on a sword I'm already paying 5x as much for is just wild.

[@TheSleeplyone]

I think we can all agree that the Tactical Wasteland Gladius can now be classified as a Mall Ninja Weapon.

[@qwertystania]

The issue is that you are cutting against wood, which is hard and tough. Things might be different if you were cutting against something easy to cut, like fantasy armor or orc bone

[@greganderson6371]

We all know fantasy armor can be cut by anything

[@bleack8701]

@@greganderson6371 fantasy armor is flimsier than the props they use in movies for armor

[@shadowx3benz117]

@@bleack8701 unless the main character is wearing it, then it's impervious to all known from of damage.

[@frosmane9041]

orcs in dnd have substantially denser bones than humans tho

[@VideoMask93]

@@frosmane9041 tell that to the heroes who cleave them with mighty blows.

[@SgtAbramovich]

I'm in camp "the best self-defense weapon is one you don't have to conceal" and it's pretty much normal to open carry a machete in many parts of the world, since it's such a great tool. I admit it's not the most lethal self-defense sword, but it's one of the only ones you don't have to hide. Either that or those canes that are really just rapier sheathes (?) in disguise.

[@Budymierdas]

Where the fuck do you live where you don't have to conceal a fuckin sword?

[@D00MTR33]

This video is perfect demonstration of edge geometry. It's not only for sword but any edged tool like pocket knives. You see a lot of knives today with overly thick edges(0.025-0.050) and high edge angles of 20 to 30 degrees per side. Cutting cardboard with them is a chore compared to something in the 0.005-0.015 range and 12 to 15 degrees per side.

[@Reidbynature]

Shad: My sword has a bit more stick properties than I'm normally comfortable with and I don't know what to feel.

[@avatarmufasa3628]

Its a hobbit zweihander, thats why its heavy for its size. Meant to be a 2 handed weapon

[@nosotrosloslobosestamosreg4115]

Underrated comment.

[@dasher5457]

Hey Shad - I wonder if you’ve ever seen the “zombie slayer” sword from Valiant Armory (also designed by Angus Trim, in fact). It is essentially the same concept as this gladius, except in more of a longsword format. Obviously you sacrifice conceal-ability, but you gain quite a bit of reach. It is also very light for a longsword, and has excellent distal taper, making it feel pretty great in the hand. I also find it to be surprisingly “one-handable”. It seems to be out of production now at Valiant Armory, so you’d have to pick one up used, but it’s a unique design. I believe Skallagrim did a video on the old model a few years ago and gave it a favorable review. Was wondering what you would make of it in a context like this.

[@mercifulone7065]

I wish they’d bring it back 😔

[@rjp194]

The A. P. O. C. Survival Broadsword is similar in design to the "Zombie Slayer" but only at ~29" overall

[@elvispussley8887]

Apoc just released a longsword that is the exact same design as the zombie slayer. Its on sword buyers guide store. Its 175

[@elvispussley8887]

@@mercifulone7065 apoc released a longsword that is very similar. Its pretty much a new version of the sword. Its on sword buyers guide website for 175

[@EatWave]

If the blade is heavy and blunt enough, it might as well be a hammer with a sharpened claw end.

[@50733Blabla1337]

Hey Shad you seem so much more energetic and healthy compared to a few years ago. Didnt watch regularly in a while but had to say it as it was so obvious. Hope its not the magic of editing but that you really got that much better. Happy for you :)

[@garethbaus5471]

He mentioned having a surgery to improve his breathing, and seems to putting a lot of effort into getting more exercise, so it would surprise me if he is ligitimately doing that much better.

[@50733Blabla1337]

@@garethbaus5471 Yea I know the surgery was a while ago and this was around the time I stopped watching regularly so it was a really big jump for me. From having 5 sec max takes for tests so he can take a break to swinging the swords more than once and talking in one take. Also why wouldnt he be able to be doing much better over more than a year tho :o

[@Abdega]

Since there is a “gladius” bodypart in squids, I’d like to see more underwater fantasy races use them

[@jeroen92]

I'm just going to say that there is more to self defense than cutting deep, a heavy impact also matters so even if it is less sharp the added weight and therefore force helps

[@James35142]

Shad, do you have plans to bring back fight scene autopsy?

[@shadiversity]

absolutely

[@atomicnewt39]

@@shadiversity it's so educational and entertaining at the same time, truly brilliant, but then again it's one of your videos lol. I can't wait.

[@Micdades]

@@shadiversity must do sword of the stranger

[@DomenikNowak]

To the death would bei amazing. Its a KZbin Video about a authentic lightsaber fight.

[@AgentZombieMan]

I love how the board, when it broke, politely went back onto the table

[@shawnwolf5961]

Good to see you back and well, making videos again!

[@riforgiate74]

I was just wondering today how you were feeling. Glad you are back making videos.

[@WhatIfBrigade]

Years ago I got a Combat Commander from United Cutlery as part of a "buy one, get one half off." I was buying a Cold Steel Gladius Machete that while I thought it would be better than the Commander I basically never use the Cold Steel. The Commander just feels so much better in the hand. Mine needed sharping, but I'd love having it in a self-defense situation.

[@zacariasnelson5753]

Glad you came out with this review so soon. I almost got that sword, but I’ll stick with that commander gladius instead

[@brandonwhitt7699]

this video is such a good illustration on why i like your content, it's longer, always 40 minutes...but your insight on the physics of striking and your insight governing the higher application is generally very interesting. Remembering you exist is all it takes to consistently watch your content!

[@jl9211]

I wish there were more quality leaf blades on the market. Leaf bladed swords in general deserve more love

[@sethdusith6093]

One factor isn't taken into consideration is the sword is made to be stiff for thrusts. With the UC gladius its not necessary to keep it thick cause its so short. But for its length, it's supposed to be thick for thrusting. Thrust that cold steel machete compared to the APOC sword, you will see where the sword shines

[@Leo.23232]

thats why the best option is the shorter one, so many advantages only at the cost of reach which isn't that necessary against knives

[@sethdusith6093]

@@Leo.23232 Go spar someone knife against sword. You will see quickly how big an advantage it is

[@off6848]

@@sethdusith6093 hes saying most people have knives so even a short sword would give a great advantage

[@sethdusith6093]

@@off6848 and a full sword would be an even bigger advantage

[@off6848]

@@sethdusith6093 but then you lose the advantages of a short sword which are conceal ability durability and one handed agility

[@Don-Scrima]

I just like that blade shape. I've always looked at it like cheating a curve because it's straight, but the hourglass profile would give it a better cutting capacity (that's all theoretical).

[@ajcasey68]

Im so glad to see a knowledgable review of a swordsman. Was going to buy one of these but saw this video first. its the info I really wanted to know. I really would love you to review Miller Bro Blades M2 or M18 models (survival Gladius)

[@bp9762]

Hi Shad, and thank you for another entertaining video. I have two points to make: 1. A sword is not designed to chop wood - its targets are usually made of other materials. 2. A sword may not be the best self-defense melee weapon at all - a sword is mainly an instrument for killing people, which may not always be the outcome you desire in a self-defense situation. It is quite difficult to inflict sufficient damage with a sword to incapacitate an opponent without ultimately killing him - whether immediately or subsequently due to blood loss. I would argue that a better weapon for self-defense is an axe or a hatchet - comparably lethal to a sword if necessary but with the option to inflict blunt damage instead, if desired. The back of the axe is effectively a mace and even a hit with a small axe can break bone or switch someone off with a single blow to the head. Not many opponents will chase you with a broken leg or keep attacking you while being unconscious. All the while with a significantly reduced risk of of a lethal outcome. There is a saying where I come from about thieves and burglars that says "He will taste the blunt of my axe". In a modern setting, an axe is still recognized as primarily a tool in pretty much all legal systems and while the police may take it off you and call you later to pick it up, it will not land you into legal trouble as much as an object specifically designed to take human life such as a sword, or a dagger. Just my 2 cents.

[@rdtradecraft]

Thanks for the review, Shad. I am getting a Combat Commander for personal protection on the road after seeing this and your last video. I was vacillating between the APOC, the Cold Steel Machete, and the Combat Commander when I stumbled across your last video. The Cold Steel Machete you have appears to be out of stock everywhere at the moment, I saw other reviews along with yours that described the Tactical Wasteland as unwieldy, but without going into much detail, and it is just a bit long to be easily carried in a compact vehicle. Your review and the remarks from your last video were the final bits that made me decide on the Combat Commander.

[@chadjensenster]

You touched something that is not discussed much. The type of sword that is optimal is very situational dependent. Cutters are ideal for no to lightly armored opponents, choppers are ideal for moderately armored opponents (mail) for 2 reasons: 1 your hitting steel with your blade and the extra steel helps reinforce your blade and 2 if your cut is stopped by the mail, the bludgeoning aspect will still do damage. I agree, in a modern self defense situation, the attacker won't be armored, so a cutter is by far the best choice. Great video and I enjoyed the previous one as well.

[@plusframes4963]

I freaking love this channel and the utter interest you demonstrate in these topics.

[@silentfox139]

Thank you on that cold steel machete. It’s been in my Amazon cart for a while. This gives a reason to buy it now

[@FluffyJackie]

I always enjoy watching/listening to your videos.

[@SendBreadPics]

The idea of carrying something this big around in the modern day is kind of absurd to be honest.

[@rahl163]

Legal where i live.... for some f***in reason. Can't imagine myself actually walking down the street with a sword strapped to my waist.

[@Dergownik]

its a little bulky, but if im being honest then maybe something slicker like saber or a spade would kinda blend in

[@ThisNameIsBanned]

Probably illegal in many countries. Blade-length limitations are a thing around the world.

[@ravenRedwake]

Even a full size pistol is more easily concealed. I carried a full size revolver (chiappa rhino) for two years.

[@homelessperson5455]

Ok, for self-defense in areas where guns are reasonably available, yes. But, in some places things like machetes are actually very necessary to cut through vegetation for any number of outdoor work.

[@zewitshe3608]

another day, another great video from this great man. You really make my day with these

[@Pprokop87]

thank You Shad. You helped me to set my mind on a damn fine sword. and leaf shaped blade makes it a monstrous cutter. Gladius Hispaniensis (did i do the typo right?) was described as a weapon albe to chop an arm or a leg clean off with one strike. it was primary used by Roman Legion that originated in Iberia and later spread to other Legions. i just ned to get my hands on that short Gladius

[@koticneutralftw7016]

I think the tactical wasteland gladius is intentionally over built for unrealistic expectations coming from a 'what if Fall Out' scenario. I think Skal did a review on it a few years ago.

[@Skillfullfilms89]

I feel like this is a pretty good demonstration of the nature of sword- the smaller, lighter blades tend to work better than large ones for cutting- swords aren't made to be heavy and create a large amount of force like a mace or a club. They're essentially made to efficiently use (and perhaps somewhat amplify- moreso for larger blades-) the force they have. However, I wonder, would the larger blade size of the other swords help penetrate armor or create more devastating wounds?

[@davidking4686]

This series of videos really makes me want that short gladius in my car

[@LoneTiger]

10:45 _"News Flash: Crazy man attacks dangerous tree with sword! 'The tree came at me from behind, I had no choice!' the man said."_ 🤣 Hey Shad, why not do the "finger balance" test to find the center of gravity of the swords overall? That would show how much off balance the sword is.

[@draven86]

Seen it countless times in Forged in Fire how the weight of the sword affects it's cutting performance

[@yagobrasil9556]

i been thinking for a while, the gladius is the most effective when used with big shield, and today we have balistic shields really similar to the scutum, that just made the gladius more useful in today urban figths.

[@mercifulone7065]

I wish ballistic shields were lighter.

[@yagobrasil9556]

@@mercifulone7065 thats the point, one of the most heavy roman shield weigth 4,5 kg, and a ballistic shield with 7,0 kg can stop shotguns. the only downside come with the size, but if i have one, i would leave it at home

[@immutablecantrip]

i got to 30:00 before i realized the hoodie you're wearing under the gambison is meant to look like chainmail. so cool

[@AbsoluteEdgelord]

Shad, would you ever do a video on if and how Bloodborne trick weapons would work irl? For example the Ludwig's Holy Blade which is a one-handed sword that you can put in its sheath to make it a big two-handed sword, or the Hunter Axe which transforms from a one-handed axe to a two-handed axe, the whirligig saw that goes from a mace to a round saw, etc. I'm curious on your opinion on them, if they are realistic to make and use irl and how durable they would be.

[@A_Pair_Of_Glasses]

YES that would be awesome

[@greyangel4198]

Not to mention the Kirkhammer or the Whirligig saw?

[@AbsoluteEdgelord]

@@greyangel4198 I mentioned the Whirligig Saw. The Kirkhammer is the same concept as Ludwig's Holy Blade (they also use the same one-handed sword), I just took a couple that came to mind. What I'm curious about as well is the weapons like the Saw Cleaver and how sturdy they would be, because it seems to me that they would break quite easily in their transformed forms since they probably need hinges or something to do the spinning part of transforming

[@off6848]

@@AbsoluteEdgelord the saw cleaver is just what’s called a cloggers knife

[@AbsoluteEdgelord]

@@off6848 Didn't know that existed, cool. From what I've seen, it doesn't flip like the Saw Cleaver does, and that's where my main concern is. When you're attacking something with it, I believe it'd put stress on the hinges or whatever that work the mechanism to flip the saw part around. I may be completely wrong about this, but the mechanism to flip the saw part wouldn't be very durable and once that breaks, it'd be a pain to fix it

[@paultiki9968]

It looks kind of neat, so make it shiny and hang it on the wall. Or, take a bench grinder and grind a fuller down the middle of the blade on each side (taking care to follow all safety guidelines) . You could also use said grinder to maybe address the edge geometry. just a thought

[@somerando1073]

The problem with that sword is that it's "tactical". Swords designed for people who are interested in things being tacticool have to focus on sturdiness because the mall ninjas who buy them do stupid things with swords.

[@sigiligus]

All swords are tactical weapons lol

[@paul_warner]

Thank you! I was just wondering if I should buy this after I saw your last video.

[@crimsonraen]

Thanks for the video, Shad! Bummer that the longer one was so chunky!

[@WebWingRecords]

I really like Gladius style swords primarily bc they're meant to fit your one hand snuggly between the cross guard and pommel without much length sticking out below the handle. Personally I don't like 2 handed swords bc my arms tend to fight over what they're doing (had the same problem in little league).

[@EnraEnerato]

You know, this makes me wonder how an actually forged and refined version of this would do? You know a thinner blade width, with the groove on both sides, a pommel and perhaps layered steel with all the refinement techniques one could/would expect of a finely ans masterfully crafted sword.

[@chrisdupuis2523]

You're overthinking it, over engineering the blade. •If you make the blade thinner then it won't need a fuller, it would actually make the blade weaker and possibly too light as well. •modern steels are superior in every way to ancient steels, there's no need to layer blades anymore. °A pommel is just a counter weight, these particular swords are too short and should be too light to warrant one, you'd be throwing off the balance significantly by including one. All you need to correct the first blade is a steady hand and a few minutes on a belt sander to remove a mm or two of material from each side and a resharpening.

[@davisor7116]

Here you go, enjoy kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJbGn42BZdCibZo Same famous designer/blacksmith (Angus Trim) but refined (and way more expensive) version

[@Galakyllz]

This was very informative. Thanks for the video.

[@shadowx3benz117]

I love swords, especially gladius design, and was about to buy this one when I saw this video pop up, so I decided to see what Shad thought about it before I spent money.

[@shadowx3benz117]

Definitely not going to spend the money on that. I'll have to keep looking, but that one you're using for comparison might be a good choice.

[@puru-see]

I've never wanted a Gladius as much as I do now always played with the thought not gonna lie, but....wow

[@Lemunde]

I would guess the reasoning behind making it thicker was to make it more rigid. I would argue that it would have less trouble with bone, if you consider that none of them are going to be cutting through bone very well. You aren't going to be slicing off limbs with any of these weapons, but with a heavier blade you're more likely to break bones. I will admit you're less likely to do any disemboweling cuts compared to the gladius (assuming you're doing an edge cut), but in terms of reach and stopping power I think the longer sword is still worth consideration. I would personally recommend the longer sword for someone who is maybe a little more built who can handle the weight better. Otherwise the gladius would be the better option.

[@VernonKun]

I think slicing off limbs is possible considering it's done with 0.8kg sabers

[@MB-jg4tr]

If it's actually sharp, and the wielder uses enough force and precision with a good swing, a light thin gladius could indeed cut an arm off. Most people wouldn't have the strength or skill to do such though. Perhaps an inexperienced mall-ninja hopped-up-on-energy-drinks giving it his full-retard-enthusiasm could possibly take a hand off, but not routinely.

[@tribeofbenjaminslings6322]

Very fun video. Have you considered putting your own distal taper on the sword and reprofiling the edge? Shoot for 2mm at the swell... You could only improve it.

[@photosyntheticzee9915]

The heaviness of the longer sword reminded me of a macuahuitl, the Aztec clubs with “blades” of obsidian or flint set along their edges.

[@EnsignRedshirtRicky]

Shad is coming around on the machete. Great character arc! 27:28 - "it's like a stick with a slight edge on it". So a sword IS a stick-like weapon confirmed!!!! EFAPers rejoice and let the Massives know! (yes the quote was out of context)

[@WhatIfBrigade]

This review was from the perspective of self defense, but I want to point out if the designer intended this machete for use in trimming plants, the performance was even worse. The Combat Commander and the Cold Steel could easily be a machete for clearing brush that doubles as a self defense tool in the wilderness. Perfect for modern day adventurers. The other one can't do either of those things.

[@Bubble_0f_d00m]

Another good weapon review! I actually was, and still am considering getting that gladius. Speaking of reviews... it's been a while since we had a fictional castle review, how about Eichenwalde from Overwatch? I hear it's based on the real Hohenzollern castle, but I don't know that for fact. It can be seen in the popular cinematic "Honor and Glory", and is a playable map in-game (although the nature of the game doesn't let you play on the whole castle, just a direct assault from the 'town' into the throne room. Overwatch uses smaller maps. But if you replay a game in spectator mode, you can free-float the camera outside map boundaries and get a better view of it.).

[@EarlyMist]

I bought and received four of the Apoc swords. Very happy with them all...especially the broadsword and long sword. Cutlass though might be the most maneuvarable and practical.

[@mathisforgret7583]

I'm doing some writing and love watching your work for weapon and armor ideas. I know you did the best weapon for a snake. Being a spear and net or bow. But what type of sword do you think would work for a serpent humanoid?

[@seanrilian]

I own three items from the A.P.O.C. line, including this sword and it is by far the worst of the three. But like you I am so in love with the overall style of it that I want to tinker with grinding it down eventually and see if I can't make it in to something viable. I also own the Wayward Camper knife and the Broad Sword, both of which have been fantastic thus far. The broad sword is still a bit hefty for the size but in terms of balance and cutting ability, it is like night and day different from the Gladius. I believe I even saw the broad sword on your table when you were chopping melons and coconuts. Would you consider doing a video on it as well, perhaps as an alternative self defense sword or just survivalist sword in general?

[@fireteammichael1777]

Loved your take on the gladius style although I'd also say that, your "testing" of the "machete" showed what actually works well for modern day "combat" type sword, at least something adequate/"good enough," as well! Lol

[@sim.frischh9781]

Brilliant video, it perfectly high-lights the advantages of making videos with friends: pre-upload roasting free of charge!

[@jackalvengeance4702]

gotta love watching shadiversity break swords down for you. been working on my own stories with swords and i want to have them seem practical, even if they were designed for things NOT human. appreciate the work, good sir!

[@whatisbestinlife8112]

I think some of this difference and poorer performance of the longer gladius stems from the difference between 1 and 2 handed. It seems it takes more specific, trained control to cut as effectively with 2-handed. You get more force, but you also require more trained body coordination to cut as effectively. Cutting 1-handed (with a well-balanced blade) is more forgiving. Not that 2-handed cannot be as effective, but that it requires more trained body control, and focus in the moment, to be so. There's more going on with the more of the body directly interacting with the blade position that has to be coordinated with 2-hands. Which we saw with the second bottle attempt where it did cut the bottle cleanly and Shad appeared to be focusing on doing so a bit more.

[@rreeves0710]

That would be a neat project to send to a smith, lighten up the full tang handle, and put a deep fuller groove down the center of the blade to reduce some weight.

[@TheGosslings]

Shad's got a mad-chad haircut going. Whoever your stylist is, they're doing a killer job. Awesome content as always.

[@luckykitty1740]

I can't differentiate the great-, broad-, long- and bastard sword and claymore. But in layman terms I prefer the big two handers in combination with a big shield and full body armor. Edit: at the end its preferences, you said yourself that cuts were rarely lethal so a sword with concussive force might be preferable in other situations.

[@ColdDoomOfficial]

Hey Shad, great videos as always, but I have a mostly unrelated question. Is the Cold Steel MAA kriegsmesser (the one without the black finish) a good messer to go with, and if not, what would be your recommendation for a kriegsmesser?

[@inncubus666]

Skallagrim did a comparison vid of the cold steel one with his (Albion?) one, which you might find useful.

[@ColdDoomOfficial]

@@inncubus666 thanks, watched a couple reviews and tests, seems like it'd be a great move to go with the one without black coating, as it seems the one with black coating (they call it MAA) is a piece of garbadge. If i had 1700 laying around I'd just get an Albion though😹

[@raymondcoventry1221]

I've been considering this sword for a while now, thanks for this review. Ordered a Combat Commander gladius for a quarter of the price instead. I still like it and may get one down the road but I hear the APOC broadsword may be a better choice. Makes me wish they'd design a mark 2 with a thinner blade.

[@xemnianspy2336]

Shad: Look at this cut! My head: Sum 41 - In Too Deep plays in the backround

[@antouab221]

I purchased this sword only because of all the negative points listed by Shad. It is easy to make the edge profile razor sharp at 20 degree angle if needs to be, but its versatility, durability close to being indestructible, apocalyptic looks etc, all the awesomeness that one could get, hell yeah, easily outshines all the small negatives shown in the video.

[@mattjohnston9131]

Good points. Also, if you take the time to strengthen your hands, wrists, and forearms (as one should when using such a weapon) then the weight becomes less of an issue.

[@MrMann703]

Was debating on getting this one, it just might end up in my hands

[@Fazeshyft]

The fact the gladius in question is too heavy to be effectively used with one hand knocks it out as a viable option altogether. Singlehanded use was the entire point of the previous video as a good tactic for modern self defense.

[@corbyrobinson3640]

I would love to see a video in which Shad does a cad or drawn design of his own design of sword for modern self-defense. I'm imagining that it would be quite informative and entertaining.

[@kevinfogle7929]

I've indulged in that same mental exercise myself. I'll throw a curve ball at the modern tactical gladius: what did people use in the transition period into firearms, when firearms were bulky and unreliable? Small swords. I'd be curious what a modern take on a small sword would look like designed for self defense.

[@laughingmask3118]

Hey Shad; you can have it ground down to shave off the excess metal if you're really keen on the sword itself, turning it into a functional weapon. But as far as something to purchase, I totally agree with you. Tragically unmet potential at best.

[@grazzitdvram]

kind of confused why they would have even called that thing a gladius when it looks like its taking its design from the greek xiphos. weird, hey I get why why that blade has the fat teardrop, because it would leave massive wounds but the weight is just all goofed up, a bronze xiphos would be shorter and weigh less and be more effective. I think they just scaled up a design that didn't work well when scaled up. Still looks decent

[@WolfintheMeadow]

Hey Shad, the larger sword - the thicker one - is designed with the apocolypse in mind. Traditionally, people would replace swords relatively often as you can onlu grind out so many burrs, notches, rolls, etc. But in the apocolypse, you can't do that, so it's designed to stand up to punishment for longer. An ok cutter that lasts for years is better than a great cutter that lasts for months. Having a weapon is beter than not having one. Thus the name, "Tactical WASTELAND Gladius.". Edit: Bearing in mind that flesh cuts easier than wood, and it will do as well - practically speaking - with bone as anything else. Second Edit: Also, Shad, check out the Jungle Toothpick from the same series as the Combat Commander Gladius.

[@sheldoniusRex]

No.

[@WolfintheMeadow]

@@sheldoniusRex No.

[@GirishManjunathMusic]

@@WolfintheMeadow No? --Is that what we're doing?--

[@Adam_okaay]

You completely made that up. How TF often do you think people were using swords? Weapons when no longer usable were recycled for their steel, but a typical sword could last generations. Also why TF would someone need a sword in an appocalypse situation? What are they fighting that a sword becomes more useful than guns? Or more utilitarian than a bush knife or hatchet?

[@garethbaus5471]

Thicker swords don't necessarily resist damage better if you are hitting similar targets at a similar volocity with decent edge alignment.

[@wadenimmo171]

When Using wood tacking the grain of the wood into account is a big thing. Very similar to making traditional archery arrows You need to take into account Which Why end hell the grain runs so when you find the aero it does not splinter and go through your hand, This is why bamboo maps rolled up are Recommended.

[@rayceeya8659]

It reminds me of the home made swords we used to make when I was younger. We usually scavenged chainsaw bars. Good source of good steel.

[@ArcticGator]

im surprised he didnt have the cold steel gladius machete, its got the length of the apoc but the cutting geometry of the united cutlery gladius, which does borrow some design elements from the cold steel gladius machete, i have both their gladius machete and their kopis machete, both are great choppers.

[@Yourehistronic]

I believe that he mentioned in the previous video, that some options were out of stock?

[@davejones9469]

I've been wanting to live a hermit life for a while, and I've been wanting a spear to bring. I've checked online but most have like 3 ft handles. Ideally I'd like a telescoping handle for compact storage. Any chance you could cover that?

[@Nerdsammich]

A telescoping haft defeats the purpose of a spear.

[@davejones9469]

@@Nerdsammich Well I'm not fighting someone in armor or stopping a cavalry charge (dumbass), I'm using it for fishing, hunting and last resort self defense, but I understand your point. Besides, it's not like there aren't sturdy telescoping poles, especially with high quality materials and manufacturing. Do you think I mean like a plastic light saber? You know NASA uses a lot of telescoping parts to save on space right? *Not to mention telescoping poles can have LOCKS on them.

[@mrmicro22]

I agree with the other guy but good luck.

[@Nerdsammich]

@@davejones9469 You know a deer is comparable to a small horse, right? If it won't stop a horse, it won't bring down a deer. Or boar. Or bear. If you're spear-hunting small game like rabbits, you're doing it wrong. Fishing spears might be made useful and collapsible, but they're way different from regular spears and illegal.

[@davejones9469]

@@Nerdsammich Actually i found several spears for sale in NA that are 3-5 ft long with solid shafts. Simple Google search. Also, I don't need to kill the deer in one shot, I just need to make it bleed. I know you gun users are cheaters, but I don't work that way. You'll run out of ammo eventually and it weighs a ton. Also, I have a crossbow for big game and snares for varmints, so a fishing spear is generally all I need, but I could easily set up a fish trap with river rocks instead. I just see many applications for a blade on a stick. Too bad you don't.

[@josephmunoz2698]

Love your videos I would like to ask if you could do a video on finding the right type of weapon is fit for a person

[@captianbacon]

I love leaf blades. Greek and roman esthetic is my favorite thing so leaf blade swords are just beautiful in my eyes and the length on that looks like such a ideal length as normally leaf blades are shorter (due to the style originating with bronze) if that long leaf operated with the efficiency of the short one or the machete. I would buy it in a heartbeat...