Zombie tools legionnaire gladius sword review and comparison to the retired zombie tools Xiphos

zombietools.net/collections/b...
In these last days of Rome, you never know when you’ll be called upon to hitch up your Jovian moons and defend the gates against the barbarian hordes. And what better weapon to hold that line than the blade that tasted the blood of every thuggish clan from Cairo to Cardiff, and saw more mano-a-mano than a bathhouse on Spartacus Street--the Roman gladius.
The gladius and its distinctive blade geometry, appropriated from the Spanish Celts, was the business end of a fierce Roman combat discipline, its stout triangular tip used to jab at the enemy from underneath and around a shield. At the same time, its narrowing profile yielded a relatively low tip-weight, which made it wristy and dexterous when the retreating rabble of a broken enemy could be mopped up with a less conservative slashing attack.
In a modern context, these properties would make the ZT Legionnaire an ideal tool for close quarters home defense. The gladius is long and nasty enough to makes its point directly without need for fancy swordplay, yet its length and weighting allows for a quick and tight parry in closer confines.
The Legionnaire is handcrafted as if by Vulcan himself from 5160 spring steel with leather grip and Kydex sheath.
• Total Length: 27 in (.69m)
• Blade Length: 19 in (.48m)
• Handle Length: 8 in (.21m)
• Grip Size: 4.5 in (.11m)
• Steel Thickness: .25 in (6.4mm)
• Weight: 2lb 5oz (1.05kg)
• Release Date: March 2018

[@efactore]

Thank you for this review, 1st review I've seen as of now of the Legionnaire sword.

[@jorgefernandez6407]

My favorite sword, is the Mainz Gladius. The Xiphos of course resembles the Mainz for obvious reasons BUT, the moment I saw that Legionnaire, it became a "GRAIL" blade to me!!! Thank you for making this video! It makes me want it even MORE!!!

[@galliuz7705]

Thanks for the review, great blade and nice YT channel.

[@duran2085]

Love this channel! Cheers

[@davidking7554]

There was such a thing as a Semispatha; halfway in length between gladius and spatha. But to me, the ZT Legionnaire most resembles a Scythian sword.

[@jeremyhume5563]

Thank for for your service! This information is exemplary!
Personally, I recognize blade martial arts are predominantly speed-based, so I'd go with the legnionnairel
But I certianly recognize the cutting capacity of the xiphos.
But if I'm grabbing one when things go bump in the night, then I'd go with the legnionnaire. Paired with a cold steel soldier's targe or a buckler, I feel like I'd win. Hands down.
Obvious first choice is a firearm, but this is such a beautiful blade, I can't resist getting one.

[@jeremyhume5563]

It would have to feel better than my D'cap companion though... I love that blade more than anything.

[@swordmaster0813]

@@jeremyhume5563 truth be told it’s blade faster than the companion however the companion and a pistol or even a buckler would be a hell of a combo

[@MarcoFromTropoja]

I know zombie tools will sometimes make a retired blade upon request. They made me a sin bad like 6 months after it was discontinued.

[@RB-wt6pg]

The legionnaire is a Sexy blade omg. Blue in my nethers.

[@diomedes39]

Thanks for reviewing this! Could you test it out on camera?

[@swordmaster0813]

I’m going to do some test cutting maybe Sunday I will post it up

[@Zen-noMyo-0]

Greetings Michael!
Love your channel. Your reviews have influenced me to grow my Zombie Tools collection. I have 5 blades so far. In other videos, you have mentioned that you have sold some of your swords. I was wondering if you were willing to sell the ZT Big Bad Wolf, if you still owned it?

[@swordmaster0813]

I don’t still own it sadly. In truth it wasn’t the best balanced piece the feel of the newer blades is better than alot of the older models

[@Zen-noMyo-0]

@@swordmaster0813 Blvd.
WOW!!!!!! Thank you for your prompt and honest reply!!!
⚔⚔⚔⚔

[@rebelstosaints6083]

Thoughts on the The Hellion compared to The Legionnaire? Preference, how each handle, pros & cons compared to each other? That would be a cool vid too, comparing some Zombie Tool blades that are similar in dimension. Thanks for your vids, I really enjoy your thoughts. Peace!

[@swordmaster0813]

I prefer the Hellion as it feels better in the hand however if you have little to no experience handling swords than I recommend the legionaire as it’s easier for a beginner level weapon
Also thank you sir I greatly appreciate the support

[@rebelstosaints6083]

@@swordmaster0813 Awesome, I was leaning towards the Hellion too. I train with swords, and machetes so how the sword feels in the hand is important to me. I really appreciate your insight. Cheers!

[@random-unbreaded-commentor]

Huh. I picked up a xiphos a good bit after they discontinued them (i got lucky and they had a template left in the shop. So as far as i know it was the last ine ever made) i got it thinking in the lines of if there was ever a need to use it it would likely be indoors. You dont clear a hiuse with an ar (unless youre breeching/ you get the point) youd go for a sidearm. Its easier to manuver in confined spaces. Same principle for the sword. I liked the diphos, but it seemed too long for what my rationale was (plus it just looks really cool).
Have been considering picking up the legionnaire or the belmont next (and probably the diphos at some point just because it would be nice to have ine if each).
That all said and out of the way youre like the inly persin ive found with an actual xiphos review! My only real question is how is the edge alignment on each? Skal just did one on the legionnare and its a monster; but said its hard to cut with and the alignment is VERY unforgiving. So now im curious how the xiphos stacks by comparison. Not really expecting an answer on a 6 month old video but fingers crossed

[@swordmaster0813]

I think the edge alignment is about the same however I think based on the weight. The xiphos is a better close quarters weapon. This is just my opinion of course. I highly recommend the Belmont and the diphos but the Belmont first and foremost it’s amazing

[@faceeater6907]

i personally think it should be a mainz or pompeian type gladius shape still think id prefer the diphos =) thoughts?

[@swordmaster0813]

I couldn’t agree more. I think it should’ve been a more traditional gladius shape. And man I love my diphos for sure

[@cerealoffenders]

Gotta agree with ya about the handle I dk why they didn’t even attempt to make it a traditional looking Roman handle

[@swordmaster0813]

Joey had told me after I did this video the original design was a jian. However they widened and shortened the blade to fill the hole the xiphos had left

[@cerealoffenders]

@@swordmaster0813 should have kept it a Jian and just made a legit gladius to fill the gap .

[@SsjKamiKage]

I found a xiphos satin finish!
Ahhhhhhh should i jump on it or get a satin legionnair? Double wielding a xiphos and legionnair would be bad ass

[@swordmaster0813]

If you found a xiphos get it they are rare

[@SsjKamiKage]

@@swordmaster0813 i love the satin look , but their original is nice too

[@SsjKamiKage]

​@@swordmaster0813 would a fuller improve the xiphos?