Firstly, the gladius is a one-handed sword which means that it frees up the other hand to hold a flashlight or projectile launcher of your choice. In a home defense scenario, it’s important to be able to see what you’re doing and to have a backup plan in case your first line of defense fails. Ideally, you would want to use a projectile launcher with a flashlight on it, which gives you two lines of defense. If your projectile launcher fails to stop an attacker, you have a second line of defense with your sword.
Secondly, the gladius is kind of dense and therefore not only has cutting power but can also provide blunt force. This is important because it means that you can incapacitate an attacker without necessarily having to kill them. If you’re defending yourself in your home, you may not want to kill someone, but you still need to be able to stop them from hurting you or your loved ones.
Thirdly, the gladius is bladed on both sides and sharp at the end. This means that both sides can cut and it can be used to thrust. This makes the sword incredibly versatile and useful in close combat situations. You don’t need a lot of room to use a sword effectively, which is especially important if you’re defending yourself in a small space.
Finally, the gladius has a rich history that speaks to its effectiveness in close combat. It’s no wonder the Romans adopted this sword from the Celtiberians in Hispania when they encountered them. This sword is great for close combat and leaves one hand free (in the case of Roman legionaries, this meant free to hold a shield). It’s a tried and tested weapon that has been used for centuries.
In conclusion, while the gladius may not be the first weapon that comes to mind when you think of home defense, it’s actually an excellent choice. Its one-handed design, density, versatility, and rich history all make it a great option for protecting yourself and your loved ones. Of course, it’s important to remember that a sword is a deadly weapon, and you should only use it as a last resort in a life-threatening situation.