Here is my Base Model Actium. I made a few changes to it for aesthetic purposes to give it more of a 'campaign worn' appeal. Here are the modifications I made:

1. Gave blade a 400gr satin finish.
2. Removed pommel/guard varnish and refinished them with tung oil.
3. Remove grip paint, restained natural wood, and waxed.
4. Added hammered finish to blade shoulder plate.
5. Blued blade fullers for added contrast.
6. Gave all brass a 400gr satin finish.
7. Re-mounted all hardware with thin layer of non-permanant silicone adhesive to prevent grip from twising.
8. Reassembled and applied Loctite to pommel nut. Buffed out vice grip marks and ground exposed tang threads flat, blending them with the pommel.

I am extremely happy with the way this gladius turned out. There was nothing wrong with the design to begin with, I just like to antique/patina items in my collection to give them a little more character. People give me a new sword, and I'll give it back with a few season on the campaign trail. Well, not really, but it will have that 'used, but cared for' look.

Oh man, that is VERY nice. good work! good, good work. I particularly love the blued fullers.

Man that's one attractive sword. Nice work.

Great job Jonathan,

I like the plain handle. We are gonna have to do that on some of ours.

I loved your perspective on the sword and I a glad you were pleased with it.

Sonny

I'm not generally a fan of gladii. Don't get the wrong, the hilt design is nice, but I prefer a longer blade to work with in the one on one style of sword fighting that I know. But this one turned out like a piece of art.

I love the blued, thin fullers...gives the piece a very striking aspect, almost like twin daggers that strike along with the sword. It sure as heck breaks up the steel of the sword.

Then again, I'm always in awe of your work with these things. Interested in giving lessons to a fellow sword lover?