The Pugio: A Roman Dagger Review

While the Windlass Pugio is more of a Roman Dagger than a sword, as a civilian sidearm it was a common sight in the ancient Roman Empire. But as it was a longer blade than the typical backup dagger of the Miles Gregarius (common soldier or legionary) – and especially considering its extremely attractive price range – it deserves a mention.

Based on an antique that now rests in a UK Museum, this replica Roman Dagger may not be extremely historically accurate – but for the price it isn’t that bad either, and adds a little color to a Roman sword collection.

Windlass’s Roman Pugio
Review by SBG Forumite Burninator

Okay, so to start off this is my first review and first blade. This is sort of my starter blade.

Steel High Carbon Weight 1lb Point of Balance 6" Price Range US$85-$95

It's obviously simple with a wooden hilt and a short wasp waisted blade. Frankly I wasn't sure if I wanted to spend the extra cash on the Lakonian blade from windlass with the bronze (or is it brass?) handle.

I purchased this item from Reliks.com, and I have to say that it was literally 5 working days from order to door across the continent! Still a week too long, but.... it was at the minimum delivery time estimated. So top marks to the retailer. A little oil leaked out one container but everything was suitable wrapped.

My only complaint, and the only one, is that I paid for sharpening on the pugio and I can't honestly say that it had been done. I haven't seen a completely unsharpened Windlass blade so it's hard to comment.

I wasn't expecting razor sharp or anything, but it felt like the other side of the spectrum frankly. Not too worried, but a little bit of a question mark in my mind. I wouldn't order sharpening again but spend the money on a sharpening kit.

Finally the Roman dagger itself. Well, it is one of the cheaper Windlass options, but I'm impressed. I love playing with this damn thing. And I wouldn't mind a bit beating it up, I think it would add character to it. It's not made to be fancy, it's all understated function in my opinion, but with a wonderful blade shape that I keep staring at.

Okay so I'm in love.

The blade itself is relatively narrow, at least in comparison to the Lakonian from what I can see. Now most of you guys are already well beyond the 12 1/2 inch mark of this Roman Dagger. It feels almost a little short when swinging, like you could use an extra inch or two.

With the wooden hilt, I think the balance is almost towards the middle of the dagger where the blade starts to widen. I think this gives you a bit more ommph when you swing into something with the extra mass near the tip (stabbing is more effective anyway I hear) - which probably the whole design concept of a wasp waisted Roman dagger is based around. Nonetheless, as you'd expect it's light, a dream to handle. Very agile, but it is also short so a lot of that is to be expected.

The tip I need to do a little work on with a stone as it's not quite right. The symmetry of the tip is slightly off, one edge rounds more towards the tip than the other. The effect looks almost like the tip is very slight leaning in one direction more than the other. This is all noticeable after a good glance to me, doesn't bother me too much. The handle is good for big hands. Plenty of space and an easy grip. Might be too much space for people with small hands.

End result: I'm happy. I like the wooden hilt after seeing it in person, and I like to think that's more historically accurate for the roman period. If you're a wasp waisted blade fan this is a good option for a beater.

There are other puggio's out there with a lot more detail, but this is the one you would want to use I think. It's more half sized mainz gladius than puggio. If you're into re-enactment I have NO idea if this is accurate for you, but to my mind the wooden hilt is going to keep you in good stead.

As always with Windlass, so I hear, pretty good quality for the price tag. I can't argue with that here. I love it any rate.

WHERE TO BUY

While prices do not vary a whole lot for these blade, and they are usually priced at between US$85 and $95, the best place I have found for them from a reliable vendor is HERE at Kult of Athena where you can pick it up around $30 less than everywhere else for a measly $64.95.