<a href="http://s150.photobucket.com/albums/s117/cboat97/?action=view¤t=001.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s117/cboat97/001.jpg" border="0" alt="Roman 2"></a>
<a href="http://s150.photobucket.com/albums/s117/cboat97/?action=view¤t=l_70afe5d38da9396ffb25e4619a4b5b78.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s117/cboat97/l_70afe5d38da9396ffb25e4619a4b5b78.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
Seriously? I have seen the Gladius mentioned a few times. The Gladius is a great weapon, but it has severe limitations as well. I do not think any "one" hand to hand weapon is ideal for all situations. The gladius for instance would have to be broken down into Mainz, Fulham, and Pompei types and all of them have a limited cutting ability. They are a good thrusting weapon, but so are other later period swords that can cut as well. I would love to be able to claim that the Romans were clearly superior to any other military culture as they were my ancestors, but that would be premature. Remember that the Gladius's effectiveness was for close formation combat when paired with a Scutum for thrusting. Even the Romans transitioned to the Spatha in the later Empire.
I am just curious how many people here actually own the weapons and have had training with what they are claiming as "best". Not being rude, just genuinely interested because some of you might be surprised with what you find. I have always loved military history and actually collect higher end weapons and armour. I have actually performed tameshigiri with an Albion "Allectus" gladius that I own and was pleased with its ability, but it did not compare to the cutting ability of the Bugei Crane wakizashi I own, much less the Crane Katana, the Albion Knight or the Albion Vinland. Even the Cold Steel Gurka Kukhri cut better than the gladius. Results were somewhat different than expectations.
I own spears, swords, axes, maces, modern weaponry, lances, etc. and I do not think any ONE would be ideal in all situations. If I had to pick only one for a CQB weapon, I would personally pick my Bugei wakizashi (which is what you were thinking Westside) or my Kukhri. It cuts well, has great balance and is extremely responsive. It is also small enough to still be in effective weapon indoors and in close quarters. Like I said earlier though, put me against someone with a Yari, spear, or other polearm in open space, and I might think differently. They all had there time and place.
<a href="http://s150.photobucket.com/albums/s117/cboat97/?action=view¤t=l_259d62519d2f989ce959b43cda394368.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s117/cboat97/l_259d62519d2f989ce959b43cda394368.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
<a href="http://s150.photobucket.com/albums/s117/cboat97/?action=view¤t=l_57e926eeb2caa19ebf621c37cd1837e2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s117/cboat97/l_57e926eeb2caa19ebf621c37cd1837e2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>