Got this a while ago to compare with the Gladius machete. Both are great. I like the grip on this one slightly better, but the Gladius machete is a little longer. I was worried that the tip would break as a review said, but I tried to break mine by chopping at a log with the tip and it held up. Can't beat for the price. Just wish they made one in CPM 3V!

I have yet to throw it based on other reviews, i dont want to risk breaking the tip off

Very good value for the price. This blade is different than the Gladius Machete. The steel is harder and less springy but should hold an edge longer. Because it is harder I would refrain from throwing it at harder targets. The handle material is glass filled nylon and the fit and finish is very nice. It seems comparable to the popular competitor’s version but at a better price. The balance is decent for throwing but I am not sure why you would want to throw such a large blade or why you would throw away your primary weapon. For self defense purposes it will serve nicely for indoor spaces. The reason for 4 stars instead of 5 is because it could come sharper like most other Cold Steel blades.

Okay, let’s get this done. Fit and finish - great except for the hollow grind not coming all the way to the edge and then being finished by a somewhat obtuse secondary grind. Sharp but missed it by that much! The handle design and finish is great, but I would take the polypropylene over the glass-filled nylon any day. Blade metal: 420 stainless is tougher than 440C but is still too brittle to expect it to survive being thrown at this blade’s thickness. I would preferred 1055. Overall: A great price for a well executed production, even if the steel is not the best choice. It looks like the new owners got offered a great deal from the factory that makes United Cutlery’s Gladius Sword. It clearly is priced better. If you are looking for a great value then buy it… I did. If you want a blade that will stand up to serious abuse then buy the Cold Steel Gladius Machete… I did. I have always been a big Cold Steel fan, this purchase was my 18th blade and 22nd overall, but I hope that the new owners don’t take too many forays down the hollow ground 420 stainless road, we have United Cutlery Ann Bud-K for that.