Some of the vendors make gorgeous reproductions, and it is, after all, a Spanish invention! The Romans quickly appreciated its lethality during Scipio's Iberian campaigns and immediately adopted it for issue to their own legions. It was perfectly suited to Roman infantry formations and tactics.

But the Lakonian blade has a beautiful shape, with curves like the hips of a beautiful woman. It's a design with roots all the way back to the Bronze Age. The Spartan sword is also ideal for the close-up melee at the front of the phalanx--the ultimate up-close-and-personal weapon. It could cut just as easily during thrust or withdrawal, and was equally effective when slicing, hacking or stabbing.

The short length and balance is finely tuned to the geometry of the human shoulder, forearm, and wrist, with the weight concentrated at the widest, heaviest part of the blade where contact is most likely to occur--just like a fine carpenter's hammer. I liked this so much I also picked up this cheaper version to practice my backyard cutting and sharpening techniques, and to carry in the bush (or in my car).

You never know what beast or brigand you're likely to encounter on Alligator Alley.