Fingers orientation of a Gladius

[lyuv]

Hi all,
I made my gladius grip with an octagonal cross section: 4 "main" large flats (that form a square), and 4 smaller flats, mainly to break the sharp corners. I think this is the regular shape.

The problem is with the orientation. I placed the grip with the main flats parallel to the flats of the tang. That is how I usualy see it in pictures. But when handling the sword, the grip feels more natural turned 45 deg.

Does anyone know what is the correct/original orientation of the flats?

Since the pommel and hilt are (often) round, I guess the roman soldier had to use the finger ridges to properly orient the sword in his hand. It would be very embarrassing to swing your sword at your enamy, and slap him with the flat side, rather than cut him. It might anger him.

[P Sertorius Scaevola]

Makes me wonder about the shape you've achieved. I have made mine exactly the way you describe and it is nicely alligned and handles well.

[Gaius Colletti]

Which gladius are you making this for? I am under the impression that the Mainz and Pompeii style gladius had different grips

[brennivs - tony drake]

I dont think there is a set pattern for the orientation of the grip, I must admit I put the larger flats in line with the width of the tang. If you pm me your email I can send pics of grips on the swords themselves, and you can see the variations
Reagrds Brennivs