For consideration:
Lynn Thompson contracts Lasher Tools in South Africa to build "machete" swords from stamped 1055 with molded on poly-pro grips.
Among them is a "Gladius" of sorts.
http://www.coldsteel.com/images/products/97GMS_m.jpg
It comes sharp-ish, with a serviceable sheath for a street price of around $30.
These aren't anything
special at all, Lasher machetes are pretty far down on the list for me, but simple 1055 at moderate hardness is TOUGH.