M-1 garand, .45 M1911 and a Roman Gladius for that “up close” feeling.
You said; “and a Roman Gladius for that “up close” feeling.”
Check out “Cold Steel” Machetes [real cheap] they have one and after handling it will chop Z” both ways ... but then again the real one was for stabbing.
Spears and tomahawks are also handy “silent” weapons to have around.