Cold Steel- Kriegsmesser

The origin of the messer dates back to early 15th century and likely traces its roots to the Bauernwehr and Hauswehr knives used by civilians of relatively low social status. This has likely led to the pervasive myth that these were a way for peasants to circumvent laws prohibiting carrying swords. However, the reality is that these swords were broadly used by all levels of society, including by professional soldiers, such as the famous Landsknecht mercenaries, and they were included in the curriculums of well known fighting manuals, such as Leckuckner, Talhoffer, Kal, and Durer. 

The principle defining feature of messers compared to their contemporaries is the construction of the hilt, which featured a slab tang with wooden grip plates that were pinned or riveted in place. Additionally, they featured a single-edged blade, which could be either straight or curved, a nagel that protrudes from the cross-guard (usually on the right hand side) to protect the knuckles. and no separately constructed pommel. Instead, on the larger blades, the pommel is constructed directly into the tang.

These blades came in a variety of sizes and were roughly classified retroactively by size, with the smaller examples simply being called messers, larger blades being grossemessers, and the largest blades being kriegsmessers, such as this one. However, there was never a formal distinction made between them.

This particular offering from Cold Steel features a blade made of 1060 high carbon steel, a full slab tang, rosewood grip plates pinned with brass, an overall length of 44 1/4" with just under 33 1/2" of blade, and a wood core scabbard, this sword is no slouch! 

Specs:
Overall Length: 44 1/4"
Handle Length: 10 1/2"
Blade Length: 33 1/2"
Blade Steel: 1060
Blade Thickness: 8mm - 4mm
Weight: 2lbs 15oz