German Grosse Messer
Measurements
The German grosse messer is more properly called a "langes messer" or
"langen messer". The langes messer (literally, long knife) hails from central and
northern Europe where noblemen and peasants alike relied on it to protect hearth and home from the ravages of brigands, cut throats,
outlaws and other assorted characters of ill repute. Due to its stout, wide blade and generously sized handle, it could be wielded in
one or both hands and was capable of shearing through chain mail or cutting a man in half with a single strike. This version of this
elegantly simple yet remarkably effective weapon sports a hand forged blade of 1050 high carbon steel that's so sharp it's been used
to split a telephone book in half with a single blow. The guard and heavy pommel are made from blued steel and feature rosewood handle
scales riveted to the sword's full tang. For convenience and safety, it comes with a strong, handsome scabbard crafted from wood and
covered in black leather, reinforced with a steel chape and throat that has been blued to match the guard and pommel.
The last picture above is a woodcut from "The Triumph of Maximilian", and
shows several landsknecht with their grosse messers.
The excellent scholars at http://schielhau.org/ have presented a transcription/translation of Von Messerfecten
length: 42"
blade: 32"
blade width: 1 3/4", swells to 2"
grip and pommel: 10"
guard: 10"
point of balance: 5 1/2" from guard
weight: 3 lb 14.0 oz
