German grosse messer

The German grosse messer - "great knife" - is functionally a two-handed falchion on steroids - one step up from a "langes messer" or "langen messer". The langen 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 maille hauberks 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 sharp enough 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.

length: 42 1/4"
blade: 32"
blade width: 1 3/4" at guard
blade width: 1 7/8 at widest
grip and pommel: 10"
guard: 10"
ring: 1 7/8" x 1 1/2"
point of balance: 4 1/4" from guard
weight (sword): 3 lb 9.0 oz
weight (sword and scabbard): 4 lb 7.0 oz

The picture above is a woodcut from "The Triumph of Maximilian", and shows several landsknecht with their grosse messers.

You think cutting with a longsword is fun? These guys are serious big fun at cutting parties.

Price: $300