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| Next Generation Single-Edged Swords | The great combat knife has had a long tradition in Europe. Beginning in the Seax and single-edged Germanic swords of the Iron Age, a weapon with a big cutting blade mounted as a knife was celebrating a popularity as a functional and no-nonsense sidearm of warriors and civilians alike through the ages.
In German speaking areas, the Falchion did not reach the same popularity as elsewhere in Eruope. Instead the big war-knife saw a development of its own.
These come in many forms and sizes, some more intended for stabbing, others for cutting and yet other types that combined cutting and thrusting capability. We know them today by different names: Rugger (a long, stiff and pointy variant, primarily meant for stabbing), Hauswher (peasant knife; an intimidating weapon of defence), Grossemesser / Messer (litterally: big knife/knife, a single handed weapon with a wide cutting blade with the dimensions os a short sword, popular among commoners, nobles, civilians and soldiers alike) and Kriegsmesser (war-knife of hand-and-a-half or even two-hand size. A weapon for the professional soldier that also saw use among civilians).
The Knecht is inspired by the great warknives of the late 15th and early 16th C. These were wielded by professional soldiers, but saw also popularity among civilian when they needed to carry a more awe-inspiring sidearm. We often see these weapons in art and fencing manuals from areas of German influence.
It is by first glance a somewhat crude and brutal looking weapon. There is more here than meets the eye, however.
The blade is certainly brutally efficient in cutting, but the simple design has also a subtlety that is easily overlooked. The dynamic balance and heft of the weapon arrives almost exclusively from the distribution of mass in the blade and tang, resutling in a surprising quick handling characteristics.
The cross section is a lean and slim triangle allowing a stiff spine and an acute angle of the main bevel. Such a blade is very effective in the cut. Along two thirds of the blade there is a narrow but deep fuller that removes dead weight while allowing a good stiffness from the thick spine. The outer third of the blade is thin and crisp resulting in a blade that is surprisingly responsive and quick in the recovery.
We can see from presentations in art that the Kreigsmesser was put to use in much the same advanced fighting techniques as was the longsword. These techniques were in no way crude or simple: the moves described require quick and expertly balanced weapons of offence and defence.
The hilt of the Knecht is constructed with two grip-slabs that are secured with domed rivets. The pommel cap shows a ”fuller” or hollow-grind that continues the length of the grip to the guard. Secured by a rivet through the guard is a lug on the outside of the hilt that protects the knuckles of the hand. This is an important feature as the blade is used in binding and winding techniques that otherwise easily might result in damage of the forward hand.
The hilt components are investment cast in mild steel from original waxes carved by Peter Johnsson, based on Peter's first-hand examination and documentation of period originals of this type.
The blade is made from a highly defined blade blank of 1075 steel that is hand-ground to a fine satin finish. Careful individual heat-treated in the Albion Forge Shop results in an ideal combination of edge holding and resilience. These swords will be sold sharp, unless otherwise requested by the customer.
Specifications
Overall length: 44.9" (113 cm)
Blade length: 33.66" (85.5 cm)
Blade width at base: 1.65" (4.2 cm)
Measurements approximate and subject to adjustments during development
This sword is offered in a limited edition of 100 swords worldwide.
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Disclaimer
By purchasing any item from Swords of Honor (SOH), whether by mail, phone, internet, or in person, the buyer warrants that he is in compliance with his local and state laws and is legally able to purchase these items. Swords of Honor may not be held responsible for any non-compliance with these laws.
The term "battle ready", when used to describe a sword, means that the sword is made of high carbon spring steel - a very strong and flexible steel.
If you place an order for one of our replica weapons (swords, maces, axes, etc.), you agree that you are at least 18 years old and have read our
Sword Care and Safety section and you will be responsible for your weapon's use or misuse.
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