Battlecry Grosse Messer

Description of the Product

Grosse is German for great and messer is German for knife. That’s essentially what this sword is, a Great Knife. Unlike typical swords, this two-handed (or 1 1/2 handed) sword is constructed like a knife, with a single-edged blade and a full tang with riveted scales for the grip. These swords are also called Grosses Messer, Langes Messer ("Long Knife") and Kriegsmesser ("War Knife").

First appearing in the late 1440s, messer-hilted arms were also used in other European nations, with local or regional names. Examples have been discovered in the Netherlands and Northern France, Iceland, Sweden, and the Baltic Nations, in the central European nations of Poland, Czechia, Hungary, and Romania, and to the south of Germany in Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia, and northern parts of the Balkan nations.

This is a devastating chopping weapon, but the keen clip point can poke some serious holes. The fuller is extra broad to lighten the blade. The hilt features a wide, straight guard that flares slightly at the ends. To protect the hand, a nagel protrudes from the right side of the cross-guard perpendicular to the flat of the blade. The ebony-stained wood scales are secured with heavy-duty rivets. It includes a top-quality, genuine leather scabbard with metal throat and chape.

The 1075 high carbon steel has a darkened, battle-hardened finish, so it’s well protected from rust spots and stains that occur so often from everyday practice and exposure to the elements. The blade has a full tang and is tempered to a low 50s RC. This pre-sharpened blade has gone through rigorous testing. The hands-on nature of the manufacturing by master smiths makes this line unique.

About Battlecry-line

The Battlecry line of historical swords, daggers and axes has been designed in conjunction with John Clements, whose knowledge of historical fencing and Medieval and Renaissance fighting methods is unsurpassed. Hand forged by Windlass Steelcrafts, high carbon steel is tempered in computer controlled ovens to a hardness of low 50’s RC. This ensures strength, resiliency and edge retention. Swords have extra wide full tangs and all Battlecry weapons are sharpened.

Each model has been put through rigorous physical testing to exceed industry standards. These battle tested weapons have a stone washed, blackened finish. The dark patina protects the blade from rust spots and stains that occur so often from everyday practice and exposure to the elements. Each piece is individually inspected at every step of the manufacturing process, and only after passing inspection they receive the armorers stamp on the blade. A certificate signed by the smith who wrought your weapon is included.

• Medieval Grosses Messer – a large single-edged sword type from Germany
• Used especially during the 15th–16th centuries across Central and Northern Europe
• This one and half handed sword has long handle to accommodate two hands
• Also known as Langes Messer (long knife) and Kriegsmesser (war knife)
• Knife-like construction: single-edged blade with a full tang and riveted wooden grip scales
• Protruding "nagel" from the guard protects the hand
• Includes a leather scabbard with steel throat and chape, and a certificate of authenticity
• Dark patina finish helps protect the blade from rust and stains
• Overall length: 104.5 cm
• Blade length: 80.3 cm
• Handle length: 18.7 cm
• Weight without scabbard: 1.7 kg
• Point of balance from the guard: 12.5 cm
• Blade width at guard: 31 mm
• Blade thickness at guard: 5.5 mm
• Blade material: 1075 High Carbon steel
• Sharpness: Sharp
• Manufacturer: Windlass Steelcrafts