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WABUKAN Arsenal · Swords · Europe

Messer

A German single-edged "knife" sword with a nail-shaped guard, legally a knife and so carried by commoners.

Messer
Messer WABUKAN illustration

Also known as

langes Messer; großes Messer

Origin and history

The messer (knife) was a single-edged sword with a knife-style hilt used in German lands in the 15th and 16th centuries. Because it counted legally as a knife, commoners could carry it; Johannes Lecküchner wrote a long manual on it (1478–1482).

Martial arts that use it

HEMA

Construction

A single-edged, slightly curved or straight blade, with a grip of wooden scales riveted to the tang and a nail (Nagel) projecting from the side of the cross-guard to protect the hand.

Basic techniques

Training

Beginners learn grip, posture and footwork first, then cutting and thrusting lines in solo forms or drills, usually with a wooden or blunt trainer. Paired drills with a partner come next, at slow speed, before any free sparring with protective gear.

Safety

Train with wooden, blunt or club-approved trainers; keep live blades for experienced practitioners under supervision. Check the blade, handle and fittings before every session, keep a clear space of at least two weapon lengths and never cut towards people.

Legality (general information)

Swords, knives and other edged weapons are regulated very differently from country to country (and sometimes from region to region): owning one at home is often allowed, while carrying it in public, buying it under a certain age or importing it may be restricted or banned. Practitioners usually transport them cased, out of reach and straight between home and dojo. This is general information, not legal advice: check the law where you live.

Did you know?

The nail on the guard is the most recognisable detail of the messer.

More weapons

Zweihänder Rapier Smallsword Foil Épée Sabre

Sources

Original WABUKAN text, written from these cross-checked sources (facts, not sentences).

  1. Wikipedia — Messer (sword)
  2. Wikipedia — Historical European martial arts