Now THAT’s a “knife”… By medieval German standards. The messer (AKA langes / grosses messer or langmesser) is a single-edged sword with a characteristic guard and a knife-like hilt typically consisting of riveted handle scales with a pommel cap. It was a “common man’s sword” particularly popular in the 15th & 16th century.
Have you seen my other videos about these and similar weapons?
Falchion or Messer? – Definition and Differences
One Hell of a “Knife”! (Langes Messer by Lukas Mastle-Goer)
How Practical is my Saber-Messer-Yatagan Hybrid Design?
This reproduction is made by Landsknecht Emporium and fully functional (“battle-ready”, as you might say). In this video I talk about its role in history and show you the results of the testing I did in order to review its build quality.
The weight, balance, and handling are just right. A remarkably powerful yet nimble sword, with an efficiently shaped, comfortable grip. The sharpened clip point makes it practically double-edged, and the blade geometry and seriously sharp edge make it cut impressively well.
*** Specifications ***
Overall length: 60.5 cm (23.8’’)
Blade length: 49.5 cm (19-1/2’’)
Blade width: 5.1 cm (2’’)
Blade thickness: 5.7 mm (7/32’’) tapering down to 4mm (5/32″) near the tip
Point of balance: ca. 8.5 cm (3-1/3’’)
Weight: 997 g (2 lbs / 3 oz)
Blade material: 6150 spring steel
Handle material: Walnut (other options: beech, oak, pear, boxwood, antler)
Price (as of 22 April, 2022):
270EUR = 366 CAD = 294 USD
Scabbard: 120 EUR = 163 CAD = 130 USD
*** Where to get it ***
https://landsknechtemporium.com/products/standard/messer/Gustav-M4D-Messer
https://landsknechtemporium.com/products/standard/scabbard/Scabbard-for-Gustav-1-0-M4D-Messer
Coupons:
• GUSKALL10 – 10% off of any Gustav messer (applies to the first 10 buyers)
• GUSCAB15 – 15EUR off of any Gustav scabbard (applies to the first 20 buyers)
*** Sources ***
Debunking the loophole myth:
“Ungewoenliche Lange Messer: Weapons regulations in Southern and Western Germany in the 15th century” by Bastian Koppenhöfer, 2021
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1t5qTmmJ0LH2mT1u6COScH9NRlEkkAe4y/view
https://wiktenauer.com/wiki/Category:Messer
https://www.fricker-historische-waffen.de/en/objects-for-sale/edge-weapons/yag/c82/ItemList/submitFilter/blankwaffen-edge-weapons/kriegsmesser-deutsch-um-1550-objekt-nr-441
*** Music credits ***
Outtakes:
“The Cavern of Wonders”, “RPG Ambient 3”, “RPG Ambient 4 (The Dark Woods)” by Hitctrl
https://opengameart.org/content/rpg-the-cavern-of-wonders
https://opengameart.org/content/rpg-ambient-3
https://opengameart.org/content/rpg-ambient-4-the-dark-woods
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 license (CC BY 3.0)
“Medieval: King’s Feast” by Random Mind
https://opengameart.org/content/medieval-kings-feast
CC0 1.0 Universal – Public Domain
Outro:
“Highland Storm” by The Slanted Room Records
https://theslantedroom.github.io/steve.yee/
Used with artist’s permission
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https://www.bonfire.com/store/skallswag/
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Where to get HEMA gear and practice swords:
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https://beardsorcery.com/?ref=0UEFtHWvZEmtD
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it´s not a sword, the version you have here is still more a field working tool designed to not be akward in self defens situations it`s basically like the AR-15 "assault rifle/machine gun" of it´s time you should realy look into the "Bauernwehr" of around 9-11 hundredisch which was somewhat of a predecesor design in my opinion it´s a often/usually overlooked but kind of important part of the history of edged weapons (Blankwaffen) so i would realy enjoy "murderstrikeman" making a video about how can´t end them rightly with these ps: only axes are more suited for your abusive testing
The town guard is not what most people think, as its always depicted as a paid force employed by thr city. In late medieval times, there was no permanent town guard, it was the citizend themselved who arr called to arms if needed. The gates would be guarded by citizens too, often members of the guilds.
Birds heads grip….used as a palm swell to comfort heavy blows to the bottom of your hand and weapon retention …whole knife is a masterpiece!!!!!…. Thank you
So would a knife maker be a Messerschmitt ? And if so when did they stop making sword thingies to Fighter Plane thingies ? Was it around 1500 ? That would be my guess anyway
Really? Commoners could reason with the guards who'd then listen to their arguments and allow them to carry long knives? As a civilian in this modern world, I find it difficult to reason with the authorities, especially cops who seem to be narrow-minded compared to those medieval guards. One time I was disallowed to enter a mall unless I leave my newly-purchased cutter knife. I argued that it was still sealed in its packaging and that there was no point in leaving it with them as knives and other bladed tools were being sold in the hardware stores inside that mall anyway. The guard just told me again that bringing it inside the mall wasn't allowed, as if she never heard my argument.
I wish we would go back to a time when people could and would wear such things for self defense. Until that time I'll just keep my glockit in my pocket.
When's the review of the other sword in this video coming? 👀 lol if it's what I think it is, I've been looking into getting one, I'd just like to see more about it first
I love the design, but I wish there was an alternate version with the knuckle guard on the opposite side for left-handers like myself. That option would also be nice if you wanted a messer in each hand, considering that they are light and relatively short. Would be fun to try out some escrima-type drills with those, but you’d have to be careful of the back edge.
it´s not a sword, the version you have here is still more a field working tool designed to not be akward in self defens situations
it`s basically like the AR-15 "assault rifle/machine gun" of it´s time
you should realy look into the "Bauernwehr" of around 9-11 hundredisch which was somewhat of a predecesor design
in my opinion it´s a often/usually overlooked but kind of important part of the history of edged weapons (Blankwaffen) so i would realy enjoy "murderstrikeman" making a video about how can´t end them rightly with these
ps: only axes are more suited for your abusive testing
Looks pretty good but the best? I think that goes to the gun sword crazy dude had in the king's man
Thanks for reviewing the best self-defense sword made thus far.
It reminds me of a cutlass. Looks almost the same. 😊👍
Do you have any double handed knives then?
Looks like a very big Bowie knife to me.
The town guard is not what most people think, as its always depicted as a paid force employed by thr city. In late medieval times, there was no permanent town guard, it was the citizend themselved who arr called to arms if needed. The gates would be guarded by citizens too, often members of the guilds.
Yes!
Ich brauche einen 😂😂😂
12:16 "Looks stupid"
Shad: I take this personally!
I was afrade that was going to glide throw your scalp when you drow from your back.
That is a fine messer, I want one of those I would buy it.
It’s the rune scimitar of the real world
I can't help but draw comparisons to modern day weapon regulation loophole's
Birds heads grip….used as a palm swell to comfort heavy blows to the bottom of your hand and weapon retention …whole knife is a masterpiece!!!!!…. Thank you
So would a knife maker be a Messerschmitt ? And if so when did they stop making sword thingies to Fighter Plane thingies ? Was it around 1500 ? That would be my guess anyway
They are out of stock 😥
I need that, for my kitchen of course, what else.
That hand guard is as beautiful as it is functional.
Really? Commoners could reason with the guards who'd then listen to their arguments and allow them to carry long knives? As a civilian in this modern world, I find it difficult to reason with the authorities, especially cops who seem to be narrow-minded compared to those medieval guards. One time I was disallowed to enter a mall unless I leave my newly-purchased cutter knife. I argued that it was still sealed in its packaging and that there was no point in leaving it with them as knives and other bladed tools were being sold in the hardware stores inside that mall anyway. The guard just told me again that bringing it inside the mall wasn't allowed, as if she never heard my argument.
I wish we would go back to a time when people could and would wear such things for self defense. Until that time I'll just keep my glockit in my pocket.
As a dad who revels in being a walking pun factory and embarrassment to children everywhere, your puns were right on point.
I like the Messer sword
When's the review of the other sword in this video coming? 👀 lol if it's what I think it is, I've been looking into getting one, I'd just like to see more about it first
Definitely interested! It's too bad that I'm both practical and untrained. It would be sadly wasted on me. But I am definitely interested.
I don't think it looked stupid on the back. But maybe that's just me
I love the design, but I wish there was an alternate version with the knuckle guard on the opposite side for left-handers like myself. That option would also be nice if you wanted a messer in each hand, considering that they are light and relatively short. Would be fun to try out some escrima-type drills with those, but you’d have to be careful of the back edge.
Another messer for the win!
Has Skal sold out? Overly positive reviews on kinda mediocre swords…
Now that's a competitive price
Ah perfect for my Mick Dundee scene recreation. Cant forget to use the accent as well.