Katzbalger Sword 1490-1540

The Katzbalger is the classic side arm sword of the Landsknechts from around 1490-1540. These were some of the most feared troops in early Renaissance Europe and had a reputation for dressing more outrageously and fighting harder than anyone else and the sword most associated with them is the Katzbalger. Roughly translated as ‘cat fighter’ and I assume it is because this short sword with good hand protection would be very useful in the inevitable street and pub brawls that any mercenary force generates around it.

The hand forged sword is made from 1060 spring steel and has a short fullered lenticular section blade with a rounded spatulate tip. The guard is formed of twisted bars formed into the characteristic ‘S’ shape so beloved by Landsknechts, black horn grip and steel fishtail pommel and brass or steel tang button. 

The scabbard is made in wood cored leather and finished with a typical woven strapped leather suspension point and leather belt. It is made to wear the sword near horizontal, as was the fashion and finished with a brass chape.

Edge sharpness

Semi-Sharp is ‘butter knife sharp’; it has a very fine flat on the edge. Sharp has been ground to give a reasonable cutting edge, but final honing, if required, is by the customer.

Weight 1.27kg/2.8lbs

Point of balance 8.5cm/3.5″

Blade length  66cm/26″

Grip length  100mm/4″

Overall length 80cm/31.5″