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Katzbalgers
A Katzbalger is a short Renaissance arming sword, notable for its sturdy build and a distinctive s-shaped or figure-8 shaped guard. Measuring 75–85 cm long and weighing 1–2 kg, it was the signature blade of the Landsknecht. The Katzbalger Sword was designed with a large figure eight guard that protects the hand if the opposing sword should slide down the blade.
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Battle-ready Weapons, Series BATTLECRY
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The Battlecry series of historical swords, daggers and axes was developed in collaboration with John Clements. His knowledge of historical swordsmanship and martial arts in the Middle Ages and Renaissance is unsurpassed!
Katzbalgers
There are several different explanations about the origin of the name "Katzbalger": one is that it comes from the custom of carrying a sword without a scabbard, held only by a cat's skin (German word Katze means "cat", while Balg means the skin (fur) of an animal. Katzbalger means a piece made of a cat’s skin). However, this is rather unlikely. Another theory is that the word derives from balgen (brawling), and refers to intense, close-quarter combat like fights between feral cats. The most common translation is "cat-gutter", with an allusion to cat fight. A katzbalger would often be used by pikemen, archers, and crossbowmen as a last resort if the enemy were to draw too close for bows or pikes to be effective.