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Medieval > AH3367 - German Landsknecht Katzbalger -Sword W/Scabbard [Reenactor Replicas by Deepeeka -- Medieval|Swords]
AH3367 - German Landsknecht Katzbalger -Sword W/Scabbard [Reenactor Replicas by Deepeeka -- Medieval|Swords]
![AH3367 - German Landsknecht Katzbalger -Sword W/Scabbard [Reenactor Replicas by Deepeeka -- Medieval|Swords] AH3367 - German Landsknecht Katzbalger -Sword W/Scabbard [Reenactor Replicas by Deepeeka -- Medieval|Swords]](http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/yhst-97934516468614_2081_4726767)
Product Description
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 the was the signature blade of the Landsknecht.
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."
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.