- Katzbalger
Infobox Weapon
name=Katzbalger
caption=A replica of a katzbalger.
origin=Germany
type=Arming sword
is_bladed=yes
service=15th – 17th century
used_by="Landsknecht s" and others
wars=Italian Wars
designer=
design_date=
manufacturer=
production_date=
number=
variants=
weight=1–2 kg
length=75–85 cm
part_length=
blade_type=Straight, fullered
hilt_type=S-shaped guardA 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 ". The Katzbalger Sword was designed with a large figure eight guard that protects the hand if the opposing sword should slide down the blade. [ [http://www.paralumun.com/swkatz.htm Katzbalger Sword ] ]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 Fact|date=September 2008.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.
External links
* [http://www.lutel.eu/index.php?p=productsList&iCategory=21&sName=Katzbalgers Lutel Katzbalgers]
References
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