I have a question: what was the German Langes Messer? It looks like a falchion, but I'm not sure. Thanks.

The Langes Messer was much longer, being a true two-handed weapon. The blade had more of a dramatic crescent curve like that of a shamshir. Other than that, the grip, tang, cross were all very similar to the Grosse Messer.

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As far as I know from books, the interwebs and my instructors, the terms "Langes Messer" (long knife) and "Grosses Messer" (big knife) are used interchangeably, they usually mean the same one-handed sword with either one edge or one and a half (i.e. a short, sharpened false edge). The really long, two-handed variant is commonly called "Kriegsmesser" (war knife).

Cheers, Peter

I agree with the above. There's no knowing if our ancestors used clearly-defined terms for knifre-like weapons, but there's a thing. Usually 'langes' means the handle can accomodate two hands. No more, no less. Kriegsmesser is the name I'd associate with the true two-hand weapons of 1490+

The difference between the Messer and Falchion is mostly related to the handle construction. A Falchion's handle is built in the same way as other swords. A Messer's handle consists of a tang sandwiched between two slabs of wood and riveted together, just like a modern steak knife handle. The other big idfference was their intended use: A Falchion was a chopping blade manufactured for war. A Messer was a large, machette-like knife that was employed by all levels of society as a tool but was easily adapted to self defense.

The Difference Between a Messer and a Falchion?

Most of the native German speakers I know use the term "langes messer" to describe the "hand and a half" version, but as mentioned above, the terminology wasn't very specific in period. I'm not aware of the term "grosse messer" being used as a technical term in any period sources (though that doesn't mean it wasn't, I've just only heard modern people use the term).

ok, then. So, what are these guys using? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38sVdx7nzhQ

couldn't really see the handles, actually. I thought they were falchion.

So, a messer has more to do with the grip than it does the blade. Interesting. Thanks.

It's a fine line. Also considered sometimes is the method of construction for the blade.

M.