This reproduction is based on a depiction of a Kriegsmesser ("war knife") carried by a Landsknecht (a German mercenary) from 1530. The blade of this sword is slightly shorter, more strongly curved, and overall narrower than the Albion Knecht. It's also noticeably lighter and can easily be used with one hand.
It cuts beautifully, as tested on water bottles, tatami mats, and dead tree limbs / branches. It also took the harder chopping tests remarkably well, with no damage at all. For a practically minded collector this functional ("battle-ready") reproduction is easy to recommend, although it's not what most would call "affordable" (yet significantly cheaper than the Knecht).
By the way, for those who keep calling it a "European katana"... Those two really have nothing in common, aside from being curved and single-edged. Different blade geometry, different guard, different handle shape, etc.
** Specifications **
Overall length: 103 cm (40-1/2'')
Blade length: 78 cm (30.7'')
Blade thickness: 5.5mm (just under 1/4''), tapering down to 2.5mm (1/8'')
Weight: 1.14 kg (2-1/2 lbs)
Point of balance: 9.5 cm (3-3/4'')
Blade material: 6150 spring steel (excellent toughness & resistance to shock, wear, abrasion)
Hilt assembly: Full tang, pinned
Price: 867 EUR / 1282 CAD / 1015 USD (as of August 2021)
[Correction] The price of 867 EUR does NOT include the scabbard. I got that wrong in the video.
** Pros / Cons **
+ Impressively light & well balanced
+ Flawless fit & finish
+ Very good cutting performance
+ Tough material, strong construction
- Price
- Not the most tight fitting scabbard
- Thin handle not ideal for large hands
** Where to get it **
landsknechtemporium.com/produ...
** Music **
"Battle Theme 4" by Alexandr Zhelanov
opengameart.org/content/battl...
Intro song:
"Illuminate" by Vindsvept
vindsvept.bandcamp.com/track/...
Used with artist's permission
"Assassin's Assault" by Horror Pen
opengameart.org/content/assas...
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 license (CC BY 3.0)
Outtakes:
"Little People At Work" by Horrorpen
opengameart.org/content/littl...
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 license (CC BY 3.0)
Outro:
"Highland Storm" by The Slanted Room Records
theslantedroom.github.io/stev...
Used with artist's permission
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24 авг 2021
