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Messers of VB
One of our top-selling products are our messers. They are often referred to as langes messers or großes messers. Additionally, there are Bauernwehrs and Kriegsmessers, which are distinct from each other (at least in our product line).
In this blog post, we’ll discuss the various types of messers you can find at VB Swordshop.
Messers in general
The German word Messer means "knife" in English. However, as in medieval times, the distinction between knives and these weapons was not always clear, and they had not yet been strictly classified. Today, we generally refer to langes messers as those with blades between 45 and 90 cm in length, while the shorter versions are called Bauernwehrs, and the longer ones Kriegsmessers.
A common characteristic of messers is that, similar to knives, they had "sandwich" hilts: two plates of hard wooden grip riveted to a flat tang. In some cases, pommel-like cups or plates were also added to the weapon. Another defining feature is the Nagel, which complements the guard. Messers were found with various types of blades, ranging from straight to curved, with or without a fuller. They were typically single-edged, though, similar to some sabers, many messers had a sharpened false edge on the last quarter of the blade.
Langes messer for HEMA (light version)
(GSZM26_lightHEMA)
Blade length: 650 mm
Full length: 860 mm
Balancepoint: ~ 6 cm (3 mm blade thickness)
Weight: ~800 g (3 mm blade thickness)
Blade width: 30/13 mm (guard/point)
Right or left handed
Point/tip: Rolled
Probably one of our most well-known product. Light, fast, and agile. A perfect choice for fighting in messer tournaments or sparring with your friends at the club. The hilt has no metal plates, as they are unnecessary for such a light blade profile. A simple yet well-designed nagel is integrated with the guard (historically, it was a separate piece riveted on). Upon special order, we can also forge the round Nagel for this messer! The entire hilt construction is designed to accommodate modern HEMA gloves and gauntlets. The blade, featuring a single fuller, is available in both straight and curved versions. We have also designed a short-hilted version, which feels quite different in hand—almost like saber fencing when wielded. The G10 (high-pressured laminated fibreglass) plated messer is now not available at our workshop.
(a HEMA athlete with his light VB messer at a tournament)
(short hilted light messer)
Langes messer for reenactment
(GSZM26)
Blade length: 650 mm
Full length: 860 mm
Balancepoint: ~7 cm from the guard (4 mm blade thickness) ~ 5 cm (3 mm blade thickness)
Right or left handed
Weight: ~1150 g (3 mm blade thickness)
This messer is quite similar to the light HEMA version, at least in terms of its blade and overall length. However, it is a much better choice for reenactment or even armored combat. While heftier, it provides a closer feel to what original messers were like. The false edge is forged to end in a "swedge," a feature typical of 15th-century messers, and the steel-plated hilt offers a better balance point for the heavier blade.
(a proud messer wielder)
Kriegsmesser - HEMA
(GSZM27)
Blade length: 850 mm
Full length: 1130 mm
Guard (with ring Nagel): 200 mm
Balancepoint: ~ 7,5 cm
Weight: ~1250 g
Blade width: 35/13 mm (guard/point)
Point/tip: rolled
A quite new products, which we introduced in our webshop in 2025. The Kriegsmesser is a two-handed weapon designed for heavy combat, featuring a broad, single-edged blade with a slightly curved profile. It was a weapon suited for battlefield combat and particularly favored for its robustness and versatility in a variety of fighting styles. however our HEMA version is quite light (less than 1300 g). Its hilt is longer than that of a one-handed messer, allowing for a firmer grip with both hands. Our version comes with a ring Nagel and longer guard than previous two. We recommend this weapon for experienced fighters (especially with messers and longswords), whom are interested in fighting with unique weapons.
Flexibility (as well as on feders) or right/left handed versions are optional. We also made reenactor (more robust and with round tip) and sharp Kriegsmesser for test cuts.
Bauernwehr
Upon special order now!
The Bauernwehr was a practical, knife or short sword used by peasants and townsfolk in medieval Europe. Its name translates to "peasant's defense," reflecting its dual purpose as a tool and weapon for self-defense. With a sturdy blade and a small guard (nagel) for hand protection, the Bauernwehr was ideal for everyday tasks like cutting wood or food but could also be used effectively in combat.
Our favourite depictions with Bauernwehrs are Albrecht Dürer's Three Peasants in Conversation and The Peasant and His Wife (both ca. 1497).
Older works & special orders
The blade is made from the same high-quality steel used in standard models (51CRW4 heat treated carbon steel), the customer might request a specific blade profile, such as a more pronounced curve or a particular point style. The hilt design might be altered to fit the user's grip preference or aesthetic, and the nagel can be customized in size, shape, or decoration. Additionally, the fittings and overall design can reflect historical influences, personal tastes, or functional requirements for reenactment or combat.
We collaborate closely with the customer to adjust these elements while maintaining the overall integrity and balance of the messer. These special orders allow for a high degree of personalization, ensuring that each weapon is both functional and unique. Keep in mind that these take much more time to prepare and are also more expensive!
Upcoming new messer?!
Yes! The protoype is ready! Soon we'll have a new one handed langes messer in our webshop.
Langes messer for HEMA (light version)
Blade length: 650 mm
Full length: 860 mm
Weight: ~900 g (3 mm blade thickness)
Right or left handed
Point/tip: Rolled
It is basically a hybrid messer of the HEMA light, trainer swords and a bit the langes messer for reenactment. The blade will be the same as on the HEMA light, however instead of messer "sandwhich" hilt it will have a similar (still but slightly square shaped as on messers) grip as on our training swords with coiled leather grip. This makes it much faster to produce and it will also lower the cost (making it the cheapest version for our langes messers)! A similar steel plate will be added to match the pommel's counterbalance task.
(Dávid with light HEMA messer againts István who wields the heavy reenactor messer)