Single-edged

Messer

The Messer, which means "knife" in German, was a single-edged sword popular during the 15th and 16th centuries, known for its knife-like hilt construction. It was commonly used as a one-handed self-defense weapon. The blade length of a Messer varied from approximately 45 centimeters to 90 centimeters. The hilt was typically designed for single-handed use, but larger examples could have an extended grip suitable for a second hand.

The exact origin of the Messer seems to be in the southern regions of Germany, Switzerland, or the northern parts of Austria. It first appeared in the early 15th century as a small utility knife. Therefore, the precise date of its origin is still uncertain, with the earliest known depictions dating back to around 1430.

The hilt structure of the Messer sets it apart from contemporary European swords. Most Messers had a sandwiched blade construction, with the blade sandwiched between two wooden handle scales and secured together with rivets or nails. The Messer typically featured a Nagel, a nail-like protrusion perpendicular to the plane of the blade, extending from the right side of the hilt guard. This Nagel protected the user's knuckles from injury. Unlike contemporary double-edged swords, the Messer usually did not have a crossguard. Messers with a metal hilt often had an asymmetrical configuration, curving towards one side of the blade, sometimes referred to as a "hat-shaped" or "beak-shaped" hilt. Some Messers had a metal pommel ending with an elliptical top, forming a flat surface, while others lacked a metal pommel and instead used a plain wooden handle or a leather-wrapped handle.

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The techniques of the Messer bear a strong resemblance to early German longsword techniques, especially in the application of master cuts and the utilization of various techniques employing the thumb grip.

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The Lecküchner Messer system is included in our Technique Courses.

Dussack

The Dussack is commonly described as an evolution of the 16th-century Messer.

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The term "Dussack" originates from the Czech language and translates to "fang" or "claw." The Dussack sword played an important role in fencing guilds and was used continuously for over 250 years, gradually evolving into a military sword in the 16th and 17th centuries.

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Initially, the Dussack was a short, single-edged weapon primarily used for training purposes. However, as its usage became more widespread, different fencing guilds and martial artists transformed the Dussack into a sport rather than just a tool for practical weapon training.

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The practice Dussack is a wooden training weapon with a short, thick, single-edged blade, ranging in length from 700 to 1000 millimeters. There are also practice Dussacks made of leather. The practice Dussack typically has a slight curve, and the tip can be either blunt or pointed. Unlike the steel Dussack used in warfare, the practice version often lacks a complete hilt, with the grip being merely a cutout in the wooden blade, resembling a large hole. Some wooden Dussacks come with a guard similar to a Messer, but not all Dussacks have one.

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Joachim Meyer claimed that the Dussack was the origin of all one-handed weapons and the most commonly used weapon by Germans after the Longsword. Meyer explicitly stated that he used the Dussack to train all one-handed swords. He adopted the guards of previous Messer masters, and the technical systems shared commonalities with his other weapon systems, especially the longsword techniques. Sometimes, reading sections of Longsword techniques even refer to his Dussack sections.

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The Joachim Meyer Dussack system is included in our Technique Courses.

Sabre

The Sabre is a type of backsword featuring a curved, single-edged blade and a substantial hand guard. Prominently used from the 17th to the 19th centuries, it was primarily a cavalry weapon but also saw widespread use among infantry and naval forces. The blade typically ranges from 80 to 90 centimeters in length and weighs around 800 to 1,000 grams, specifically balanced for fluid, one-handed combat.

The European military Sabre traces its roots to Eastern European and Asian designs, sharing a common curved-blade lineage with weapons like the Dussack. It was heavily influenced by the geometry of Eastern swords, such as the Persian Shamshir and the Ottoman Kilij. During this evolution, the Polish Sabre (Szabla) acted as a crucial bridge in the 16th and 17th centuries, introducing dynamic cutting mechanics that eventually shaped Western European Sabre designs.

However, the most significant historical debate in Sabre design centered on the blade's curvature. Proponents of the curved blade argued it naturally aligned the edge for devastating slicing cuts, making it ideal for cavalry slashing. Conversely, advocates for the straight blade emphasized its superior reach and lethal thrusting capabilities. This "cut versus thrust" controversy persisted for decades, resulting in various hybrid designs attempting to balance both functions.

Sabre fencing is characterized by explosive footwork, rapid strikes, and fluid parry-riposte mechanics. In the 19th century, the British Sabre evolved into a highly systematized military martial art. The chaotic battlefield techniques were standardized into a rigorous curriculum, categorizing attacks into specific numbered cuts (e.g., Cuts 1 to 7) and corresponding defensive guards, making it an incredibly practical and efficient system.

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The British Military Sabre system is included in our Technique Courses.