Gross Messer Sword

The Grosse Messer sword is one of the most distinctive blade designs to emerge from late medieval and Renaissance Germany. Literally meaning “great knife” or “large knife,” the Grosse Messer combines the commanding reach of a sword with the broad, single edged blade and characteristic hilt construction of the European messer. Cold Steel brings that unmistakable profile to life with a substantial interpretation designed to appeal to collectors who prefer imposing historical swords with a rugged, straightforward character.

Messers appeared throughout the German speaking regions of Central Europe during the late Middle Ages and into the Renaissance. They existed in numerous sizes, from relatively compact sidearms to large two handed examples, and were carried by people from different levels of society. One of the defining features was their knife-like construction, traditionally using a tang fitted with grip scales rather than the enclosed hilt construction associated with many medieval swords. Surviving examples and period fighting manuals show that the messer was more than a simple chopping blade. It belonged to a sophisticated European martial tradition that included cuts, thrusts, guards and close range techniques.

Cold Steel's Grosse Messer captures that historic character with a broad 1055 carbon steel blade paired with a generously sized grip suitable for one or two handed use. Rosewood handle scales are riveted directly to the full tang, reinforcing the knife-like construction that gives the messer its name. Blackened steel fittings complete the understated appearance, including a substantial guard and pommel that complement the wide blade.

A wood core scabbard covered in black leather is included, finished with a blackened steel throat and chape to match the sword's fittings. With its long grip, broad carbon steel blade and traditional scale construction, the Cold Steel Grosse Messer is an impressive recreation of one of Germany's most recognizable historical blade forms.