Katzbalger
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A Katzbalger is a short renaissance broad sword, notable for its sturdy build and a distinctive s-shaped or 8-shaped hand guard. Measuring from 75-85 cm long and weighing 1-2 kg, it the was typical hand weapon of landsknechts.
There are different explantions about the origin of the term "Katzbalger": It is said to come from the custom to carry a sword without a scabbard, held only by a cat's skin (German word "Katze" means "cat", while "balgen" can mean "to skin" or "to brawl"). This probably allowed faster drawing (and looked more threatening), thus the practice was outlawed in some cities. Other believe that the word is derived from the second meaning of "balgen" (brawling), and refers to intense, close quarter combat like fights between feral cats.
As medieval swords were very expensive and prone to rust, in general it paid off to protect them with a scabbard.