The Long Knife (Langes Messer) is a cut and thrust weapon from the Middle Ages, which enjoyed great popularity as a weapon of defense especially in the 15th and 16th centuries. There are several instructions in fencing books for the Long Knife. In the following article I have listed most fencing books which I have examined, partly translated and researched myself.
The list holds links to the scans available if online. I strongly recommend to see the wonderful Wiktenauer online collection to each of it.
Nuremberg House Book (MS 3227a)
The explanations of the probably oldest source for the Long Knife are quite short, since they have not been elaborated shortly after the beginning of the transcript. Nevertheless, they already lay down essential basics in the introduction.
Albrecht Dürer’s fencing book (Sloane MS No.5229)
The fencing book from the workshop of the great artist Albrecht Dürer is based on the fencing pieces from Codex Wallerstein (Cod.I.6.4º.2). The graphics are – as expected excellent – the fencing pieces themselves seem incoherent, like a collection. Interesting pieces are the battles with dagger and knife together.
Wallerstein Codex (Cod.I.6.4º.2)
Eight illustrated pieces of the Long Knife can be found in the fencing book from the 15th century. These require a basic knowledge of dagger fighting, which is included in the fencing book in advance.
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