Uploaded July 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
You may know about the Messer (/ langmesser / kriegsmesser), and perhaps the Bauernwehr (peasant's defense) too. But what about the least known form of knife (machete? sword?) for commoners in the Middle Ages and Renaissance... the rugger?
In this video I'm giving you an introduction to this type of historical tool/weapon and reviewing "Rutger", a replica of a 15th-16th century original made by Landsknecht Emporium.
*** Specifications ***
Overall length: 87 cm (34-1/4 in) - blunt version: 85 cm (33-1/2 in)
Blade length: 71.5 cm / 28.15 in - blunt version: 70 cm (27-1/5 in)
Width: 5 cm (2 in) - 2.5 cm (1 in)
Weight: 900 g (2 lbs) - blunt version: 885 g (1.95 lbs)
Point of balance: 14 cm (5-1/2 in)
Blade material: 6150 spring steel
Handle material: Beech (also available in oak and walnut)
Hilt construction: Full tang, with glued & riveted handle scales
The blade has a non-linear distal taper, which was common in historical times, but rarely seen on the current market.
*** Pros / Cons ***
+ Historically accurate reproduction
+ Well made, strong & durable
+ Light & well balanced
+ Sharp, cuts well
- Not the most comfortable handle shape
- High price for a a somewhat plain leather sheath
*** Where to find it ***
landsknechtemporium.com/products/standard/messer/Rutger-R5B-Rugger
kultofathena.com/product/landsknecht-emporium-rugger-with-sheath-and-belt/?koa=259 (affiliate link)
Blunt trainer version:
landsknechtemporium.com/products/standard/messer/Rutger-R5B-Rugger-Trainer
kultofathena.com/product/landsknecht-emporium-blunt-rutger/?koa=259 (affiliate link)
*** Sources / credits ***
When Peasants fight with Long Knives: Bauernwehr/Rugger Sparring by @VirtualFechtschule
youtube.com/watch?v=Ax1prSY4KGk
bladesmithsforum.com/index.php?/topic/21619-bauernwehr
historicalbladesmith.com/post/83416494463/a-rugger-a-type-of-peasants-weapon
https://www-diu--minnezit-de.translate.goog/realie_details.php?rid=170&lid=0&tid=4&_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=wapp
wiktenauer.com/wiki/Category:Messer
https://blog-nationalmuseum-ch.translate.goog/2018/05/von-wegen-ganzen-batzen-ist-dieser-krieg-herkon/?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=wapp&_x_tr_hist=true
*** Merch ***
bonfire.com/store/skallswag
If you want to join Bonfire to start selling your own merch: bonfire.com/welcome/07bb14169c804
*** Support the channel ***
Help fund future videos, get bonus content and access to an exclusive Discord server:
patreon.com/skallagrim
youtube.com/channel/UC3WIohkLkH4GFoMrrWVZZFA/join
Other ways to support the channel by shopping through affiliate links:
Kult of Athena, my favorite online store for reproductions of historical arms and armor, fantasy swords, etc:
kultofathena.com/?koa=259
Where to get HEMA gear and practice swords:
woodenswords.com/?Click=1799
GamerSupps powdered energy drinks and other stuff (I particularly like the SUS snack bars):
gamersupps.gg/Skall
I highly recommend the balms and oils from Beard Sorcery:
beardsorcery.com/?ref=0UEFtHWvZEmtD
Books about history, martial arts, swords, knives, video/audio equipment, and other stuff I recommend:
US - amazon.com/shop/skallagrimnilsson
Canada - amzn.to/2HeOCMA
*** Other social media ***
https://bsky.app/profile/skallagrim.bsky.social
facebook.com/SkallagrimYT
instagram.com/skallagrim_yt
#skallagrim #sword #review #historical #reproduction #knife
You may know about the Messer (/ langmesser / kriegsmesser), and perhaps the Bauernwehr (peasant's defense) too. But what about the least known form of knife (machete? sword?) for commoners in the Middle Ages and Renaissance... the rugger?
In this video I'm giving you an introduction to this type of historical tool/weapon and reviewing "Rutger", a replica of a 15th-16th century original made by Landsknecht Emporium.
*** Specifications ***
Overall length: 87 cm (34-1/4 in) - blunt version: 85 cm (33-1/2 in)
Blade length: 71.5 cm / 28.15 in - blunt version: 70 cm (27-1/5 in)
Width: 5 cm (2 in) - 2.5 cm (1 in)
Weight: 900 g (2 lbs) - blunt version: 885 g (1.95 lbs)
Point of balance: 14 cm (5-1/2 in)
Blade material: 6150 spring steel
Handle material: Beech (also available in oak and walnut)
Hilt construction: Full tang, with glued & riveted handle scales
The blade has a non-linear distal taper, which was common in historical times, but rarely seen on the current market.
*** Pros / Cons ***
+ Historically accurate reproduction
+ Well made, strong & durable
+ Light & well balanced
+ Sharp, cuts well
- Not the most comfortable handle shape
- High price for a a somewhat plain leather sheath
*** Where to find it ***
landsknechtemporium.com/products/standard/messer/Rutger-R5B-Rugger
kultofathena.com/product/landsknecht-emporium-rugger-with-sheath-and-belt/?koa=259 (affiliate link)
Blunt trainer version:
landsknechtemporium.com/products/standard/messer/Rutger-R5B-Rugger-Trainer
kultofathena.com/product/landsknecht-emporium-blunt-rutger/?koa=259 (affiliate link)
*** Sources / credits ***
When Peasants fight with Long Knives: Bauernwehr/Rugger Sparring by @VirtualFechtschule
youtube.com/watch?v=Ax1prSY4KGk
bladesmithsforum.com/index.php?/topic/21619-bauernwehr
historicalbladesmith.com/post/83416494463/a-rugger-a-type-of-peasants-weapon
https://www-diu--minnezit-de.translate.goog/realie_details.php?rid=170&lid=0&tid=4&_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=wapp
wiktenauer.com/wiki/Category:Messer
https://blog-nationalmuseum-ch.translate.goog/2018/05/von-wegen-ganzen-batzen-ist-dieser-krieg-herkon/?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=wapp&_x_tr_hist=true
*** Merch ***
bonfire.com/store/skallswag
If you want to join Bonfire to start selling your own merch: bonfire.com/welcome/07bb14169c804
*** Support the channel ***
Help fund future videos, get bonus content and access to an exclusive Discord server:
patreon.com/skallagrim
youtube.com/channel/UC3WIohkLkH4GFoMrrWVZZFA/join
Other ways to support the channel by shopping through affiliate links:
Kult of Athena, my favorite online store for reproductions of historical arms and armor, fantasy swords, etc:
kultofathena.com/?koa=259
Where to get HEMA gear and practice swords:
woodenswords.com/?Click=1799
GamerSupps powdered energy drinks and other stuff (I particularly like the SUS snack bars):
gamersupps.gg/Skall
I highly recommend the balms and oils from Beard Sorcery:
beardsorcery.com/?ref=0UEFtHWvZEmtD
Books about history, martial arts, swords, knives, video/audio equipment, and other stuff I recommend:
US - amazon.com/shop/skallagrimnilsson
Canada - amzn.to/2HeOCMA
*** Other social media ***
https://bsky.app/profile/skallagrim.bsky.social
facebook.com/SkallagrimYT
instagram.com/skallagrim_yt
#skallagrim #sword #review #historical #reproduction #knife
