Messer mit geschwungener klinge

[Tim Edwards]

I'm keen on having a so-called 'messer mit geschwungener klinge' made, but I need help with a little more research.

I'd like any images that anyone has, plus any helpful academic references.

For the uninitiated, these items were large sloping knives, not entirely unlike a falcata, of which many have been found in Gallo-Roman contexts. Whilst they may have been chiefly for butchery, there are notable examples of more military use.

As I understand it, they were in use from the first to third century AD.

I think Marcus Junkelmann's marching group had one in their encampment, does anyone else know of any good reconstructions of these?

Here is such a knife from the Carpentras relief, complete with plated balteus:

[Martin Moser]

I think I remember seeing two of those in the museum in Augsburg.

[Robert]

That look interesting! Hope someone comes up with a good drawing or picture, as I would certainly attempt making one of these. Perhaps Christian Koepfer, who is in Augsburg, could track the ones Martin remembers down. Christian recently sent me some drawings of knives to make for his project (on Tafel 20 of a book, but it doesn't say which book), and some look very similar in shape to the one you posted that relief of. Most seem to have the plates on either side of the handle riveted on.

[Tim Edwards]

Cheers Martin - do you have any pictures?

Robert,

Augsburg Oberhausen also has some very large knives, but many of them are fairly normal cooking knives.

[Martin Moser]

Hi Tim,

do you have any pictures?

no, unfortunately not. If I should have a chance to go to Augsburg, I'll try and get some. No idea when that could be though ....

[Robert]

The Augsburg Oberaden knives show quite some variaty. I will be doing four types, also a 32 cm knife that looks a lot like the one you posted a pic of. I will post some pictures of the finished items in time. Now, it's back to the handcuffs.