A popular all-purpose knife for hunting, work and self-defense, the Bauernwehr would have been a common sight in Germany, Switzerland, Bohemia and other central European lands in the late 14th century to the middling years of the 16th century. Numerous examples of these medieval Messer style knives exist in museum collections as a testament to their popularity. The inclusion of a side-mounted nagel protrusion on the guard shows that practical self-defense was certainly a concern with the design of these knives which likely would have been worn as a practical daily tool for many.
This Bauernwerhr replica has a blade of EN45 high carbon steel. and its hilt has a highly durable and robust full-tang construction created when the grip scales were steel riveted to the thickened blade tang. The grip halves are carved and polished hardwood and the bolster halves and side-mounted nagel are of steel. Instead of straight slabs, the grip wood was skillfully worked into a form which widens toward its end to neatly couch the grip comfortably and securely in the hand. The simple indentations and slashed decorative filework on the bolster are the simple and rustic sort of decor fit for a commoner – but they are also fitting for a tool crafted with care and likely to be a highly treasured personal possession.
Included with the Bauernwehr is a companion sheath of double-layered vegetable tanned leather with stitched construction. Leather lacing cord allows for it to be fastened to your belt or gear. A variety of dyed colors are available for an additional service fee as well as a plain undyed version which you can dye to your preferred color or simply darken with oil for a natural finish.
J.J. (verified owner) –
This was my first purchase from KOA.
The packaged arrived damaged and three days late, but that was entirely the fault of the post office. Despite the damage to the box which was fairly extensive, the contents were not damaged do to the packing. I do appreciate the amount of effort put into the packing by KOA which undoubtedly saved the pieces inside from any mishaps.
Also I am very impressed with the sharpening service. After seeing other peoples comments around the internet about how “Pieces they ordered from KOA arrived dull despite sharpening” I’m not sure what any of those people were talking about. Tod advertises his pieces as butter knife sharp and this Bauernwehr came out of the box paper cutting sharp. I’m very happy with the sharpening service. If KOA does this good of a job on every piece they send out I would strongly recommend that you pay the additional sharpening fee. Its worth it.
For the piece itself, I did purchase a “blemished” unit however there are some fairly serious looking cracks in the wood near the end of the handle which were not disclosed to me when I inquired about the reason for the blemish. This is such a small detail that I’m sure it was overlooked however I didn’t miss it. It is clear from looking at the these cracks which are present in both scales and are at the same angle that this is a defect which came with the piece and is from production. As such I can’t really fault KOA or the shipping process.
Overall the piece is wonderful as you would expect from any piece of this price range. I’m very happy with the piece but more so happy with the packing and the sharpening service. I look forward to making more purchases in the future from KOA.
Ronald Schulz –
I got one because I like Messer’s and have a couple others. Nice looking knife, but one big problem. The Nagel is too far back. Makes it balance weird and digs into my hand because my fingers can’t be all the way forward. I’m thinking about cutting it off.