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Katzbalger
A Katzbalger is a short medieval sword, notable for its sturdy build and its s-shaped or 8-shaped hand guard.
The term "Katzbalger" comes from the custom to carry a sword without a scabbard, held only by a cat's skin (German cat = Katze). This allowed faster drawing (and looked more threatening), thus the practice was outlawed in some cities.
As medieval swords were very expensive and prone to rust, in general it paid off to protect them with a scabbard.
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