Cold Steel MAA Grosse Messer

The Gross Messer was a sword born out of a desire to deprive a citizenry of the right to arm themselves. Its design was originally intentionally simplistic in order to get around the idea that it was a sword instead of just a "Big Knife"; the distinction that allowed its wilder to legally carry it. This version pays homage to the origin of the Gross Messer in a simple but elegant design coupled with quality construction. A working man's sword if you will. The simplicity may be deceptive to some who primarily collect display swords (nothing wrong with that at all) and may not necessarily be aware of this blades origins. It is primarily for those folk that I say this. This is an exclent blade, worthy of any collection. It is strong, sharp and well made. On the blade I received all the fittings were tight (nothing rattles or moves), the lines are clean, it was well forged and unblemished. It arrived oiled and bagged to protect the blade quality. The oil comes off easily with a micro fiber towel in a few passes. The scabbard is thick, hardened leather with blued metal fixtures (also oiled) and fits the blade snugly. I am happy to finally have one of these in my collection. 100% happy with my purchase. Already planning my next Cold Steel buy, specifically a smaller single handed messer to compliment this one.

I love the MMA grosse messer. It is insanely sharp, and it cuts better than any other melee weapon in my collection. The MMA blackened version took me awhile to warm up to, but now that I own a few of them, that's all I'll be buying from now on. I bought the regular bright Cold Steel Grosse Messer and the blade broke in half the first week. It cost $50 more than the MMA version and it didn't last a week. I replaced it with the MMA and I'm much happier with the MMA model. Stainless steel looks pretty, but it's brittle. MMA is more durable, and takes an edge better. Unless you are only interested in an ornamental sword, MMA is better. The MMA handle is also constructed correctly (full tang, with the edges visible along the length of the handle). The bright version did not have that; I can't speak to whether the tang runs the full length of the handle, but it definitely was not as wide as the handle because it wasn't visible along the edges, and that makes it inauthentic. An authentic grosse messer must have a knife handle, which is what makes a messer different from a sword. Cold Steel got it right with the MMA grosse messer. I also am not certain that the bright one that broke was actually made by Cold Steel. It was represented as being manufactured by Cold Steel when I bought it on Amazon, but I suspect it may have been a counterfeit. This is a general gripe that I have with Cold Steel melee weapons: they don't say Cold Steel on them, so who knows if they are counterfeit or not? At any rate, I'm happy with the MMA version.

This sword knows the secret of steel! is so much nicer and bigger in person! Razor sharp and asking to cut and stab all within sword reach. Cuts full gallon jugs in half with barely any aggression. It's what a druid or wizard needs for a battle worthy reliable friend in battle. It's works perfect for cutting pizza and watermelon in times of feast. It has some solid weight to the blade begs for crushing yo ur enemies, the feel and a great grip that women will love as they are driven before me. All leading to a perfect lamitation in the long run. Will recommend for quests and sagas in the future.

Arrived undamaged, seems to be a decent blade, especially for the price, looks great after a wipedown.

When I suggested getting all of my groomsman a gift for my wedding, my wife said she liked the idea. Wild I know. What was even more surprising is that she asked which one I was getting for myself. Which is wild, because I had no response. So we looked up a few swords, and she stopped on this one. After spending 2 years in Germany, this one was the only one she was familiar with. So we went with it. A great choice I mind you. Its ultimately a sword in the form of a knife. Hence the name "messer" which translates to knife in German. So it has a knife like handle, which is easy and perfect for gripping. The wood and metal used to make is is actually comfortable. So you wont be needing to wrap it at all. Its at the size where a you can wear it on your hip if you're 5'10" without it scraping the ground. So its mid height friendly. Im not the most well versed with swords, so I can't really say its good or bad with how it handles. But if imagine swinging around abig knife where the weight is somewhere near the middle, thats how it feels. The best part of the purchase was that it came sharp. You'd think its a given to get a sword and have it be sharp. But sometimes it doesnt always work that way, and even worse, sometimes you get one thats sharp but has a chip or the blade is dented. Luckily this wasn't that case. So if you want a sword that looks good and doesn't require you to take a grindstone to it, this is perfect.

I bought this kriegsmesser because it reminded me of Hawkeye's Yoru from One Piece. It has the best of both worlds of messer and longswords because of versatility and creativity that can be applied with it. You can apply half-swording techniques to this blade while your hand has adequate hand protection. For new swordsmen,the balance is pretty good even though it is a top heavy sword which requires strength and endurance to handle with grace and precision. The blade arrived dull and a little rusted; however, I use my Work Sharp to sharpen the blade and renaissance wax to preserve it for long term storage. It is capable of cutting through plywood, hardened cardboard, and aluminium. The rosewood handle is smooth and beautiful while complimented by the blued fitting. The scabbard is functional and reinforced so you will not have worry about blade damage nor retention.

The packaging was pretty beat up when it arrived, the cardboard felt very cheap, thankfully though nothing else inside was damaged. The sword itself feels very good to hold and swing. It's a bit lighter than what I was expecting, but the quality is great, I especially like the handle; it looks and feels very well made. Looked nice after a quick wipedown with a cloth. Probably my new favorite in my collection.

Tight fittings on Sword. No hot spots in handling. Blade blued well. Flexible blade, sharp. Would have loved a sharp back edge. Quality sheath but some side-to-side movement of sword. Standard plastic liners in sheath for fit. Overall, well worth the cost.