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A Katzbalger is a short renaissance broad sword, notable for its sturdy build and its s-shaped or 8-shaped hand guard. Measuring from 75-85 cm long and weighing 1-2 kg, it the was typical hand weapon of landsknechts.
The term "Katzbalger" comes from the custom to carry a sword without a scabbard, held only by a cat's skin (German word "Katze" means "cat", while "balgen" means "to skin"). 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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