Swiss & German Degen Swords

What does "Degen" mean?

Degen is the German word for "sword." Historically it named the slender, thrust-oriented side-blade carried in Switzerland and Germany from the 15th to 17th centuries — a light infantry and officer's sword that became the ancestor of the small-sword and the modern fencing blade.

What is the difference between a Swiss Degen and a German Degen?

The Swiss Degen descends from the Baselard — broader at the base, often H-hilted, and usable as either a long dagger or a short sword. The German Degen runs longer and slimmer, the refined 24-inch officer's and nobleman's blade of the 16th and 17th centuries.

Is a Degen a sword or a dagger?

Both. The Degen family spans roughly 12 to 24 inches of blade. The longer pieces are short swords; the 12-to-15-inch pieces are historical daggers and sidearms. This collection carries the full range so you can match reach to purpose.

What is a Baselard?

The Baselard (Swiss-German Schwiizerdolch) is a Swiss medieval blade with a distinctive I or H-shaped hilt, made in dagger and short-sword lengths. It was the everyday sidearm of late-medieval Switzerland and sits at the heart of the Swiss Degen tradition.

What steel are Everest Forge Degen swords made from?

All of our Degen and Baselard blades are forged from 5160 high-carbon spring steel, oil-quenched and tempered. It is the same tough, springy steel used in vehicle leaf springs, chosen here for the flex and durability the thin Degen blade needs.

Are these blades battle-ready or for display?

They are fully functional, battle-ready blades that are equally at home on a display stand. Each is full-tang, sharpened, and tempered for real handling, reenactment, HEMA, and stage combat.

Do you ship Degen swords worldwide?

Yes. Every blade ships worldwide on a Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) basis with tracking, so duties and taxes are settled before delivery and there is nothing extra to pay when your Degen arrives.