@ kaotikross : I've been mulling over your theory and it doesn't seem there was a kind of "point scoring" duelling code among Landsknechts. At least, not to the point it would have requested a specific sword. I would also add that in those times, with the lack of hygiene and very basic medical knowledge, almost any wound caused by the weapons of the time was potentially fatal, if not on the battlefield then in the days or weeks after.
Although you're right, the aim of the battle was generally to take over the field, not to exterminate the adverse army. The pike formations would push against each other and stab with pikes, spears and halberds until one side gave way and retreated. Being experienced warriors, the losing side probably realised quickly how things were turning and retreated. The winners were content with winning the field and mostly interested in making prisoners that would pay a ransom. Both sides were of course interested in keeping their forces as intact as possible for the next battle. So, yes, the battles, most of the time, were fought professionnally without gratuitous murdering. That was the "good war". However, you need to factor in that the Landsknechts were renowned for making short business of the battles they entered and they were very well paid for that. Whoever they fought, they had to stand up to their reputation.
Now, if none of the opponents gave way things had to escalate, or if there were "non professionnal" motivations involved (e.g. : revenge, repression of a revolt, punishment of treason,...), then the battle ended in a furious, merciless and bloody close quarters fight : the "bad war".
A reason for the different lengthes and tips of the Katzbalgers could be the experience and fighting background of the Landsknechts : I imagine if one was trained in Messer fighting he would prefer a short sword with round tip, specialized at slashing and cutting (which the Messer is essentially about), to keep with a familiar feel and technique. On the other hand, if one was trained in sword fencing (like those using the big Zweihänders), he might very well prefer a longer and pointier Katzbalger that would allow him to use also his fencing skills.
As for the mayo, I doubt even those huge Germans would have found the Katzbalger practical for snacking. They had the Baselard for that...
Anyway, with the broad, thin blade and the heavy flared pommel, I'm sure the point of balance was almost at the guard and the Katzbalger was an extremely fast and lively weapon that could successfully compete against daggers and longswords alike.
@ mecha : it looks like the guy in black carries a falchion or a big Messer while the red guy carries a Katzbalger. Quite the diversity !
If you're ever gonna make a Katzbalger, be sure to post pictures ! I will be all over it !
Here is another cool picture that shows a dynamic phase of a battle, with a column of Landsknechts charging, probably the "lost pack", a sort of suicide squad they used to wedge into and open the adverse pike formation.
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