Claymore

The term claymore refers to two distinct types of Scottish swords. One type is a large, two-handed sword from the late Medieval and early modern periods. The other is a basket-hilted sword used by Scottish officers. The name is an anglicisation of the Gaelic phrase "claidheamh mòr," which translates to "great sword."

These weapons are deeply tied to Scottish history and identity. They represent different eras of warfare and social status in the Highlands.

The two-handed claymore was a massive weapon designed for significant force. It often featured a cross hilt with quillons, or arms, that sloped forward. These arms frequently ended in a quatrefoil, which is a decorative shape with four lobes.

Some versions used a "clamshell-hilted" design to protect the user. This style used two large, concave plates that resembled an open clam. To add strength, builders often included langets, which are metal strips running down the center of the blade from the guard.

There were several variations in how these swords were constructed. One common style included a wheel pommel, which is the weighted knob at the end of the handle. This pommel was often capped by a crescent-shaped nut. Another style used the aforementioned clamshell plates to shield the hand.

These design choices helped the sword function in different combat roles. Some versions were even inspired by Viking-style lobed pommels.

History shows that the two-handed claymore was used during long periods of clan warfare. This included border fights with the English from the 15th century until 1700.

While smaller versions existed during the Wars of Scottish Independence, the classic design became more prominent later. The Battle of Killiecrankie in 1689 was the last major battle where these swords were used in large numbers. Later, the basket-hilted version became a symbol of distinction for Scottish officers.

After the Acts of Union in 1707, Scottish and English regiments were integrated. Scottish officers chose to carry basket-hilted swords instead of the slender sabres used by English soldiers. This was a deliberate choice to show physical strength and prowess. It served as a visible link to the historic Highland way of life. These swords remained in service with officers well into the 21st century.

We can understand the scale of these weapons through specific measurements. An average claymore was approximately 1.4 meters in total length. It typically weighed about 2.9 kilograms.

One specific example from 1772 was described as quite unwieldy. That sword had a blade measuring three feet seven inches. Its handle was fourteen inches long, and the guard was one foot long. That single weapon weighed six and a half pounds.

Today, the name claymore survives in many different forms of media. It appears in video games like "Genshin Impact," "Dark Souls," and "For Honor." The character in "Star Trek: The Original Series" even finds an antique claymore. In professional wrestling, Drew McIntyre uses the name for a finishing move. It is also a famous element in the film "Braveheart." These references keep the idea of the claymore alive in modern culture.