What Is a Claymore? All About the Scottish Battle Sword

The term "Claymore" evokes images of fierce battles, historical warriors, and legendary tales. But what is a claymore, exactly? In this article, we will explore the history, design, types, and cultural significance of Claymore, particularly focusing on their importance in Scottish history and beyond.

🔔Learn more about the Sporran, a distinctive accessory that embodies Scottish culture. Check out "What is a Sporran? A Unique Symbol of Scottish Heritage" for insights.

The sword became famously associated with William Wallace, earning the informal title "the William Wallace Sword" as it was his preferred weapon. After centuries of service, the Claymore's last recorded use was at the Battle of Killiecrankie in 1689, where Highland Scottish Clans loyal to King James VII of Scotland (James II of England) triumphed against King William of Orange's forces. However, their victory had little impact on the war's outcome and left their leader dead. The Jacobite advance ended the following month at the Battle of Dunkeld, marking the end of the Claymore's prominence in battle. Despite its decline, the sword remains immortalized in Scottish art and sculpture, celebrating its storied legacy.

Historically, the archetypal Claymore stretched to an imposing 140 cm (55 in), comprising a 33 cm (13 in) grip paired with a formidable 107 cm (42 in) blade. Scottish Claymore Swords typically feature a broad double-edged blade that is tapering towards the point. The distinctive straight or slightly curved blade allows for powerful strikes and effective cutting movements. This considerable blade length empowered Highland warriors to unleash potent, sweeping strikes while maintaining a tactical advantage of distance over their adversaries on the battlefield.

Occasionally, the sword was embellished with a "Ricasso" —a distinct section of the blade just above the hilt, often shrouded or wrapped. This allowed the swordsman to "choke up" on the weapon, wielding it with the finesse of a half-sword technique.

The weight of a claymore typically ranges from 3 to 5 pounds (1.4 to 2.3 kilograms). However, the exact weight can vary based on the specific design and size of the sword. The balance and weight distribution are crucial, allowing a skilled wielder to handle the sword effectively during combat. Historically, the Claymore was designed to be hefty enough to deliver powerful strikes while remaining manageable for experienced sworders.

The hilt of a claymore is designed for two-handed use, allowing the wielder to leverage their strength for powerful swings. The grip is often long enough to accommodate two hands, and the crossguard is pronounced, helping to protect the hands during combat.

Claymore has been applied to various Scottish swords featuring different hilt designs, leading to considerable debate among historians, scholars, and collectors. To address this confusion, the phrase "true claymore" or "claidheamh mór" is often used to specifically refer to the authentic version of the sword, distinguishing it from other related types.

In the early 16th century, the Highland Scots developed a specialized two-handed sword known as the Claymore, or claidheamh mór, distinguished by its double-edged blade and an extended hilt designed for two-handed wielding, featuring a unique openwork quatrefoil design on the crossguard. This versatile weapon was renowned for its cutting power and effectiveness in battles such as the Wars of Scottish Independence, clan conflicts, and skirmishes with the English from 1400 to 1700. One of its last prominent uses was during the Jacobite victory at the Battle of Killiecrankie in 1689. The design of the two-handed Claymore evolved to align with the battlefield tactics of its era, and its use continued into the Renaissance.

As firearms gained prominence, the Highland Claymore Sword gradually diminished in military application but remained a symbol of Scottish history, representing the indomitable spirit of the Highland warriors.

The Flamberge Claymore is a unique type of sword recognized for its wavy or flame-shaped blade, referred to as a flamberge. Emerging in the late medieval period, around the 15th century, this design was intended to maximize damage when withdrawing from a wound. The undulating edge inflicted extra pain and injury upon being pulled from an opponent. The Flamberge Claymore was famous not only for its distinctive and menacing appearance but also for its practical advantages in battle.

These swords typically featured a broad, double-edged blade with varying degrees of waviness. The Flamberge design saw use across different regions and eras, enriching the diverse history of medieval weaponry.

The Swept-Hilt Claymore became increasingly popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, symbolizing the Scottish Renaissance and representing status and martial excellence among Highland warriors. Additionally, the ornate hilt design not only provided practical benefits in battle but also displayed the skilled craftsmanship of the swordsmiths who created them. Over time, variations in the blades' length and the hilts' decoration developed, reflecting personal preferences and regional styles.

The Basket-Hilted Claymore is a unique two-handed sword from Scotland that rose to prominence between the late 16th and 18th centuries. Its most notable characteristic is the basket-shaped hilt, a sophisticated guard resembling a cage that offers exceptional hand protection during combat. This hilt typically incorporates a combination of bars and plates, creating a complex structure around the wielder's hand.

The design of the Basket-Hilted Claymore evolved in response to the growing use of firearms, as sworders sought enhanced hand safety. The basket hilt not only provided defense against incoming attacks but also facilitated various gripping techniques, increasing its versatility in battle. The blades themselves came in different designs, ranging from broad cutting edges to more slender, tapered thrusting points. These swords became emblematic of Highland warriors and were often carried as a mark of status. The popularity of the Basket-Hilted Claymore extended beyond Scotland, influencing the creation of similar basket-hilted swords in other parts of Europe.

The Claymore sword stands as an emblematic relic of Scottish legacy, wielded in the crucible of many a historic fray. Its broad blade and distinctive hilt served not merely as an instrument of war but also as a vivid testament to the courage and cultural tenacity of the Highland clans.

Claymores were significant weapons during the Jacobite uprisings, a crucial chapter in Scottish history. Highland warriors brandishing these formidable swords took up arms against British troops in their quest to reinstate the Stuart monarchy, embodying both their courage and determination in the struggle for their heritage.

The Claymore is more than just a sword; it symbolizes heritage, strength, and resilience. Through centuries of history and culture, the Claymore has maintained its significance as a powerful weapon representing Scotland's storied past. Whether as a piece of history, a tool for martial practice, or a captivating element of popular culture, the Claymore continues to intrigue and inspire.

Regardless of how you engage with this legendary sword, understanding "what is a claymore" goes beyond its physical form—it's about appreciating the rich tapestry of history, culture, and art that it represents.