The Scottish two-handed Claymore sword was recognized for its deathly advances in battle with fierce results but you’ve more than likely heard of it due to its feature in popular Hollywood films, such as Brave Heart.
In this article, we’ll delve into the Scottish claymore sword history and explore the origins of this mighty blade.
What is a Claymore sword?
The Claymore sword is legendary in Scottish history, having being used in many famous battles and wars. The name "claymore" translated to "great sword" in Scottish Gaelic and was primarily used between the 15th and 17th centuries.
The Claymore sword is illustrated by the British Museum as "a two-handed sword … [which is an] iron blade with stamped ornament”. The sword showcases “downward curving quillons ending in quatrefoils [and has a] blade extended beyond wooden handle".
Claymore sword history
During clan wars and battles against the English borderers, the claymore sword was the Scotsman's go-to between 1400 and 1700. Claymore swords were reportedly utilized as early as the first wars of Scottish Independence in 1296, with sculptures depicting soldiers carrying the famous design despite it appearing slightly smaller and less developed in composition.
Fable has it that a claymore was flung into the battlefield toward the opposing soldiers before combat to purport that the Scottish crowds were ready to fight. William Wallace, awarding the less technical nickname "the William Wallace Sword", famously used this as his weapon of choice.
After use in several battles, the last record of its service was the Battle of Killiecrankie in 1689, fought between Highland Scottish clans supporting King James VII of Scotland (also known as James II of England) and troops supporting King William of Orange. Although this battle was a triumph for the Highland Scottish Clans, it had overall little effect on the war's outcome and forsook their leader dead. Their forces were disseminated at the Battle of Dunkeld the next month, ending the Jacobite advance.
This disbandment saw the end to the claymore sword being used primarily in battle but it is still represented in sculpture and art throughout Scottish history.
How much does a Claymore sword weigh?
Traditionally, the average claymore would amount to about 140 cm (55 in) in overall length, with a 33 cm (13 in) grip and a 107 cm (42 in) blade. Due to its immense size, the Claymore broad sword is estimated to have weighed approximately 5.5 lb (2.5 kg). The claymore sword was particularly prevalent due to its lighter and smaller size compared to its predecessors.
Occasionally the sword would feature a "Ricasso", a division of the blade above the handle wrapped or covered to enable the wielder to throttle up on the sword and use it as a half sword.
Final thoughts
While this sword is no longer employed to behead soldiers on the battlefield, it's still celebrated as a piece of significant Scottish history. Claymore swords are commonplace in museums throughout Britain and you can even buy replica (and much less deadly) versions of the sword!
FAQs
The claymore was not the biggest of the European broadswords – a huge lethal-looking sixteenth-century blade from Switzerland or Germany in the Fitzwilliam makes it look almost tame by comparison. But it was a brutally efficient weapon, as a contemporary account of the battle of Killiecrankie, 1689, testifies.
What sword did William Wallace use? ›
The Scottish Claymore Sword
This type of sword was said to have been used by William Wallace, the legendary Scottish warlord portrayed by Mel Gibson in the 1995 movie, Braveheart.
How long is the claymore sword? ›
The lobed pommels on earlier swords were inspired by the Viking style. The spatulate swellings were later frequently made in a quatrefoil design. The average claymore ran about 140 cm (55 in) in overall length, with a 33 cm (13 in) grip, 107 cm (42 in) blade, and a weight of approximately 5.5 pounds (2.5 kg).
How heavy is a Scottish Greatsword? ›
Traditionally, the average claymore would amount to about 140 cm (55 in) in overall length, with a 33 cm (13 in) grip and a 107 cm (42 in) blade. Due to its immense size, the Claymore broad sword is estimated to have weighed approximately 5.5 lb (2.5 kg).
Is the Drake sword better than the claymore? ›
The claymore is a fantastic versatile weapon for a quality build like you're going for. The zwei is also pretty solid, but it's more efficient for a STR oriented build. The Drake sword is only useful if you plan on keeping the base requirements to wield it because of its lack of scaling.
Who is the weakest claymore? ›
Clare is initially one of the weakest Claymores of her generation, ranked 47th (out of 47) and struggles to defeat ordinary Yoma. As the story progresses, Clare experiences several power boosts, eventually becoming one of the most powerful characters in the series.
What type of sword is Excalibur? ›
Excalibur is often portrayed as a longsword. However, during the 6th century when King Arthur supposedly lived (the earliest sources date to this period), it is more than likely he would have had a short blade, similar to a Roman gladius.
How heavy is a Zweihander? ›
How heavy is a Templar sword? ›
Weight: 4 lbs 10 oz.
How heavy is a real great sword? ›
3 lbs for an 'average' late-medieval cross-hilt sword, say, and 7-8 lbs for a Landsknecht two-handed sword, to give just a couple of examples from weapons in this collection. Processional two-handed swords are usually heavier, true, but rarely more than 10 lbs.
The optimum effective range is 50 m (55 yd), at which the optimal balance is achieved between lethality and area coverage, with a hit probability of 30% on a man-sized target. The weapon and all its accessories are carried in an M7 bandolier ("Claymore bag").
What were the advantages of the claymore? ›
The claymore's size and weight made it ideal for open-field battles, where its sweeping strikes could be fully utilized. The guard design, with its forward-sloping style, offered protection to the wielder's hands, allowing them to parry and counterstrike effectively.
How lethal is a claymore mine? ›
Instead of traditional anti-personnel mines meant to wound soldiers, the claymore was designed to kill as many soldiers within 50 meters and wound as many others outside of that lethal zone as possible.
Is the claymore good or bad? ›
Claymore will be remembered as an example of great anime, not just for its beautiful animation, but for the way it makes you experience the journey. It even has a great and satisfying ending. I know it's a tired phrase, but I really envy those who haven't seen it yet. Was this review helpful?
