The claymore, or sometimes referred to as the ‘Highland Claymore’, was a large two-handed sword used during the Medieval period and it arguably one of the more easily recognized swords of it’s size.   The Claymore was constantly in use during the English-Scottish border wars during the 1300-1700 time period.  It was a feared weapon because unlike the European blades of the same stature, the Claymore sword was lighter and therefore was quicker in battle situations.  The Claymores signature cross-guards that extended laterally from the hilt, angled away from the wielder rather than the traditional perpendicular cross-guard extensions.  This unique design allowed the maneuvering of the Claymore in such a way as to wrench an opponent’s sword free.

The overall length of the Claymore was typically 55 inches (1.4m) long.  The grip or hilt typically measured 13 inches (33cm) and the blade was 42 inches (1.07m).  The Claymore weighed approximately 5.5lb (2.5kg).  The hilt and decorations were fairly standard – the pommel containing a wheel shape, and the ends of the angled cross-guards terminating in a quatrefoil (four petal flower shape) design.  The Claymore blade was known to also contain a ‘ricasso’ (portion of the blade immediately above the hilt void of a sharp edge) to allow half-sword usage.

NOTE:  ‘Half-sword’ usage simply means to grasp the hilt with one hand and the other hand grasps the ‘ricasso’.  This is used for additional thrusting power

The Claymore is a unique looking sword with the angled cross-guards.  It maintain a unique preeminence in history as portrayed in such famous movies as Braveheart.  The shear size of the weapon coupled with a simple yet forceful hilt-pommel design, make this a wonderful display weapon.  If you are looking for a classic look and feel of a well made yet unique weapon of history, the Claymore is definitively the must have weapon.