History of Scottish Swords and Daggers Enter your e-mail below to be notified of new products, discounts and tips Scottish Swords or, When Men Wear Skirts, They Need Big Swords Twisted Hilt Claymore There weren't a lot of them, but pound for pound, Scots were one of the most ferocious group of warriors in the world. Even without heavy armor or a lot of horses, these legendary fighting men took huge swaths of land away from the English, and could have continued to take land if not for internal strife and politics. By now we've all heard of the famous warlord William Wallace, who led one of the greatest Scottish advances in history. Wallace was responsible for some of the greatest Scottish victories against the English, including the famous battle of Stirling Bridge. This battle cemented the Scots' reputation as fierce and unpredictable (although many of the english felt this battle proved that the Scots had no honor. The Scots retort that the english are sore losers). The battle took place in Stirling, near and on the Forth River. The English, who for centuries practiced the art of mass suicide by forming neat little lines and marching honorably toward their enemies, began crossing the Stirling bridge in their usual fashion.

They marched across in neat lines, with troops spreading back into formation as they crossed. It was expected of honorable enemies that they wait for the opposing army to set up before engaging in combat, and the English fully expected this from the Scots. Wallace made it seem as if they were doing just that, waiting until the English army was split on both sides of the bridge before finally giving the signal to attack. They began hacking apart the men that had made it across, causing pandemonium among the English. English Knights rode onto the bridge, already crowded with soldiers, trying to help their dying countrymen, but the bridge proved to be overloaded and began falling apart. Soldiers on the bridge fell off in droves. Most of the armored soldiers that fell into the river drowned (armor and water don't mix boys and girls), and the rest of the soldiers became mired in a gridlock of solider's and knights. They began hacking apart the men that had made it across, causing pandemonium among the English. English Knights rode onto the bridge, already crowded with soldiers, trying to help their dying countrymen, but the bridge proved to be overloaded and began falling apart. Soldiers on the bridge fell off in droves.

Most of the armored soldiers that fell into the river drowned (armor and water don't mix boys and girls), and the rest of the soldiers became mired in a gridlock of solider's and knights. The Scots overwhelmed the English troops that had made it across. In the meantime, a squad of Scots forded the Forth at a shallow spot down river and flanked the English. When the English army, in full route now, retreated (many swimming across the river or crossing in shallower spots) the Scots were waiting for them and finished them off on the opposite bank. It was a slaughter, and a decisive victory for Wallace. Swords of the Scots The Scots fought with a variety of swords and daggers, but the ones they are most famous for are listed and described below: The Scottish Claymore ( Claidheamh Mòr) The claymore was an awesome sword on the battlefield. The amazing reach (as much as 60 inches of overall length for standard claymores)made it extremely difficult for opponents to close with the wielder. The long ricasso allowed the bearer to switch to a more close-quarters style of combat if an opponent made it inside his distance.

The claymore (or more accurately, "Claidheamh-mor" in Gaelic) was first reportedly used in the 13th century, and was used as recently as the 18th century. The twisted hilt claymore was the most recent of the claymores (c. 1500) and features the downward-angled crosses that end in small honeycomb patterns. The twisted wooden hilt was a better way to grip the sword (and the fact that it looks so damn cool probably had something to do with its broad acceptance among highlanders). Legend has it that a claymore was hurled into the field of battle, toward an opposing army before combat, to signify that the Scottish troops were ready to fight. No real evidence of this, but it’s cool and fits the highlander idiom, so we thought we’d pass it along. The Scottish Baskethilt Claymore (Swordh a' Kick-Buttus (that may not be entirely accurate)) Scottish baskethilts are often referred to as "Claymores," which is a little confusing since the huge two-handed swords wielded by Scots are also called Claymores.

There's no real evidence to suggest which is the real Claymore, but since these swords have a secondary name (basket-hilt) and the two-hander does not, Strongblade refers to these swords as Scottish basket-hilt swords and the large two-handers as Scottish claymores. just to confuse things a little, the M18 Claymore land mines used in modern warfare have nothing whatsoever to do with this article. The gorgeous basket-hilts on these Scottish swords had a dual purpose. The first (and most important, really) was to protect the vulnerable hands of the swordsman. Highlanders rarely (if ever) wore gauntlets, so they needed the extra armor. The large baskets also added weight to the hilts, giving the sword a much better balance. The blades on these swords were sometimes single-edged (also known as backswords), but more often than not they were double edged and capable of both slashing and thrusting. Occasionally, curved baskethilts were seen, but very occasionally. Highlanders would often use these swords in one hand while holding their dirks in the other.

The Scottish Dirk (Biodag) Displayed proudly (unlike the much more subtle and always hidden Sgian Dubh), the dirk was both a warning and a means of identification. The craftsmanship that went into these items was astounding, if not necessarily surprising when considering the amount of pride the Scots dressed themselves with. Long and crossless (sometimes as long as 14 inches in length), these slim daggers were usually edged on only one side and could be wielded with great dexterity against opponents. These knives in the hands of a skilled highlander were lethal. Worn on the right side of the body, dirks were considered part of the Scotsman’s honor and would never have been used for mundane tasks like gutting fish or skinning hunting prey. Scottish Daggers, Scottish Dirks, Sgian Dubh and Highland Daggers from Dark Knight Armoury Black Sgian Dubh MC-HK-26083BK In the far-off days of antiquated Scotland, it was typically unsafe to go anywhere completely unarmed, and thus the Black Sgian Dubh had its place in society as a hidden weapon, to be kept at all times in case of attack.

Price: $12.00 Bonny Scottish Dagger ZS-910910 Long-standing traditions and beloved family lore unite the members of your clan. The upcoming ceremony is an important part of the legacy. The Bonny Scottish Dagger will appear grand against the noble bands of your family Tartan. Price: $43.50 Bonny Scottish Dirk 400806 This 11.75 inch long dirk showcases crisp etchings of the traditional Scottish foliage and thistle motif on both sides of the blade. A 5 inch long false edge and a knurled pattern on the blade back mark this dirk with distinction. Price: $110.00 Bronze Head Celtic Dagger AH-4326 A personal weapon should be unique and distinctive, and few can offer such a trait as well as this Bronze Head Celtic Dagger. The appeal derives from the hilt, which, cast in bronze, is shaped like a man, complete with a head pommel. Price: $108.00 Celtic Boot Blade MC-FM-645 It is usually the little blades you have to look out for.

In the case of this Celtic Boot Blade, that is doubly true, not because this dagger is dangerous, but because its stunning design is one that you will not want to miss seeing. Price: $19.00 Celtic Sgian Dubh MC-HK-26136 Sometimes a classic historical item is brought into the modern era with a twist that not only gives the item a newer look but creates an entirely new item. Such is the example with the Celtic Sgain Dubh. Price: $14.00 Celtic War Dagger 403761 This wicked dagger was used with effectiveness in battle as well as around the camp. The Celtic War Dagger features a solid metal handle with integral guard. The unique blade is made from hand forged, tempered high carbon steel. Price: $79.00 Ceremonial Scottish Dirk ZS-231222 Based on the ballock dagger, the Scottish dirk proved lethal in the adept hands of a Highlander. As the lands became more peaceful, blades like the Ceremonial Scottish Dirk became an essential part of traditional Highland attire.

Price: $49.90 Curved Celtic Dagger MC-FM-646 Sometimes, the best inspiration for fantasy is a bit of reality. This Curved Celtic Dagger draws on a few sources, taking a curved shape and traditional Celtic knot design to create a handsome dagger that is sure to appeal to many. Price: $22.00 Damascus Dirk ZS-DM-1077 Historically used as a sidearm for officers of the Scottish Highland regiments, the dirk has since become a ceremonial weapon worn with traditional dress. Our Damascus Dirk makes a quality functional and decorative weapon. Price: $71.90 Damascus Naval Dirk ZS-DM-1113 Utilized often for hand to hand combat during the expansive Age of Sail, long thrusting daggers much like this stunning Damascus Naval Dirk were traditionally the personal weapons for officers in the Scottish Highland regiments. Price: $55.80 Damascus Officers Dirk ZS-DM-1115 Dirks have a long history, including their role as the primary sidearm to officers and nobility of medieval Scotland. A high-ranking person of power would have carried an exquisite dagger like this Damascus Officers Dirk at all times.

Price: $54.00 Damascus Sgian Dubh MC-HK-2516 In the ancient days, a sgian dubh was carried for self-defense, though the practice continued into modern day as a decoration. Ornate and effective, the Damascus Sgian Dubh fills both needs surprisingly well. Price: $10.00 Damascus Sgian Dubh ZS-DM-1076 The name of this Scottish knife contains the double-meaning of Black and Hidden, referring to its theorized use as a concealed weapon. The Damascus Sgian Dubh offers you an excellent replica of the traditional highlander knife. Price: $59.90 Damascus Sgian Dubh 403577 Originally Sgian Dubhs were commonly worn under the shirt close to the armpit. Now the stocking dirk is traditionally worn in the stocking of a Highlander. This Damascus Sgian Dubh displays the stylish wavy pattern of Damascus steel. Price: $60.00 Dirk SH2363 This Dirk is patterned after an early model (circa 1700) and is similar in form to earlier ballock knives.

The blade is backed, meaning single-edged and wedge-shaped in cross section. Price: $150.00 Early Scottish Dirk 400508 This style of dirk is a direct descendant of the medieval bollock dagger. The grip form began to change, probably sometime in the late 16th century, but soon developed a form that was purely Scottish. Price: $115.00 Engraved Scottish Dirk AH-3251 Traditionally, a blade such as this Engraved Scottish Dirk would have been carried by a member of the Highland Regiments. It would have been a side-arm. Today, it serves as a ceremonial weapon to complete the iconic Highland attire. Price: $69.00 Five Ball Dirk by Cold Steel 07-88FBD In the age of the sail, officers were expected to fight alongside the common deckhands when faced with pirates and privateers. Thus, an officer never chose lightly and usually picked this Five Ball Dirk as his or her side-arm.

Price: $199.99 Flat Scottish Dirk AH-3251F Traditionally, a blade such as this Flat Scottish Dirk would have been carried by a member of the Highland Regiments. It would have been a side-arm. Today, it serves mostly as a ceremonial weapon to complete the iconic Highland attire. Price: $69.00 Flat Sgian Dubh AH-3255F It is often the little touches that transform an attire into something great. For the classic Scottish Highland look, one of those little touches is a black dagger, like this Flat Sgian Dubh, tucked into your sock on one side. Price: $29.00 Highland Dagger MC-HK-3457 Mimicking the design elements of its larger relatives, the Highland Dagger is a perfect small blade to accompany an ultimately larger and far more intimidating weapon. Price: $12.00 Highland Sgian Dubh AH-3255 It is often the little touches that transform an attire into something great. For the classic Scottish Highland look, one of those little touches is a black dagger, like this Highland Sgian Dubh, tucked into your sock on one side.

Price: $29.00 Highlander MacLeod Dagger MC-HK-3412 Clan MacLeod traces its ancestry back to the 13th century, remaining one of the well-known clans of the Scottish Highlands. The Highlander MacLeod Dagger makes a great collectible blade for anyone interested in their rich history. Price: $10.00 Jeweled Scottish Sgian Dubh ZS-210743 Scottish daggers such as the sgian dubh and the dirk have had several uses over the ages, being used often today as ceremonial pieces. The Jeweled Scottish Sgian Dubh is a beautifully crafted version of a traditional Celtic dagger. Price: $8.55 La Tene Celtic Dagger AH-4325 Based on the designs from the La Tene, this La Tene Celtic Dagger echoes the look of an Iron Age culture that would have used iron for the blade only, and instead used more common materials to make up the hilts of their weapons. Price: $76.00 Ladys Hair Dagger 801298 This unique dagger is fitted to an oval barrette to allow you to stylishly carry a knife at the back or side of your head!

The barrette and scabbard are gold plated as are the exposed parts of the dagger. Price: $65.00 Lion Rampant Sgian Dubh MC-KS-5845LB In historical Scotland, it was unsafe to go anywhere completely unarmed, and thus the Lion Rampant Sgian Dubh found its place in society as a hidden weapon, to be kept close in case of attack and for general daily tasks. Price: $7.00 Macleod Dagger ZS-211355 Designed in tribute of the famous Scottish Macleod Clan, the Macleod Dagger features a medieval styling and floral themed accents. The blade of this medieval dagger is crafted from stainless steel and has a polished finish. Price: $10.50 Ornate Damascus Dirk ZS-DM-1114 The traditional weapon of officers and nobles in medieval Scotland was the dirk, a thrusting dagger with a distinct shape. This Ornate Damascus Dirk is an elegant weapon that would have only been wielded by someone with a high rank.

Price: $54.00 Primitive Scottish Dirk 402352 This early type of dirk evolved from the Kidney Dagger and was the first step toward the ornate Scottish Dirk we know today. The grip is solid hardwood and the parts are steel. The blade is crafted in high carbon steel. Price: $95.00 Rampant Lion Sgian Dubh ZS-211371 As a part of traditional Scottish Highland dress, the sgian dubh is worn so that only the hilt can be seen out of the hose. With this Rampant Lion Sgian Dubh, you can be sure your outfit will be complete with an eye-catching accent. Price: $7.65 Scotland Sgian Dubh Collection MC-KS-5845-44 Typically worn with traditional Scottish Highland attire, the Scotland Sgian Dubh Collection could easily be found tucked into a kilt-hose as a hidden knife, and no one would give it a second look. Price: $15.00 Scottish Claymore Dagger ZS-926735-WD When thinking of a Scottish dagger, most people would bring images of a simple dirk to mind.

This Scottish Claymore Dagger offers a unique style of a Scottish dagger, one that depicts the design of this cultures most iconic sword. Price: $24.30 Scottish Dirk IP-130 A direct descendent of the medieval ballock dagger, the Scottish Dirk is a dagger that has historically been intended strictly for fighting, often carried by Scottish military officers and nobles as a sturdy and effective sidearm. Price: $139.00 Scottish Dirk by Cold Steel 07-88SD The Scottish Dirk is a modern replica that harkens back to an earlier time, when the dirk was a tool and weapon. The 13 inch blade is forged from 1055 Carbon steel. It is 1.5 inches wide and comes fully sharpened and battle-ready Price: $199.99 Scottish Dirk, Fork, and Knife Set AH-3251D The dirk is an iconic part of the ceremonial Highland attire, and this Scottish Dirk, Fork, and Knife Set reflects a more modern form of the dagger, possessing not only the highland dirk itself, but camping utensils for casual use.

Price: $86.00 Scottish Highlander Sgian Dubh ZS-210964 Used originally for everyday tasks, the Scottish black dagger has become a vital part of traditional Highland dress. The Scottish Highlander Sgian Dubh unites beauty and function, making it a valuable blade for multiple purposes. Price: $15.50 Scottish Sgian Dubh ED2209 The traditional Scottish dagger, this personal 6.5 inch long knife is small enough to be worn tucked away in a sock or boot for easy retrieval and use. The Sgian Dubh is made of Ebony wood and brass handle and comes complete with sheath. Price: $20.90 Scottish Thistle Sgian Dubh MC-KS-5845TB In historical Scotland, it was unsafe to go anywhere completely unarmed, and thus the Scottish Thistle Sgian Dubh found its place in society as a hidden weapon, to be kept close in case of attack and for general daily tasks. Price: $7.00 Sgian Dubh SNB11 This sgian dubh is a beautiful dagger that is very functional.

This Sgian Dubh features a high quality, file-worked carbon steel blade, a black leather-wrapped scabbard, and a traditional basket weave pattern on the handle. Price: $44.00 Sgian Dubh 400910 A Scottish tradition, the original Sgian Dubhs were frequently worn under the shirt close to the armpit. Now it is traditional for the Sgian Dubh to be worn in the stocking, and the knife is frequently called a stocking dirk. Price: $40.00 Sgian Dubh IP-006-2 The Sgian Dubh is a ceremonial dagger that is traditionally worn as a part of Scottish Highland dress along with a kilt. Historically, the Sgian Dubh was considered a secret weapon, which is one possible meaning behind its name. Price: $29.00 Wood Sgian Dubh MC-HK-26083BN In the far-off days of antiquated Scotland, it was typically unsafe to go anywhere completely unarmed, and thus the Black Sgian Dubh had its place in society as a hidden weapon, to be kept at all times in case of attack.

Price: $12.00 Broadsword - definition of broadsword by The Free Dictionary Broadsword - definition of broadsword by The Free Dictionary Also found in: Thesaurus , Encyclopedia , Wikipedia . broad·sword (brôd′sôrd′) n. A sword with a wide, usually two-edged blade that is designed for slashing rather than thrusting. broadsword (ˈbrɔːdˌsɔːd) n (Arms & Armour (excluding Firearms)) a broad-bladed sword used for cutting rather than stabbing. Also called: backsword broad•sword a sword having a straight, broad, flat blade. [before 1000; Middle English brood swerd, Old English brād sweord] ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend: Noun 1.

broadsword - a sword with a broad blade and (usually) two cutting edges; used to cut rather than stab claymore - a large double-edged broadsword; formerly used by Scottish Highlanders sword , steel , blade , brand - a cutting or thrusting weapon that has a long metal blade and a hilt with a hand guard Translations broadsword [ˈbrɔːdˌsɔːd] N → sable m Want to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us , add a link to this page, or visit the webmaster's page for free fun content . Link to this page: sword References in classic literature ?

On his arrival from the other world, he had merely found it necessary to spend a quarter of an hour at a barber's, who had trimmed down the Puritan's full beard into a pair of grizzled whiskers, then, patronizing a ready-made clothing establishment, he had exchanged his velvet doublet and sable cloak, with the richly worked band under his chin, for a white collar and cravat, coat, vest, and pantaloons; and lastly, putting aside his steel-hilted broadsword to take up a gold-headed cane, the Colonel Pyncheon of two centuries ago steps forward as the Judge of the passing moment! View in context Wrestling matches, in the different fashions of Cornwall and Devonshire, were seen here and there about the market-place; in one corner, there was a friendly bout at quarterstaff; and -- what attracted most interest of all -- on the platform of the pillory, already so noted in our pages, two masters of defence were commencing an exhibition with the buckler and broadsword.

View in context Away sped the tanner, a piece of bread and some wine in his wallet, a good longbow and arrows slung across his shoulder, his stout quarter-staff in his hand, and on his head a cap of trebled raw-hide so tough that it would turn the edge of a broadsword. View in context Glancing at the wall beyond, there might have been espied, hanging on their several pegs, a cap and feather, broadsword, sash, and coat of scarlet; which any man learned in such matters would have known from their make and pattern to be the uniform of a serjeant in the Royal East London Volunteers.

View in context There were collected and piled up all Albert's successive caprices, hunting-horns, bass-viols, flutes -- a whole orchestra, for Albert had had not a taste but a fancy for music; easels, palettes, brushes, pencils -- for music had been succeeded by painting; foils, boxing-gloves, broadswords, and single-sticks -- for, following the example of the fashionable young men of the time, Albert de Morcerf cultivated, with far more perseverance than music and drawing, the three arts that complete a dandy's education, i. View in context Clopin Trouillefou, with a very serious air and in a low voice, was regulating the distribution of an enormous cask of arms, which stood wide open in front of him and from whence poured out in profusion, axes, swords, bassinets, coats of mail, broadswords, lance-heads, arrows, and viretons,* like apples and grapes from a horn of plenty. Highland Weapons | Scottish Tartans Authority Highland Weapons Here we discuss most of the early Scottish weapons referred to in contemporary literature. Some of the names are in old Scots or English and further research is underway to identify them.

We are indebted to Master Armourer Thomas Yeudall of the famous Claymore Armoury in Ayrshire for help with this section. Bowis and dorlochis ~ bows and arrows. These were in use in Scotland up until the end of the 17th century and were used for hunting and in battles. Bowis is the old spelling of bows and dorlochis means quivers. Brigantiflis ~ light armour. This is a corruption of brigantine which was a kind of armour used in the 15th & 16th centuries. Also called jack, it looked a bit like a modern flak jacket and was lined with metal plates. Any lead ball that penetrated it would be flattened like a dumdum bullet and was less likely to cause critical injury. Broadsword. From the mid 16th century, basket hilt swords were in common use in Scotland. The idea of a basket to protect the hand first came to England and then Scotland from Scandinavian and German sword makers. By the mid 17th century, ribbon baskets were being made in large quantities and by the turn of the 18th century, the Highland basket was reaching its full pattern.

With the addition of the final rear wrist guard at the time of Culloden, it had fully matured. All basket hilt swords after 1746 were of military pattern. These were essential weapons for the Highlanders and the favourite fighting method was with a broadsword in one hand and a targe (shield) on the other arm. The 1881 Ancient Scottish Weapons had this to say: The broadsword first appears in formal record in Scotland in 1643, when, along with the Lochaber axe and the Jedburgh staff, it constitutes part of the equipment of the levies then called out by the Convention of Estates, From 1582 to 1649 a "ribbit gaird" often appears as the " essay" of the armourers of Edinburgh, but in 1649 it was changed to " ane mounted sword, with a new scabbard and an Highland guard." Many of the Scottish basket-hilted swords have Ferara blades, but this does not necessarily imply that they are older than the period indicated.

Nothing is certainly known of the swordsmith originally using the designation of Andrea Ferara, beyond the excellence of the blades that bear his mark by right. He is said to have been an Italian armourer of the last quarter of the sixteenth century, and to have also established an armoury in Spain. But this is probably a mere inference, from the fact that the cognomen of the artificer is by some supposed to have been derived from the town of Ferrara in Italy, and by others from the town of Feraria in the north of Spain. It may be of some significance that the name of Ferreira is still common in Spain, and that, while Ferara sword-blades are almost unknown in Italy, the largest and finest collection of them in existence is to be found in the Royal Arsenal at Madrid. The name " Andrea Ferara em Lisboa " occurs on a sword in the possession of Brodie of Brodie and there is a sword stamped with the words " O. Cromwell L. Prokter," which also bears the armourer's mark "Andrea Ferara," and the name of the German town Solingen.

The date usually attributed to the original Andrea is too early for the majority of the sword-blades bearing the designation, and the probability is, that the " Ferara " blade was manufactured by various armourers in different places to supply the demand created, in the first instance, by their superior excellence. Picro Ferara, Cosmo Ferara, and Giovanni Fuerara, are signatures occasionally found on sword-blades, and it is quite in accordance with what is known, in other cases, that the original name Andrea should have been continued through several generations of armourers after it had become famous. Culveringis ~ type of cannon. This is the old plural for culverin which was a piece of artillery that had the same calibre and fired the same size shot as cannons but was a quarter to a third longer than a cannon. The rate of fire of such guns was very slow, possibly about 10 shots an hour and the gunnery was frequently inaccurate. It's reported that in the English Civil War, a small culverin blasted away "most of the night and day . . . the greatest execution it did . . .

was a bullet shot out of it entered into a house and burst the bottom of a fryen pan." After which the Royalists withdrew "that they might eate their Christmas pyes at home . . ." The calibre of a culverin - the internal diameter of its barrel - would be about 13cm and it would weigh a massive 1800 kgs. The weight of the shot - iron or even stone balls - was just under 7 kgs and the weight of the powder needed to propel it was just over 8 kgs. Each cannon needed a team of horses and men to get it into position and operate it and the culverin needed eight horses and up to 50 men. Biodag ~ Dirk. The Biodag (pr: beedak ) or dirk was a long stabbing knife up to 50cms long which was ideal for close quarter fighting and would be held behind the targe as mentioned above. The more affluent Highlanders would keep the dirk in a sheath often with one or more smaller knives or a knife and fork held by smaller sheathes. After the 1745 uprising, many broadswords were cut down and made into dirks.

The sheath would often be hung round the Highlander's waist or attached to a special dirk belt - the criosan biodag (pr: creeshan beedak). The 1881 Ancient Scottish Weapons had this to say: The Highland Dirk is distinguished from all other weapons of the same kind by its long triangular blade, single-edged and thick-barked; and by its peculiar handle, cylindrical, without a guard, but shouldered at the junction with the blade, the grip swelling in the middle, and the pommel circular and flat-topped. The fashion of carrying a knife and fork in the side sheaths is at least as old as the time of Charles I. Mr Boutell instances "a beautiful dagger, now the property of Mr Kerstake, that appears to have been worn by King Charles I.

when he was Prince of Wales; the hilt has the plume of three ostrich feathers, and a knife and fork are inserted in the sheath." The earliest mention of the dirk as a customary part of the Highland equipment, occurs in John Major's notice of the dress and armour of the Highlanders, written in 1512, in which he says that they carry a large dagger, sharpened on one side only, but very sharp, under the belt. In the previous century Blind Harry refers to the custom of carrying a Scots Whittle under the belt.

Describing the meeting of Wallace with the son of the English Constable of Dundee, he makes the Englishman address him thus:- " He callyt on him and said Thou Scot abyde Quha dewill the grathis in so gay a gyde Ane Ersche manttll it war the kynd to wer A Scottis thewtill undyr the belt to ber Houch rewlyngis upon the harlot fete." General Wade mentions the custom of swearing on the dirk, which came to his notice among the Clan Cameron and others who followed their example in putting down the practice of taking Tascall money, or a reward given in secret for information regarding stolen cattle. " To put a stop to this practice which they thought an injury to the tribe, the whole clan of the Camerons (and others since by their example) bound themselves by oath never to take Tascall money.

This oath they take upon a drawn dagger, which they kiss in a solemn manner, and the penalty declared to be due to the breach of the said oath is to be stabbed with the same dagger; this manner of swearing is much in practice on all other occasions to bind themselves to one another." Halbard The halberd or battle-axe was a Swiss invention which was a combination of spear and axe on a long handle. It was a direct descendant of the old Gallowglass two-handed, 12 inch bladed axe and was particularly effective against horsemen since the foot soldier could cut and thrust with it. The 1881 Ancient Scottish Weapons had this to say on axes: The Axe is one of the earliest of weapons. The war-axe of iron, in its earlier forms, differed in no respect from the same implement used as a tool. The earliest form of the weapon-tool is a common axe-head longer and narrower in the shank than those now in use. Such axes are depicted as weapons in the Bayeux tapestry. War-axes of a later time were furnished with prolongations in the line of the shaft and hammers or spikes on the hack of the blade.

The Jedhurgh Staff was a long-handled axe with a curved or crescentic blade, with or without a back-spike. The Lochaber Axe had an elongated blade usually rounded at the upper end, and the staff was furnished with a hook on the end. The axe and "broggit staff" appeared in 1425 as the equipment of those who were not archers. In the weaponshaws of 1535 halberts appear along with two-handed swords. The Lochaber Axe and the Jeddard Staff appear in 1643 in company with the broadsword. In 1647 it was appointed that seventy-two men in each regiment should carry halbards, and in 1650 Lord Lorne requests a supply of partisans, from the store at Aberdeen, for the equipment of his regiment of Life Guards. Dag ~ Pistol. Pistol - dag (pr: daag) - was much handier than the long flintlock musket of the time which was too large and cumbersome for war. Scottish flintlock pistols were unique in that they were all steel and they were very popular weapons with the Highlanders.

Many drawings of Highlanders show a couple of pistols tucked into their belt and a powder horn hanging round their neck. They also carried a leather pouch which contained the lead shot. With the old pistols you could only fire one shot and then the gun had to be reloaded. If you were in a battle, you couldn't ask your enemy to hang on whilst you reloaded, so the Highlanders would throw them away as soon as they'd fired them and then charged with their other weapons - broadsword, dirk and targe. Their reasons for throwing them away rather then tucking them back in their belts were very practical - if they won the battle they could always come back and find them. If they lost the battle, they could run away a lot quicker without being weighed down by them. 1881 Ancient Scottish Weapons: Highland Pistols are wholly formed of metal, usually of steel, sometimes of brass, and occasionally in part of both these metals. Like most other portions of the Highland equipment they arc always remarkable for the excellence of their manufacture and the beauty of their decoration. A Mr Glen has a wheel-lock pistol of the time of Charles I on which the armourer's mark is a pair of bagpipes and the initials C. L.

Logan states that the manufacture of pistols was commenced at Doune about 1646 by Thomas Guide who had learned his trade at Muthil. One of his apprentices, John Campbell, also became a famous maker. John Murdoch succeeded him. Campbell's and Murdoch's pistols are more common than Caddell's. Bissett occurs frequently on Highland pistols in the Tower Armoury. A less known maker is Jo. Chrystie. A brace of his pistols are in the collection of Sir J. Noel Paton, U.S.A. They have ram's horn butts, and are of such extraordinary beauty of design, delicacy of workmanship, and perfection of condition, that Sir Noel says of them in his " Private Catalogue " (so often quoted in the pages of this work), " I have nowhere seen pistols more, or indeed so, beautiful as these." Another maker whose work is not widely known is Alexander Shireff, or Shiress of Old Meldrum.

In 1650 the horseman's equipment consisted of pistols, lance, broadsword, and steel cap, and the price of a pair of pistols with holster and spanner was fixed at £14, The price of a pair of Doune pistols according to Logan, varied from four to twenty-four guineas. Slevis of plate or mailye ~ Armoured sleeves of steel plate or chain mail. Speris of sex elnis land. Spears of six elns long. Eln was another name for the old measurement an ell. An English ell was 45" long (1.1m) whereas the Scottish ell was four fifths of that - 91cm. That makes the spears almost 5½ m long. Powder horns (from the 1881 Ancient Scotish Weapons) The Highland Powder Horn is distinguished from all others by its peculiarities of form and ornament. It is made from a neat's horn, flattened, and fitted with a wooden bottom, and a plug for the mouth, which is frequently also encircled with a mounting of lead.

No portion of the Highlander's equipment appears to have been more prized or more beautifully decorated, and no example of the beauty and grace of the prevailing style of decoration is more effective than that of King Charles's " Master of the Game," shown below. The estimation in which these highly decorated objects of home manufacture, - the designing and engraving of which was wholly of individual effort - may be inferred from the mottoes they bear, if not from the careful work and original character of the designs. One commemorates a friendly gift, another records the owner's declaration :- " I love the As my Wyfle I'll keip the As my Lyffe." and adds the sententious motto:- " A man his mynd should never sett Wpon A thing he can not gett." Tua handit swerdis ~ the Claymore. The famous two-handed sword, the Claymore, (claidheamohmor - great sword) first made its appearance around 1490 and was developed by the Hebridean Gallowglass warriors. This early Highland version measured between 53 and 60 inches overall.

About 90 years later came a new version with a slightly shorter blade of between 51 and 57 inches. This was developed by the Redshanke mercenaries who fought throughout Europe, but by then, musket power was becoming the new weapon of war. The overall length of the Lowland two-handed sword was between 53 and a massive 75 inches . This sword was developed by Gallowglass and Lowland mercenaries serving in Europe with the Swiss and Landsknechts mercenaries of the 15th & 16th centuries. The Life of a Long Sword: the blade would be commissioned from Solingen in Germany by a particular Gallowglass warrior. Solingen blades were very expensive but a blade of such quality could last 250 years. After its arrival in Scotland, the blade would be given to one of the many sword cutlers of The Isles and assembled with a Scottish made hilt to the old specification. After its use as a long sword, probably by about the mid 17th century, it would have been ground down and fitted with a basket. When its life as a broad sword was over it would have been further modified and would probably have ended up as a dirk.

The blade lengths would have been as follows: Long sword - 40 inches. Broad sword - 32". Dirk - 17" From the 1881 Ancient Scottish Weapons: The great two-handed swords of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, also appear to have been popular in the Highlands and it is these swords, and not the basket-hilted broadswords, that are the true Highland swords to which the poetical name of claymore may be fitly applied. Gordon of Rothiemay refers to them in the middle of the seventeenth century, as still used by some of the Highlanders of Aberdeenshire, while others used the broadsword. The pictures of the Campbells of Glenurchy in the " Black Book of Taymouth," drawn about the end of the sixteenth or beginning of the seventeenth century, represent them and their followers with two-handed swords. In the inventory of the "geir" left by Sir Colin Campbell at Balloch and Finlarig in 1640, there is :- "Ane two-bandit sword, the hand quhairof is overlaycd with velvet.

"Ane uther two-handit sword with ane loose hand to be eikit thairto." And in another inventory of 1605 there is a two-handed sword specified as "gilt with gold," The swords represented in the pictures of the " Black Book" were probably drawn from the originals in the armoury at the time. They all have straight guards except the two which the artist has placed in the hands of the first Colin of Glenurchy and the first Earl of Argyle, which have the guards curved towards the point. The two-handed sword first appears in the weapon-shaws of the first-half of the sixteenth century. Sghian Dubh. Black in name and black in purpose, the sghian dubh (pr: skeean dew) was a killing knife secreted in a small holster up a sleeve or near an oxter (armpit). Four to six inches in length, this close-quarter knife was for use when no other weapons were to hand and it is believed that it became more commonly used in the late 18th century between 1746 and 1782 when the Hanoverian Government banned weapons throughout Scotland.

If a Highlander felt in danger in the company he was in, he would sit with his arms folded with one hand on the sghian dubh so that he could pull it out in a flash Dubh is the Gaelic for black and traditionally the handle and scabbard were made from dark coloured woods and leather. After the raising of the proscription (the ban) on weapons and Highland Dress, the sghian dubh came out of hiding as it were and was then worn mainly in the stocking, right or left side, depending on the individual's preference. In the 19th century when the wearing of the sghian dubh became more decorative and less functional, the hilt for daytime would be made from stag horn and the one worn in the evening from ebony and decorated with jewels. Muskets. Muskets though exhibiting less of the peculiar decoration of the dirk, the powder-horn, and the pistol, are nevertheless distinguished by their ornate character. They are fewer in number because they were more costly weapons, and their use was confined to the comparatively wealthy.

The inventories of the Houses of Balloch and Finlarig show that they were made in Dundee, and that their ornamentation consisted of engraved work and inlaid work in bone and mother-of-pearl. The details of the ornamentation of the three specimens figured on Plate XXX. will show how rich and beautiful the decoration occasionally was. The inscription on the barrel of one shows that it was made in Germany to the order of John Grant, Sheriff of Inverness, but the date, 1434, is much too early for the piece as it now exists. The Highland Targe or Target (Shield) (from the 1881 Ancient Scotish Weapons) The form of the Highland Target is round, usually from 19 to 21 inches diameter. It is constructed of two layers of some light wood, often of fir, the grain of the one layer crossing that of the other angularly, and the pieces dowelled together. Over the wood, a covering of leather is lightly stretched for the front of the target, and a piece of hide, often of calf-skin, with a stuffing for the back.

A handle, sometimes of leather or iron and an arm-strap were fixed at the back, near the opposite sides of the circumference of the target. Occasionally there were two arm-straps and sometimes instead of arm-straps, a sleeve of leather was fastened to the back of the target. A boss of brass usually occupies the centre of the front of the target. The boss was occasionally pierced for a spike which screwed into a socket at the base of the boss. When not in use the spike was carried in a sheath at the back of the target. The ornamentation of these targets is peculiar and highly effective. The central boss is frequently surrounded by other bosses placed in the centres of contiguous circles defined by rows of nail-heads. The spaces between the circles are decorated by studs, or by segmental plates of brass, fastened with studs in the centre, and with nails round the borders, and ornamented with pierced or engraved work. These plates, when of pierced work, were placed over a lining of scarlet cloth, which showed through the openings and sometimes the bosses themselves were thus pierced and lined.

Occasionally the decoration is confined to the formation of simple geometric patterns, on the face of the target, by the disposition of the studs and nail-heads. Sometimes this simple form of decoration is conjoined with the use of nails and studs but more frequently, the surface of the leather covering is tooled with a variety of patterns, disposed in symmetrical spaces. The style of this ornament corresponds to that engraved on the Powder Horns and Brooches; and the designs in general have a close affinity with those of the later stone and metal work of the Celtic school of art, as exemplified in the West Highland Crosses, the Crosier of St Fillan, and the Bell-shrine of Kirkmichael Glassary. The use of the target in Scotland was not confined to the Highlands. The statutory equipment appointed by the Act of 1425, for such yeomen or burgesses as were not archers, was "sword and buckler, and a good axe or broggit staff;" and in 1481 the axemen who had neither spear nor bow were required to provide themselves with targes "of tree "or leather, according to patterns which were sent to each of the sheriffs.

The watchers of the burgh of Peebles, in 1569, were armed with jack and spear, sword and buckler. In an account of Queen Mary's journey to Inverness in 1562, the English Ambassador, Randolph, writing to Cecil * describes her cheerful behaviour in the midst of troubles, and says that " she repented nothing but (when the lords and others at Inverness came in the morning from the watch) that she was not a man to know what life it was to lie all night in the fields, or to walk on the causeway with a jack and knapschalle, a Glasgow buckler and a broadsword." It may be inferred from this incidental expression that such bucklers as were then used at Inverness, by the " lords and others," were manufactured in Glasgow. But the probability is, that the manufacture of the Highland targets, as we now know them, was not confined to any particular locality. That they were made in large numbers, on short notice, in 1745, is shown by the following entries in the accounts of Laurence Oliphant of Gask as paymaster for Prince Charles at Perth :- 1745 Nov. 15.

To Wmn. Lindsay, wright, for six score targets, £30.14.6 1746. Jan. 16. To Win. Lindsay for 242 targets- To 24 Hyds leather from the tannage, £16.16.0 To Goat skins, wood, nails, &c,, , £15.10.0 To two Officers targets pr. order, ... £1 Feb. 3. To Wm. Lindsay for paying leather of 200 targes, £16.16.0 It appears from this that the cost of two officer's targets, made to order, was but 10 shillings each and the cost of the others about 5 shillings each. It appears also that targets were made in Edinburgh in 1745. In the orders for the Highland Army of l0th and 11h October 1745, given at Holyrood House, Colonel Lord Ogilvy orders that all the officers of his regiment shall " provide themselves in targes from the armourers in Edinburgh."* These, however, were probably made to order like those at Perth.

The older targets fared badly after the Disarming Acts, Boswell, describing the weapons in Dunvegan Castle in 1773, says there is hardly a target now to be found in the Highlands; after the Disarming Acts they made them serve as covers to their buttermilk barrels. In the case of two of the finest of those figured by Mr Drummond only the ornamented leather remained. Another of the finer specimens was rescued from a coal-cellar in 1870. Targets were carried by some of the men of the Black Watch when first embodied in 1740, and Grose mentions that he remembered "many private men of the old Highland Regiment in Flanders, in the years 1747 and 1748, armed with targets which, though no part of their uniform, they were permitted to carry." As a registered charity, we rely on both private and business members to fulfill our aims. Joining us offers you many great benefits but perhaps most importantly your membership directly contributes to ensuring that one of Scotland's most treasured icons is maintained for future generations of Scots, both home and abroad.

All these excellent drawings were by James Drummond RSA in 1881 and reproduced in a book entitled Ancient Scottish Weapons of which only 500 were ever printed. A CD of it is available (D-642) from Unicorn Ltd of Auburn, Alabama - Our knowledge at the STA on exactly how these weapons were employed, is by necessity, rather sketchy. If any of you readers have a more detailed knowledge of this era of warfare, then we would be very pleased to hear from you. Medieval Sword Types List - Swords and Weapons Medieval Sword Types List Medieval Sword Types List Posted by SAWboss on April 28, 2014 Arming Sword - after the 14th century, with the appearance of the longsword the simple, single-handed weapon became known as a short sword or arming sword, since it hung from the belt of the knight, while his longsword hung from the saddle.

In the mid-15th century treatise How a Man Shayl be Armyd, the author advises: “hys shorte swerde upon hys lyfte syde in a rounde ryunge all nakid to pulle out lightlie....and then hys long swerd in hys hand.’ Backsword - The backsword was so named because it only had one cutting edge. The non-cutting edge (the back of the blade) was much thicker than the cutting edge thus creating a wedge type shape which was said to increase the weapons cutting capacity. Also known as a "Mortuary Sword", or the German "Reitschwert." Basilard - a two-edged, long bladed dagger of the late Middle Ages, often worn with both civilian dress and armour. Bastard Swords - developed in the mid 1400's as a form of long-sword with specially shaped grips for one or two hands. These swords typically had longer handles which allowed use by one or both hands. The sword's hilt often had side-rings and finger rings to defend the hand, and a more slender, or tapered, narrowly pointed blade.

Bastard swords continued to be used by knights and men-at-arms into the 1500's, and for a time, enjoyed the civilian side-arm role that would later be superceded by the sidesword and rapier. Broadsword - A term popularly misapplied as a generic synonym for medieval swords. The now popular misnomer "broadsword" as a term for medieval blades actually originated with Victorian collectors in the early 19th century. The term " broadsword" seems to have originated in the 17th century, referring to a double-edged military sword, with a complex hilt. A medieval sword was simply called a "sword," a "short sword" (in the works of George Silver), or an "arming sword." Further complicating the issue is a "true broadsword," which is actually an 18th century short naval cutlass. The term did not take on the meaning of a wide-bladed medieval sword until the later 19th century. Since then, it has entered popular use by collectors, museum curators, fight directors, and authors. What should modern students call it? The word "sword," seems to work very well.

Medieval swords appeared in a variety of forms, but generally had a long, wide, straight, double-edged blade with a simple cross-guard (or "cruciform" hilt). The typical form was a single hand weapon used for hacking, shearing cuts and also for limited thrusting which evolved from the Celtic and Germanic swords of late Antiquity. Over time, the sword became more tapered and rigid, to facilitate thrusting, and began to add a series of protective rings to the hilt, to defend the fingers and hand. This was the birth of the "cut and thrust" or "sidesword." Claymore - Identified with the Scot's symbol of the warrior, the term "Claymore" is Gaelic for "claidheamh-more" (great sword). This two-handed broadsword was used by the Scottish Highlanders against the English in the 16th century and is often confused with a Basket-hilt "broadsword" (a relative of the Italian schiavona) whose hilt completely enclosed the hand in a cage- like guard. Both swords have come to be known by the same name since the late 1700's.

Compound-hilt - a term used for the various forms of swept, basket, and cage hilts found on Renaissance swords. The compound hilt is comprised of the quillon, side-rings, and a knuckle bar in a variety of configurations. Cross-guard - the steel, cross-piece between the hand and blade of a Medieval sword. Cut-and-Thrust Sword - the spada filo or spada da lato of the Italian Renaissance masters. The sword was a thinner, more tapered sword than the earlier Medieval forms, but still shorter and wider than the nearly edgless rapier. They were used for hacking, slashing, stabbing, and had compound hilts used to employ a "fingered" grip. Unlike the later rapier, which was wholly a civilian weapon, the cut & thrust sword was a military weapon that became popular for civilian use until superseded by the rapier. Various forms of later military cut & thrust swords include the: schiavona, spadroon, hanger, and Espadon. These are the swords discussed by such Masters as George Silver, Achille Marozzo, and Di Grassi. Dagger - a knife, usually in the form of a sword.

Daggers came a variety of forms, with both single and double edged varieties. Like swords, were usually fitted with a pommel and guard, and throughout the late Middle Ages and Renaissance, also developed progressively more complex hilts. Dirk - a long, usually single-edged dagger that developed from the Medieval ballock and kidney daggers. Espada - Spanish for sword. Espee/Epee - Old French and Modern French terms for sword, respectively. Estoc - A form of long, rigid, pointed, triangular or square bladed and virtually edgeless longsword designed for thrusting into plate-armor was the estoc. Called a "stocco" in Italian and a "tuck" in English, they were used with two hands - similar to great-swords. They were used in two hands with the second hand often gripping the blade. Rapiers are sometimes mistakenly referred to as tucks, and may have been referred to as such by the English. Falchion - a single-edged, heavy-bladed sword, usually widening noticably towards the tip. A form of sword that was little more than a meat cleaver, possibly even a simple kitchen and barnyard tool adopted for war.

Indeed, it may come from a French word for a sickle, "fauchon". It can be seen in Medieval art being used by warriors of all stations, especially in close quarters fighting. The weapon is entirely European in origin, and is similar to the German "dusack," and has been linked to the Dark Age long knife or "seax." The falchion was used throughout the Middle Ages, predominantly by foot soldiers, but occassionally as a side-arm for mounted knights. More common in the Renaissance, it was considered a weapon to be proficient with in addition to the sword. The falchion appeared in several forms, but mostly all forms have a single edge and rounded point or "clipped" point. This wide, heavy blade was weighted more towards the point, and could deliver tremendous blows, making it ideal for combating heavy armours. Flamberge - An unusual waved-bladed rapier popular with officers and upper classes during the 1600s. It was considered to look both fashionable and deadly as well as erroneously believed to inflict a more deadly wound. When parrying with the flamberge, the opponent's sword was slowed slightly as it passed along the length.

It also created a disconcerting vibration in the other blade. The term flamberge was also used later to describe a dish-hilted rapier with a normal straight blade. Certain wave or flame-bladed two-handed swords have also come to be known by collectors as "flamberges", although this is inaccurate. Such swords are more appropriately known as "flammards" or "flambards". Great-Swords - are infantry swords which cannot be used comfortably in a single-hand. The term "great-sword" has come to mean a form of long-sword that is still not the specialized weapons of later two-handed swords. They are, however, the weapons often depicted in various German sword manuals. Length was usually measured against the wielder's body - usually from somewhere between the diaphragm to the armpit. Blade shape could be flat and wide, or narrow and hexagonal, or diamond shaped. These larger swords were capable of facing heavier weapons such as pole-arms and larger axes, and were devastating against light armour. Long, two-handed swords with narrower, flat hexagonal blades and thinner tips were an evolutionary response to plate-armour.

Longsword - the Medieval hand-and-a-half sword, which forms the basis of most surviving Medieval fighting treatises. Longswords are the classic "hand and a half" or "war sword," of the 14th and 15th centuries. Between 4 - 4.5' long, and with an average weight of 3 - 4 lbs, the longsword was typically straight, double-edged, and with a simple cruciform hilt. It grew naturally out of the older, single-handed sword, as a means of combating heavier mail, and reinforced mail armour. References to longswords appears as early as the 1180s, but they do not seem to have been common until the late 13th century, and became the principle battlefield sword for the knightly class in the early 14th c. Main-gauche - the left-handed, parrying dagger used with the rapier. Misericorde - from the word “mercy.” A straight, narrow dagger, commonly seen on knightly effigies. It was so-called because it was often used to give the final “mercy” stroke to the mortally wounded.

Pommel - the large steel knob that counter-balanced the sword, and provide a secondary weapon in its own right. Pommels came in a variety of shapes: disks, balls, brazil-nuts, crescents, a sort of mushroom cap, etc., and changed in popularity as much with changes in fashion sense as martial usage Quillons - A Renaissance term for the cross-guard. Rapier - a long, double-edged, slender bladed, single-handed sword, designed to emphasize the thrust. Rapiers first appeared in the mid-16th century, and were used through the next century. The rapier may be the first, purely civilian sword, devised. The exact origins of the rapier are still debated between Italy or Spain, but in either case, its popularity grew with the new, deadly “fad” of the duel (one no doubt directly influencing the other) and it began the process towards an exclusively thrust-oriented form of swordplay, which would see its final martial evolution in the smallsword of the Enlightenment. Rebated - a sword that has had its point and edge blunted for training or tournament. Ricasso - the unsharpened portion of the sword blade neares the hilt.

Rondel dagger - a military dagger witht he pommel and hand-guard formed of roundels. The dagger was often 18” long or more, with a single-edged, or even triangular, blade. Sax/Saex - a long, heavy single-edged knife favored by the Nordic peoples, with a recognizable modern descendant in the Bowie knife. The Saxon race is said to have taken its name from this weapon, which originally meant stone. Some saxes could be as much as three feet long, and hilted like swords. Scabbard - a sheath for a sword or dagger. Most scabbards were made of thin wood, lined with felt of sheepskin, and covered in leather. Schiavona - A form of agile Renaissance cut & thrust sword with a decorative cage-hilt and distinctive "cat-head" pommel. So named for the Schiavoni or Venetian Doge’s Slavonic mercenaries and guards of the 1500’s who favored the weapon. They are usually single edged back-swords but may also be wide or narrow double edged blades. Some have ricasso for a fingering grip while others have thumb-rings.

The Schiavona is often considered the antecedent to other cage hilt swords such as the Scottish basket-hilted "broadsword". Small-Sword - Sometimes known as a "court-sword", a "walking-sword", or "town-sword", small-swords developed in the late Renaissance as a personal dueling tool and weapon of self-defense. Most popular in the 1700's it is sometimes confused with the rapier. It consisted almost exclusively of a sharp pointed metal rod with a much smaller guard and finger-rings. Its blade was typically a hollow triangular shape and was much thicker at the hilt. Most had no edge at all, and were merely rigid, pointed, metal rods. They were popular with the upper classes especially as decorative fashion accessories, worn like jewelry. In a skilled hand the small sword was an effective and deadly instrument. Until the early 1800s it continued to be used even against older rapiers and even some cutting swords. It is the small-sword rather than the rapier which leads to the epee and foil of modern sport fencing. Spada - Italian for sword. Spatha - the Roman long (36”), cavalry sword.

One of the origins of the “knightly” sword, and the Latin origin for spada, espada and espee. Two-handed sword - a specialized type of great sword that became popular in the 16th century. The size and weight of the weapon, made it unsuited for close formation fighting, and its use was reserved for banner defense, guarding breeches in siege warfare, and forming skirmish lines. The grip was very long in proportion to the blade, and the overall sword could be 5 1/2’ - 6’ long. Two-handed Swords are really a classification of sword applied to Renaissance, rather than Medieval, weapons. They are the specialized forms of the later 1500-1600's, known in German as "Dopplehander" ("both-hander") or in English as "slaughterswords" (named after the German "Schlachterschwerter" -- battle swords), or in Italian as "lo spadone". In Germany and England they seem to have enjoyed a vogue for use in single-combat, but their precise military role is still in debate.

True two-handed swords have compound-hilts with side-rings and enlarged cross-guards of up to 12 inches. Most have small, pointed lugs or flanges protruding from their blades 4-8 inches below their guard. The lugs provide greater defense, and can allow another blade to be momentarily trapped or bound up. They can also be used to strike with. Although collectors have come to call certain wave or flame-bladed two-handed swords "flamberges", these swords of the early-to-mid 1500's and are more appropriately known as "flammards" or "flambards" (the German" Flammenschwert"). Waster - a wooden practice sword. Also called a bevin, bavin or cudgel. Swords Manufacturer - Ancient Swords Manufacturer And Oriental Swords Manufacturer Basic Sword Parts Terminology Medieval Swords and Daggers Terminology Arming Sword - They are same as short swords. They came into being after 14th century. It was single handed and could be hung from the belt. The long sword hung from the saddle. Backsword - The sword had only one edge sharpened. The non cutting edge was blunt and thick. This gave the sword a wedge shape.

The shape enhanced the cutting capacity of the sword. "Mortuary Sword", or the German "Reitschwert" belong to this category. Basilard - It is a two edged long sword. It was used in medieval era. It accompanied an armor but could be used by the civilians also. Bastard Swords - evolved from the long sword in the 14th century, it had custom grips for one hand or two hands. The hilt had side rings and finger rings for the protection of the hand. The blade was pointed and tapered. They were used by knights and soldiers. Broadsword - It is a name given by the Victorian sword collectors of the 19th century to the medieval swords. Medieval swords though of wide variety, had a long, wide, straight, double-edged blade with a simple cross-guard. It may be that the term broad sword originated in the 17th century owing to these characteristics. Another version is that a broad sword if an 18th century short naval cutlass. Claymore - It is a Scottish warrior identifying symbol. Claymore is the Gaelic term for "claidheamh-more" (great sword).

It is a two handed heavy sword used by the Scottish Highlanders in 16th century. Cut-and-Thrust Sword - It was a thin and tapered sword though shorter and wider than a rapier. It was a military weapon with a compound hilt. The swords were good at hacking, slashing and stabbing. It was later used by the civilians as well. Schiavona, spadroon, hanger, and Espadon are the swords of this category. Dirk - A Scottish Highlander swore by it. It was a single edged dagger commonly used by the Scots. It evolved from ballock and kidney daggers. Espada - It is a Spanish for sword. Espee/Epee - Old and modern French terms for sword. Estoc - IT was an edgeless longsword, long, rigid, pointed, triangular or square bladed used for thrusting into the plate armor. It was two handed with the second hand gripping the blade.It was called a "stocco" in Italian and a "tuck" in English Falchion - It was a single-edged, heavy-bladed sword, widening towards the tip.It was probably a kitchen tool or a meat cleaver adapted for war.

The term evolves from a French word for a sickle, "fauchon". Flamberge - It was a modified rapier with a flame shaped blade often worm by the officials. Great-Swords - They were the two handed infantry swords. The blade shape could be wide or narrow, flat or hexagonal. They could counter pole arms or axes and quite effective against light armor. These were evolved against the plate armor. Longsword - It was a typical hand-and-a-half sword of the medieval era. It was popular between 14th and 15th century. It was 4' tp 4.5' long and could weigh upto 4lbs. It was straight, double edged with a simple cross hilt. It countered heavier mail, and reinforced mail armor quite effectively. Main-gauche - It was the left-handed, parrying dagger used with the rapier. Misericorde - It was a straight, narrow dagger used by the knights. The term evolve from "mercy" as it was used to kill the otherwise mortally wounded. Rapier - It was a long, double-edged, slender bladed, single-handed sword. It was a civilian sword designed for thrust.

It first appeared in the mid-16th century in Italy or Spain Rebated - It is a blunted sword for training or tournament. Rondel dagger - It was a military dagger , about 18" with the pommel and hand-guard formed of roundels. Sax/Saex - It was a long, heavy single-edged knife, up to 3' long with a sword hilt, used by the Celts similar to the Bowie knife. The Saxon race is said to have taken its name from this weapon, which originally meant stone. Scabbard - It is a sword or dagger sheath made of sheepskin lined thin wood and covered in leather. Schiavona - It is a Renaissance cut & thrust sword with a decorative cage-hilt and a "cat-head" pommel. Named after Schiavoni or Venetian Doge's Slavonic mercenaries and guards, they are single edged back-swords. It may have a double edged narrow blade. Scottish basket hilt broad sword owes its origin to schiavona. Small-Sword - It is the late Renaissance sword used as a personal dueling tool and weapon of self-defense. It is often confused with a rapier.

It has a sharp pointed rod and a small guard and finger rings. The blad ehad no edge and was thick at the hilt. It was also called "court-sword", a "walking-sword", or "town-sword" and was popular among the upper class. Spada - Italian for sword. Spatha - It is the Roman Cavalry sword. Two-handed sword - it is the great sword of the 16th century used in siege warfare. The grip was proportionately long and the total length could be up to 6'. It is a term more commonly used for the renaissance sword. the German term is "Dopplehander" or "Schlachterschwerter". They were also known as the Slaughterswords. The claymore and flambards (the German" Flammenschwert") are examples of a two handed sword. Waster - a wooden practice sword. Also called a bevin, bavin or cudgel. Claymore | Define Claymore at Dictionary.com claymore a two-handed sword with a double-edged blade, used by Scottish Highlanders in the 16th century. 2. a Scottish broadsword with a basket hilt.

Origin of claymore 1765-75; < Scots Gaelic claidheamh mòr great sword Dictionary.com Unabridged Examples from the Web for claymore Expand The Red Watch J. A. Currie Nor less emphatic is his railing at the plaid and blaspheming at the claymore. The Book-Hunter John Hill Burton Still Lord claymore hoped that some chance might enable him to come up with her and bring her to action. John Splendid Neil Munro Madge soon reached the edge of darktown, taking a main street which led to the better section of claymore. The Secret of the Sundial Mildred A. Wirt, AKA Ann Wirt “Perhaps you may be able to serve her,” remarked Lord claymore. Fletcher of Saltoun G. W. T. Omond Young Græme sprung on his feet, and waved his claymore towards the enemy. British Dictionary definitions for claymore Expand a large two-edged broadsword used formerly by Scottish Highlanders 2.

a US type of antipersonnel mine Word Origin C18: from Gaelic claidheamh mōr great sword Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012 Word Origin and History for claymore Expand n. 1749, "two-edged broadsword of ancient Scottish Highlanders," from Gaelic claidheamh mor "great sword," from claidheb "sword" (cf. Welsh cleddyf), possibly from PIE root *kel- "to strike" (see holt ) + mor "great" (cf. Welsh mawr; see more ). An antiquarian word made familiar again by Scott's novels; modern military application to pellet-scattering anti-personnel mine is first attested 1962.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper Slang definitions & phrases for claymore Expand

Question: What is the name for a two-edged sword traditionally used by Scottish highlanders?
Answer: Claymore