The story behind the evolution of the Scottish swords is like no other. Most of these swords stemmed out from the original Claymore swords, which were by nature two-handed, massive double edged swords that were used by the fierce Scottish Highlanders way back in the 16th century down to the 18th. These swords were designed to allow both slashing and cleaving techniques in fighting. Because of that, claymores were the popular weapon of choice for most highlanders, especially during the days of feuds between the English clans.
The design for these claymore swords was distinct. They sported, downward sloping armed cross-hilts that looked like a four-leaf clover (called quatrefoils) at the tips. These swords were naturally heavy and required a lot of strength in order for one to effectively wield them. They were at least four and a half feet long, with the steel blade being around four feet long. It also weighed around five or more pounds.
There were also variations of this traditional Scottish sword. There were claymore swords that were relatively smaller than the average ones and they used a basket hilt rather than a crossed one. The basket hilts were designed to effectively protect the wielder’s hand during combat. This, like the simple claymore sword, also became a popular weapon among many Scottish soldiers, and it even became symbolic in many ceremonies in the British army.
Today, these Scottish swords turned vast into variations and improvements to attract all sword collectors and enthusiasts out there looking for a bit of Scottish touch in their collection. You will find that most of the features you need to look out for when getting your own piece of Scottish sword is the hilt, because that’s where most of the design is.
But if you’re into all the specs, the Scottish sword is full of surprises as well. Don’t underestimate the design and durability of the blade. They look quite different from that of the other types of collectible swords. This alone is an indication that getting a Scottish sword will definitely give richer variation to your display of replica swords.
Medieval swords can add pride and glory to any weapon collector. These swords of the medieval period had very innovative designs. Many of them also had etchings on the blade.
In this article, we talk about some medieval swords which should be present in the collection of a weapon collector. These swords are very exquisitely designed and do not come cheap. These swords are expensive. Remember, all beautiful things in life come at a price, right!
The Scottish claymore sword is one of the most prominent medieval swords. The Scottish sword is a sword used by the Scottish highlanders. This sword is a two handed sword and it has a cross hilt. The Scottish swords were used by the highlanders of Scotland to fight against the English between the 15th and 17th century. The length of this sword is approximately about 140 cms inclusive of the grip and the blade. The blade alone spans a length of 42” and weighs 2.5 kilograms.
Another sword worth its presence in the collection of weapons is the Longsword. The longsword was used extensively in the European countries in the period between the 13th and 17th centuries. Every part of the longsword is used for offensive purposes in a combat. The grip of the sword is 6”in length and the blade of the sword is 35” long. The blades are double edged and weigh anywhere between 1 kg to 2kgs. This is the sword that you see people holding with both hands while in combat. The longsword is a multipurpose sword because it is used for striking, cutting and thrusting. Now that makes it a wonderful sword, doesn’t it!
The Rapier is a beautiful and aesthetically designed sword which is a must buy for a sword collector. This sword was used greatly in the European countries in the 16th and 17th centuries. This sword is long and slender and has a sharply pointed tip which is why it was mainly used as a thrusting weapon. The Rapier has a complex hilt which is aesthetically designed to provide protection to the user’s hand. The blade of the sword is about 1 meter long and .98” in width and weighs about 1 kg.
The Flamberge is another sword with a unique design which can adorn your collection. The blade of this sword is shaped in the form of waves which imparts a flame like structure. Hence, this blade is also called the flame-bladed sword. The blade was designed in the form of waves because during combat, these swords would cause friction and vibrations that would slow down the opponent’s sword.
In medieval times, dozens and dozens of medieval weapons were introduced. And because there were different armors and different fighting techniques used, medieval weapons were often altered and redesigned to suit the owner and to maximize function and maneuverability. A trained soldier who could learn to maneuver a very strong and well-built sword could be a deadly enemy on the battlefield.
Throughout the centuries, the primary weapon of knights was definitely swords. Though there were a lot of medieval weapons to choose from, the sword held the most honor and prestige to wield and master. From long swords like the Cold Steel Hand-and-a-Half Sword, opted for their long range to great swords like the Beowulf Sword, opted for their strength and endurance.
Like any of the medieval weapons, the first sword over 2000 years ago has changed dramatically to further its function; from the short and predominantly for stabbing to longer and stronger swords of the 13th century. After that, the sword has taken into a lot of considerations and function adaptation for its knight – to stab, to slice, to slash, to thrust and especially to block.
Today, as we are modernized and civilized enough to discuss our predicaments and conflicts over meetings and civilized discussions – the appeal of taking justice into your own hands and fighting for honor remain – thus the popularity of medieval weapons replica. Though there are dozens of different weapons, from swords to warhammers to mace to flail to axe; the medieval sword remains to be the most popular of all.
But mostly, enthusiasts love to collect movie and epic swords: The original Rambo knife from Rambo Movie, Dagger of the WitchKing from Lord of the Rings and Sword of Hiro Nakamura from Heroes the TV Series are among the best sellers.
In the past, a medieval knight had to choose a sword to master and his mastery over the sword would be a matter of life or death. Though we are blessed that we no longer have this dilemma; we choose our medieval weapons according to design, taste and craftsmanship. The medieval weapons have evolved and changed over the centuries – a true document of the development in metalworking and blacksmithing technology.
As i am always looking for new swords i am searching everywhere on the net to find new sources to better improve my personal collection.
The following site is , in my opinion, just amazing. I strongly encourage you to go and take a look at the swords this guy makes. I am not sure as i just found this site, but from what i can see so far, you cannot find them anywhere else. Each sword seem to be hand forged and so each of them are unique.
The website is called the Darksword Armoury. The armoury as been created by a guy named Eyal Azeral who spent his whole life studying the secret of forging medieval and renaissance swords. He started his own business in 1996.
Eyal specialise in recreating true to size swords that are able to withstand the rigors of battle. Some videos can be seen on his website that proves that durability of his swords. Each of the swords forged by his company are reproduced based on swords found in museum or private collections and other various historical sources.
I strongly suggest you head over to take a look at their site, each sword is amazing and should be consider a great addition to your current collection….I know they will be in mine.
For all of you swords collector and practitionners, here is a movie that might interest all of you.
This is the first of its kind documentary. This film is all about European and Asian historic swordplay. On top of that it will offer a in-depth look at the fascinating world of stage combat on the silver screen.
Here is the official description of the movie:
“The Medieval and Renaissance blade, a profound and beautiful object handcrafted by master artisans of old. An object of great complexity, yet one with a singular use in mind- it is designed to kill. The truth of the sword has been shrouded in antiquity, and the Renaissance martial arts that brought it to being are long forgotten. The ancient practitioners lent us all they knew through their manuscripts. As gunslingers of the Renaissance they were western heroes with swords, and they lived and died by them. Yet today their history remains cloaked under a shadow of legend.”
Get all the info you need about this amazing movie: Reclaiming the Blade
One of the most common medieval swords is the longsword. This type of sword was mainly seen during the late medieval period. Longswords are caracterized by their lengthy cruciform hilts. The hilts could be as along as 6 inches providing the perfect space for two hands. The blade was double-edged and could reach as much as 35 inches. The weight of these swords could vary greatly depending on the size. The weight was between 1kg and 3kg.
The longsword was used to strike, cut and thrust, but the great thing about this type of sword is that their shape were designed with offensive purposes in mind. All parts of the sword could be used in combat including the pommel and the crossguard.
The longsword are often refered to as :
- Hand & a Half
- Greatsword
- Bastard sword