Today we take a close look at the details involved in making our Claymore or Scottish Two-Hander sword hilt. This is one of our most popular pieces and is really a great expression of the sword-makers art. Few makers produce high-quality swords of this type because of the extensive hand-worked details that set a top quality piece apart from cheaper alternatives.
Arms and Armor Highland Claymore Sword
In the 16th century this type of sword indigenous to Scotland would have been called a "Twa-handed sword", and was in use at the same time as other large two handed European swords such as the Spanish Montante, Italian Spadone, or German Zweihander - these were all regional variations on the Renaissance great sword that was contemporaneous with the emergence of rapiers.
Details of the quatrefoils at the ends of the quillion arms
As always, our products are entirely made by us, by hand, at our shop in Minneapolis, MN. The sword blades are hand ground of 6150 carbon steel, hardened and tempered to 50-52 Rockwell. Hardened axes and pole-arms are 4140 carbon steel. All of our products are made to look, feel, and function just like the historical originals on which they are based. For over four decades we have worked with museums, collectors, and scholars around the world to develop a deep understanding of European weapons; knowledge we use to make products that exemplify the finest qualities of the very best historic pieces. When we select historic items to reproduce, being pretty isn't enough, they have to move with grace and beauty, and beg to be used when in the hand. These are pieces that feel as good as they look, and that work as well as they feel. Our mission is to craft items that recreate the look, feel, and function of the best historic originals
Details of the quillion block
Check out all of our products here, and the video below.
Nathan Clough, Ph.D. is President of Arms and Armor and a member of the governing board of The Oakeshott Institute. He is a historical martial artist and a former university professor of cultural geography. He has given presentations on historical arms at events including Longpoint and Combatcon, and presented scholarly papers at, among others, The International Congress on Medieval Studies.
Craig Johnson is the Production Manager of Arms and Armor and Secretary of The Oakeshott Institute. He has taught and published on the history of arms, armor and western martial arts for over 30 years. He has lectured at several schools and Universities, WMAW, HEMAC, 4W, and ICMS at Kalamazoo. His experiences include iron smelting, jousting, theatrical combat instruction and choreography, historical research, European martial arts and crafting weapons and armor since 1985