How Heavy Is A Claymore Sword? Around 5.5 Pounds

When wielding a sword in games like Skyrim or Dark Souls, weight is a key stat – nobody wants a heavy blade slowing them down! For Scottish warriors in the 16th century, the iconic claymore broadsword weighed an average of 5.5 pounds (2.5 kg). That may sound heavy, but these lengthy weapons were expertly balanced and maneuverable.

In this guide, I‘ll explore the physical traits that made claymores such versatile battle swords. You‘ll also learn why they were a feared force against armored opponents. By the end, you‘ll be awed by the claymore‘s sheer power coupled with grace in combat!

Anatomy of a Claymore Sword

Before weighing claymores, let‘s break down what defined these Scottish icons for almost 300 years.

Table 1. Average Claymore Sword Dimensions & Weight

With massive blades over 3.5 feet long, claybeg swords demanded respect! Yet they were expertly crafted not to be cumbersome lumbering hunks of metal either. These measures reflect the versatile nature of claymores wielded by Highland warriors of the 16th and 17th centuries.

A Closer Look at Claymore Blades

The blade sat at the core of every claymore’s lethal potential. Forged from high quality steel, these long single-edged broadswords were made to puncture armor over range. Their length coupled with concentrated weight distribution gave warriors extra force and swinging momentum.

With proper technique, a trained swordsman could cleave deep through helmets and other protections with ease. Some claybeg blades flared at the tip for additional slashing power at a distance too. And when sharpened to a near atom-splitting edge, cutting flesh proved just as effortless.

Yet surprisingly, claymore blades maintained resilience against chipping or breaks in the heat of battle! Their durability is quite staggering compared to European longswords of the same era.

Weighty Hilts for Balance

A blade means nothing unless properly balanced with an ergonomic hilt and grip. This allowed 16th century Scottish warriors to truly harness the claymore’s potential in combat.

Rather than evenly dispersing mass, most of the weight pulled towards the sword‘s lower hilt and pommel end. This brilliant design shifted the center of gravity downwards along the 140 cm length. In turn, claybeg hilts provided excellent torque and edge alignment no matter how the swordsman swung the blade.

The hilts and grips accommodated different fighting styles as well. Extended crossguards improved defense for experienced warriors, while basic leathers and wraps suited novice handedness. Regardless, a weighted hilt prevented overall fatigue – no other greatsword matched such maneuverability given the claymore‘s imposing size.

What Made Claymores So Effective in Battle?

We‘ve established the claymore weighed around 5.5 pounds on average. That‘s only a pound or two more than longswords of the era. However the claybeg excelled at dealing damage thanks to its specialized qualities:

Table 2. Key Claybeg Sword Advantages in Battle

Feature	Battlefield Advantage
Long, extended blades	Could cleave & puncture armor at range
Concentrated weight distribution	Prevented fatigue for continuous attacks
Durability against breaks or fractures	Reliability in the heart of combat
Customization for preferred handling	Adapted to warriors‘ fighting styles

These versatile traits explain why Scottish warriors prized their claybeg broadswords. In close quarters, the long blades enabled lethal sweeps and momentum driven cuts through helmets and mail coats. The angled tips could also puncture plate armor with enough skill.

And should fighting last from dawn past dusk, the balanced weight kept combatants alert and agile. Records even indicate claymore users battering down pike formations throughout grueling battles!

In essence, the weapon‘s enduring qualities supported Scottish freedom fighters against English armies for decades. Next we‘ll uncover the mythos and legends surrounding these iconic swords.

The Claybeg Sword‘s Place in History

Beyond statistics and measures, Scotland‘s giant broadswords left an unmatched legacy throughout history since their inception in the late medieval ages.

As guns took to the battlefield, claymores saw continued refinement too. Custom basket hilts emerged extra protection in close quarters. Extended "clamshell" guards allowed nimble wristwork and flowing moves fit for an elegant dance of death.

Artisans crafted personalized claybeg swords for prominent Highland clan leaders as well. They forged elaborate family crests into steel along with inspirational Gaelic phrases.

These custom jobs reflected 500 more years of evolution until claymore production ceased in the late 1700s. But through each era the claybeg maintained its lethal prowess and Scottish pride.

In many ways the claybeg sword shepherded factions like the Highland clans into forming a national Scottish identity. English kings sought to undermine autonomy of the Gaelic people for ages by outlawing claybeg (or even kilt!) use outside warfare.

Yet these measures only strengthened resolve as Scotsmen rebelled carrying their broadswords proudly regardless of edicts from the crown. And so the claybeg sword etched its legacy through pivotal Scottish independence battles continuing into the 18th century such as:

Battle of Killiecrankie (1689)
The first Jacobite uprising (1690-1692)
Battle of Sheriffmuir (1715)
Battle of Glen Shiel (1719)
Battle of Culloden (1746)

Now Scottish regiments honor the claybeg legacy by carrying them in parades and ceremonies. But beyond the pomp, expert historians agree almost no European sword quite matched the claybeg‘s sheer physical presence. Not to mention psychological intimidation seeing a Highlander‘s piercing eyes glaring from behind over 3 feet of glistening steel.

So while early claybeg broadswords weighed around 5 pounds, their fighting prowess and iconic status raised morale for generations of Scotsmen. That enduring Celtic spirit survives today in films, books, and games featuring these swords even centuries later.

The Claybeg Legacy – A Summary

Played pivotal role in Scottish independence efforts for 300+ years
Customizations represent clan lineages and regional histories
Cemented national Scottish identity against England sovereignty disputes
Carried in modern ceremonies honoring Scottish military history
matchless physical and psychological battlefield presence
Forever iconized in books and games 600 years later!

No doubt the claybeg broadsword stands apart as Scotland‘s legendary weapon in the age of knightly chivalry. Its sheer size reflects the Scottish people‘s larger than life fight for liberation across wartorn centuries.

Modern Claybeg Sword Collecting Tips

Of course sub 10 lb swords have limited appeal to LARPers and medieval recreationists today. But collectors still pine for authentic claybeg replica swords when building out their armory. Here are handy tips for securing a museum quality piece:

Shop reputable dealers – Ignore backyard forges selling handmade products unless you can personally inspect methodologies and materials firsthand. Go through known sword vendors.
Prioritize battle readiness – Ensure the balance, edges, and handling meet functional standards for live steel combat before worrying about decorative elements!
Review tang construction – A full tang running through the hilt reflects sturdy, historically accurate assembly (and supports swinging without worrying about blades loosening over time).
Examine form and geometry – The curvature, blade width ratios, and tip shape should mimic traditional claybeg sword profiles within reason. Nothing too exaggerated.
Consider custom works – With so few claybeg antiques surviving centuries of warfare, turn to master smiths crafting forged swords to your preferred specifications.

I hope these basic pointers help you land an impressive Scottish claymore! Whether a wall-hanger or high caliber LARP sword, it pays to follow collectible blade best practices. Let history come alive as you wield these iconic medieval swords with proper care and passion.

And if building an entire armory for live events or conventions, remember to budget extra for maintenance tools as well! Proper cleaning kits and sharpening stones give your investment decades more enjoyment while preserving collectibility.

Let me know if you have any other tips for fellow claybeg enthusiasts in 2023! I‘m always eager to learn more about preserving Scottish military history myself through swordsmithing crafts.

Wrapping Up Our Claybeg Guide

We‘ve covered quite a lot of ground on the capabilities and history entwling Scotland‘s iconic two-handed claybeg broadswords. Let‘s review the key takeaways:

Average claybeg swords weighed just 5.5 pounds (2.5 kg)
The lengthy blades dealt lethal blows from long range
Weight concentrated in the lower hilt prevented wielding fatigue
Customized hilts suited regional Scottish fighting styles
Claybegs played pivotal roles across 300 years of Scottish independence campaigns against England
They forever symbolize Celtic pride and the Scottish warrior spirit
Modern collectors value proper handling geometry and historical designs

I hope this guide brought the raw power and prowess of Scottish medieval swords to life! It‘s been a true joy sharing my claybeg expertise with you. Let me know if you have any other questions – I could talk medieval weapons all day!

Until then, may your next gaming or LARP adventure feature a faithful claybeg replica slice through the air alongside cheers of freedom. Just watch those 10 lb overheads…and your nearest LCD screen!

Claymores forever!

How Heavy is a Claymore Sword? Around 5.5 Pounds