The term “claymore” refers to a double-edged sword historically used in the Scottish Highlands and a landmine. The sword was heavy and had two versions, one for two-handed use and the other with a basket hilt for one-handed use. The word “claymore” comes from the Gaelic claidheamh, meaning “sword”. The Claymore mine was named after the sword and is used to disable approaching enemy personnel.
The term “claymore” is used to describe two different types of weapons: a type of double-edged sword and a landmine. Since these two weapons were used in different times and contexts, the type of claymore under discussion is usually apparent from the context of the conversation.
In the first sense, the Claymore was a type of broadsword that was historically used in the Scottish Highlands. It has become closely associated with Scottish heritage and culture, due to the romanticisation of the Highland Scots by the English and later generations of Scots. This Claymore was part of a family of weapons available to the Highland Scots and shared many characteristics with swords used in other regions of the world, suggesting that the basic design was universally useful.
A typical Scottish Claymore was very heavy, with a long, double-edged blade. There were actually two versions of this sword; one had a hilt designed for two-handed use, and the other had a basket hilt, intended for one-handed use. Two-handed Claymores were used well into the 17th century, until they began to be supplanted by the one-handed basket hilt. Basket handles have a distinct advantage, as they protect the warrior’s hand; many one-handed claymores had their grips lined with velvet and other soft materials, and were also sometimes decorated with tassels and other ornaments.
The word “claymore” comes from the Gaelic claidheamh, meaning “sword”. A claidheamh mòr was a “great sword”, while a claidheamh de lamh was a “two-handed sword”. Numerous examples of Scottish claymores can be seen in museums and some are even included on military uniforms. Should you ever get the opportunity to wield a Claymore yourself, you can see why the Scottish warriors of the Highlands were famous, as swords require immense strength and skill to wield effectively.
In the second sense, a Claymore is a fragmentation mine designed to disable approaching enemy personnel. Claymores classically spit ball bearings, although other types of chips can also be used. The mine is named after the Scottish sword after its inventor, who was a Scotsman. Claymores can help break up advancing enemy lines and also as tools in ambushes; much like Highland warriors of yesteryear, one generally does not want to encounter them with hostile intent.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
