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Blog posts of '2015' 'December'

Claymore Sword: The two handed Scottish Weapon
The Claymore Sword is a Scottish variant of the two handed long sword which appeared in the late medieval period. The Claymore, or "Claidheamh-mor" (Great Sword) in Gaelic is a two handed broad sword utilised by the Scottish Highlander throughout several centuries. The Scottish Claymore swords had awesome blades; these blades were often very long and were double edged. The Claymore was an aggressive infantry weapon which delivered overpowering blows that would sweep aside any efforts to block or parry. For over two hundred years, the Claymore witnessed inter-clan rivalries and was used in wars against the English crown until the Battle of Killiecrankie in 1689. Sword The sword was of a very unique design, with a total length of 140 cm (55in) of which 33 cm (13 in) was the handle and 107 cm (42in) was a blade. It was classed as a medieval long sword in medieval times, and due to its length and weight of 2.5kg (5.5lb) two hands needed to be used to properly wield the sword. The most famous recorded person in Scottish History to use the Claymore sword was William Wallace, who used this sword in the First War of Scottish Independence. These weapons were the weapons most often brought into battle by the Scottish freedom fighters. Many soldiers of the time would also include the Scottish Dirk, as a complimentary weapon to the Claymore, on the battlefield. The Claymore is not the only weapon that has a dual sided blade; the Scottish Dirk can be equipped with one or the other. Based on the early 16th century Claymore, the windlass claymore sword is gracefully engineered as a tough, high-impact, yet impressively balanced weapon. The blade specifically designed to deliver devastating strikes, is elegant in its simplicity. The Claymore is a weapon evocative of the Scottish highlands, and the fierce clansmen who lived, fought and died there.
Armour and Helmet: A Glorify History

Armour is one of the most important parts of any soldier's equipment. This holds true today, and has been true throughout history. The technology of Armour has changed, but the principle remains the same; protect the wearer during battle. While modern Armour is mainly centered on protecting against bullets, the Armour of the medieval period was designed to protect mainly against projectiles such as spears or javelins, arrows, swords, or daggers. During the Medieval period between the 5th and 15th century, army units would wear different types of Medieval Armour depending on their role, but mostly the Armour consisted of Mail or Chain mail and much later Full plate. Chain mail Armour Medieval chain mail was a special kind of Armour which consisted of small metal rings joined together to form a closely linked protective mesh. A knight in medieval times would not last long in battle without any plate Armour due to the advancement in weaponry that was made in later medieval periods. In this respect there was no option but to advance to full plate Armour in battle situations. Without full plate Armour, knights would be quickly killed by Crossbowmen, Long bowmen and Foot soldiers. Of all medieval Armour, it is the medieval helmet called the helm in those times that has stood the test of time. Although, the materials and the purpose for which it is used has changed over time, the evolution of medieval helmets during the lengthy period of the middle ages underwent gradual changes to keep up with the improvements made to medieval weaponry. Medieval Armour It goes without saying that medieval helmets were important for the simple reason that they protected the head from weaponry and which is why a number of models of these helmets evolved during the middle Ages.

A History of the Medieval Sword in the Middle Ages
The word ‘Sword’ came from the Old English word ‘Sweord’, originated from a Proto-Indo-European root *swer- "to wound, to cut". A sword is a bladed weapon, consisting in its most fundamental design of a blade and a handle. The blade is usually made from iron or steel, ground to at least one sharp edge and often with a pointed tip for thrusting. Medieval was the duration of European history from the fifth to the 15th century. Throughout this era, the destruction of countless empires happened. The most common and well known weapons amongst the warriors of the Middle Ages were swords. There were also daggers and knives which were similar to swords, but used only for stabbing and thrusting. medieval_sword The weapons used during the Middle Ages included the Medieval Swords. The Medieval Sword was predominantly used by a Medieval Knight. The weapons, armour and horse of the Knight were extremely expensive - the fighting power of just one knight was worth 10 ordinary soldiers. Medieval Swords were the primary weapons of the Knights. Medieval swords changed as Medieval Warfare and armour changed. The handle of the Medieval Swords is sometimes of a highly enriched character. Skill in the use of medieval weapons and understanding the strategy of Medieval Warfare was necessary and played a vital part in medieval life. The training required by a Knight to use Medieval Swords was extremely time consuming - it was necessary for them to become expert Medieval Swordsmen. Special places were assigned to the Medieval Swords training called the Pell. The Medieval swords remain to this day as the symbols of honour, courage, faith, and religion, which were the pillars of Knighthood itself. Windlass Sword is pleased to present its Medieval Sword and Historical Replica Collection. Here you will find a variety of medieval swords and replicas of some of history's most famous blades.
Scottish Highland Dirks
When we talk about the rich variety of the world of knives, few is as distinctive as the Scottish Dirk. As we know that Daggers and knives have been part of civilian wear and the military dress since the first knives were invented from stone, but only a few remain in cultures, throughout history have taken this utilitarian tool and converted it into an item of most influential cultural significance. The dirk, as developed by the Scots, is one of these weapons.. In the early 1600's, evolving the first true dirks appeared from the medieval ballock dagger. Early Scottish dirks were a direct descendant of the medieval ballock dagger. The grip form began to change, probably sometime in the 16th century, but soon developed a form that was purely Scottish. At that time the black dagger was a stabbing weapon, designed to pierce armor with a heavy sharp-pointed blade. Scottish dirk The Scots of the middle Ages and Renaissance spent much of their time in conflict, whether war with England for independence or fighting with other clans for local dominance. As such, the Scots were known to go through their daily lives fully or nearly fully armed, more so than other Europeans of the time. Dirks were influential weapons in war as well as an important tool for everyday tasks, including eating. They were also more affordable than a sword. Taking these things into account, it is easy to see why it was hard to find a Highlander without such a weapon. The dirk continued to evolve. It became the equivalent of the American Bowie Knife, what today we would call a camp knife. Dirk is unique in western culture. Although it comes in an infinite variety, it has always been instantly recognizable as a Scottish Dirk. It differs from other large sheath knives; it has been in continuous use and carried by users since the early 1600's. The dirk is an important weapon, though its area of popularity was limited to the north of Hadrian's Wall known as Scotland. Its popularity is the main reason behind its large presence in today's market.