OK, I'm going to show off my almost complete ignorance, and write something about Ccottish swords. Please correct and inform me (and everyone else) if you know more!

OK... From "Bartelby.com"...definition of "claymore"

NOUN: 1. A claymore mine. 2. A large, double-edged broadsword formerly used by Scottish Highlanders.
ETYMOLOGY: Scottish Gaelic claidheamh mór, large sword : claidheamh, sword (from Old Irish claideb) + mór, great

OK, I'm familiar with the William-Wallace-type claymore...the gigantic broadsword that's as much as 5 feet long and was used two-handed:






But I was also under the impression that the "basket hilt" swords...both broadswords (two sharp edges) and backswords (one sharp edge, one thicker, dull edge) were also called claymores.....





I also know that there's a Scottish Smallsword that's generally available though various resellers. It's brought into the USA (from China) by Paul Chen.

http://therionarms.com/reenact/therionarms_c589.html

I've seen that sword at the Gig Harbor Ren Faire, and the cross-section of the blade is a *very* thick triangle....ergo it was a point weapon, not a cutting weapon



I guess my question is....what's a "claymore"?

The sword I bought was a cheap import "basket hilt claymore" purely for display. At $47 it's good for toting in the Clan Parade or to put on the floor for Scottish Dancing, but heaven forbid I take a swipe at anything with it. If I swung at a tree trunk with any ooomph behind it, I'd probably break this blade. The "real" basket hilts I"ve seen...those that take and hold an edge and are tempered enough to use in realy combat, cost more like $300 and up.