I am no expert on this subject, but I do have a "wee" bit of Knowledge gleaned over the years.
For starters go here. The people on this site are EXPERTS, IMHO http://www.myarmoury.com/talk/index.php
Having said that, here are my thoughts. IMHO

1. The ?? of what is a "claymore or isn't is one that will be "debated" forever.
A. I think that Woodshead's orig. explanation is "spot on"
B. But I refer to the 2 "types as ""great Sword" (both the 2 handed & 1 1/2 ) & " Basket Hilt.

2. Origins of the Basket Hilt
A. They orig. from Eur. ( most likely they were from the Germanic areas)
B. the baskets on the early ones were not as "massive" as we now think of when we think Highland Basket hilts.
3. The "style the English & the Lowlanders adopted were sim. to this


4. The Highland Basket Hilt
A. the Highlanders "Baskets were/are more "massive" (reflects the style of fighting = "SMASH FACE"
B. Some say the Highlander's adapted the Eng/Lowland styles, others say they brought them back from their mercenary complains. ( me ?? = poss. both)
BTW the blades of a GOOD Highland Basket Hilt was from the Germanic areas.

Here are mine ( ALL are SHARP)
#1 the "standard" Brass "regimental" . ( Brass was used by the Brit. Gov. because of cost. Imho only inexpensive Sword had a brass hilt) Steel = Quality)

#2 is my "Cold Steel" Basket hilt (a Generic style . Note the basket is blued, which many of the finer ones were.)

#3 My "semi-custom" from Armor Class (an "S" hilt')

#4 is a "SWORD in progress" from Armor Class. This will "reflect" an ENG/Lowland. Style.

I hope this gives you some "FOOD FOR THOUGHT"

Puffer