Basket Hilt Claymore

[TheOfficialBren]

Panache, I agree. Swords are best worn for a specific ceremony or left at home.

[Dale Seago]

That said, I must add that I do not recommend wearing a basket hit sword* unless there is an awfully good reason to like being part of some sort of ceremony. It will be awkward to manage and look really strange.

Agreed. I've worn them, and I've trained in their proper combative use. (Which drives me targe-biting crazy watching people at Scottish events supposedly demonstrating broadsword combat in ways which would get them killed in seconds, but that's for some other thread.) But these days I wouldn't wear one except perhaps as part of some historic reenactment. When the Zombie Apocalypse comes I'll gladly strap one on again, but short of that it's really more trouble than it's worth.

[EagleJCS]

The only times I've seen swords worn at Highland Games are by members of SAMS (Scottish-American Military Society), by Drum Majors, by reenactors, and by people new to the whole 'I'm Scottish' thing. After a couple of years, most people take the sword from the car to the Clan tent, put it on the table/stand, then put it back in the car when they leave.

That said, I have a basket-hilt repro in a metal scabbard (with rings for hanging from a belt) from Atlantis Silver Co. It leans up against the wall by the fireplace and looks really nice there. (I have a three-piece reproduction daisho - Japanese swords - on the mantle).

[seumasFinn]

The broadswords were on Amazon. I got one. It's a lot nicer than the thing i got years and years ago and its functional. I made a baldric out of some kilt belts I had that are never worn and it makes a nice decoration.

I don't plan on wearing it anywhere. I just don't like things that aren't functional, even if they aren't going to be used. God knows the prairie dogs over the road might stage a night raid.

Someone on here used to work for Wilkinson, if you're wanting expert opinions on swords.

[Glen]

Panache, I agree. Swords are best worn for a specific ceremony or left at home.

[Tobus]

In terms of the combination of cost and authenticity, I much prefer the broadsword and backsword made by Hanwei. I've handled both, and the weight is right and the balance is far better than any other "production" baskethilt I've encountered:

*** on the Hanwei. That's the one I have. And while the attention to detail on the basket portion seems a bit crude, I have to say I'm happy with the overall heft and weight of it. The blade is a lot better than I expected.

Not that I ever carry it anywhere or use it. But, you know, it's always a backup if I run out of ammo when the aforementioned zombies come. As the saying goes, "the most difficult part of the zombie apocalypse will be pretending I'm not excited."

[Dale Seago]

Nice pic, Tobus. If I ever get another baskethilt, that backsword will probably be the one.

[Panache]

I have the same Hanwei blade (though the antique finish) and was very pleased with the quality.

Cheers

Jamie

*** on the Hanwei. That's the one I have. And while the attention to detail on the basket portion seems a bit crude, I have to say I'm happy with the overall heft and weight of it. The blade is a lot better than I expected.

Not that I ever carry it anywhere or use it. But, you know, it's always a backup if I run out of ammo when the aforementioned zombies come. As the saying goes, "the most difficult part of the zombie apocalypse will be pretending I'm not excited."

[TheOfficialBren]

I have heard the term backsword a lot. What does it mean?

[Dale Seago]

I have heard the term backsword a lot. What does it mean?

It's what's shown in Tobus' photo, a sword with a single-edged blade. They typically had a partial false edge as well.