Claymore Sword- Stag Horn Handle- Damascus Steel - 44"

3 reviews

Few weapons say "Scotland" like the claymore. Towering, two-handed, and unmistakable in silhouette, it was the great sword of the Highland warrior — a blade built for reach, power, and intimidation on the battlefield. This Battling Blades edition recreates the classic two-handed claymore in hand-forged Damascus steel at a commanding 44 inches, pairing genuine stag horn and Damascus bolsters for a piece that's as much a work of art as it is a tribute to Scotland's martial past.

A Blade Born in the Highlands

The word claymore comes from the Scottish Gaelic claidheamh-mòr — literally "great sword." From the 15th through the 17th centuries, this two-handed giant was the signature weapon of the Highland clans, wielded in the brutal inter-clan warfare and border conflicts that defined the era. Its length gave a warrior the reach to keep enemies at bay and the leverage to deliver devastating, sweeping cuts that lighter swords simply couldn't match.

What sets the true Highland claymore apart is its distinctive hilt: forward-sloping quillons — the crossguard arms angled toward the blade — often finished with pierced quatrefoil terminals. That forward rake isn't just decoration; it gave the wielder a measure of control for trapping and turning an opponent's blade, and it's the detail that makes a claymore recognizable at a glance.

By the 17th century, Scottish sword design was evolving. The great two-hander gradually gave way to the basket-hilted broadsword — a single-handed weapon with a full cage of steel bars protecting the hand — which many people also came to call a "claymore." Both blades became enduring emblems of Highland identity. Even after the Acts of Union in 1707 folded Scotland into a united Britain, and through the suppression that followed the Jacobite risings, the claymore endured as a potent symbol of Highland pride, clan heritage, and martial prowess — carried in ceremony and remembered in legend long after it left the battlefield.

Forged in Damascus Steel

The blade is pattern-welded Damascus steel — 352 individual layers forge-welded, folded, and drawn out by hand, then acid-etched to reveal the flowing, water-like grain that gives Damascus its legendary beauty. Because that pattern emerges from the forging process itself, no two blades are ever identical; the one you receive is genuinely one of a kind.

Beyond looks, the layered construction is what gives the blade its character. Folding hard, high-carbon steel together with tougher layers produces a blade that can take and hold a keen edge while resisting the shock and stress of heavy cutting or display handling — the same principle that made forge-welded blades so prized across history. The result is a sword that carries its size with strength and integrity, not just presence.

Stag Horn and Damascus Bolsters

The grip is crafted from genuine stag horn, capped with Damascus steel bolsters that echo the blade's rippling pattern. Stag horn was a natural, traditional choice for Highland arms — durable, warm in the hand, and unique in its texture and coloring from piece to piece. Combined with the Damascus fittings, it gives this claymore an authentic, hand-built feel and a secure two-handed hold suited to its scale.

Specifications

• Overall Length: 44 inches
• Type: Two-handed Highland claymore
• Blade: Pattern-welded Damascus steel — 352 layers
• Handle: Genuine stag horn with Damascus steel bolsters
• Hilt: Forward-sloping crossguard in the classic claymore style
• Included: Leather scabbard for protection and transport
• Best For: Collectors, historical reenactment, Scottish/Highland display, and gifting

Why Buy From Battling Blades

Every sword we offer is checked for fit, finish, and forge quality before it ships. This is a hand-forged Damascus piece with real stag horn — not a mass-stamped replica — which makes it as rewarding to mount on the wall as it is to handle at an event or add to a serious collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "claymore" actually mean?
It comes from the Scottish Gaelic claidheamh-mòr, meaning "great sword." Historically it refers both to the large two-handed Highland sword (like this one) and, later, to the basket-hilted Scottish broadsword. This piece is the classic two-handed variety.

Is this claymore battle-ready or for display?
It's a hand-forged Damascus blade well suited to display, reenactment, and collecting. As with any collectible sword, we recommend responsible handling and proper training before any cutting practice.

What is Damascus steel, and will my blade look exactly like the photos?
Damascus (pattern-welded) steel is made by forge-welding and folding layers of steel — 352 layers here — then etching them to reveal a flowing pattern. Because the pattern forms during forging, every blade is unique, so yours will vary slightly from the photos in the best possible way.

Why is the crossguard angled forward?
That forward slope is the signature of the true Highland claymore. Beyond its unmistakable look, the angled quillons could help a warrior control and turn an opponent's blade in close fighting.

How do I care for a Damascus blade and stag horn handle?
Wipe the blade after handling and keep a light coat of oil on it to prevent rust, and store it in a dry place. Avoid long-term storage inside the leather scabbard in humid conditions, since trapped moisture can promote corrosion. Keep the stag horn away from prolonged extreme heat or dryness.

Does it come with a scabbard?
Yes — every claymore ships with a leather scabbard for protection and easy transport.

Is this a good gift for someone with Scottish heritage or a sword enthusiast?
Absolutely. Between the one-of-a-kind Damascus pattern, the genuine stag horn, and its deep ties to Highland history, it's a standout gift for anyone drawn to Scotland, clan heritage, or historical arms.

Shipping times refer to carrier transit time after an item ships. They do not include production time, custom work, engraving, etching, or other preparation time before shipment.

In-stock items typically ship within 1 to 4 business days, though this can occasionally take longer during high-volume periods or for items requiring extra handling. Engraving or etching on in-stock items may add 1 to 3 business days before shipment.

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