When most people picture a Scottish broadsword, this is the sword they see: a straight, double-edged blade beneath a cage of steel that wraps the hand. This 48" basket hilt broadsword pairs that iconic Highland guard with a hand-forged 1095 high carbon steel blade, heat treated and sharpened.
Explore more straight-bladed swords in our broadsword collection, see the Highland two-handers in our claymore collection, or complete the look with our Scottish dirk.
The Basket Hilt
The basket is what makes this sword unmistakable. Bars of steel sweep up from the guard and join at the pommel, forming a protective cage around the grip. The design turned the hilt into a work of metalwork in its own right, and it remains one of the most recognizable sword guards ever made.
A Longer Scottish Broadsword
At 48" overall, this sword is longer than most surviving historical basket hilts, which gives it a commanding presence on the wall. The extra length lets the blade balance visually against the mass of the basket, so the sword reads as one bold silhouette on display.
1095 High Carbon Steel Blade
The blade is forged from 1095, a high carbon steel valued for its hardness and ability to hold a keen edge. It is brought to temperature and quenched to harden, then tempered to add the toughness a long blade needs. The result is a real sharpened blade with the resilience that proper heat treatment provides.
Built to a Real Standard
Every sword is hand-forged, heat treated, sharpened and fitted before it ships from our Illinois warehouse. We use "battle ready" to describe that construction standard: forged high carbon steel, a genuine quench and temper and a solidly fitted hilt, rather than a soft decorative blade.
Scabbard
Leather scabbard. For long-term storage, keep the oiled blade outside the scabbard, since leather and wood can hold moisture against the steel.
History of the Scottish Basket Hilt Broadsword
Basket-style guards began appearing on European swords in the 16th century, and in Scotland the design developed into the distinctive form seen here over the following century. By the 1700s the basket hilt broadsword was the sword most closely associated with the Scottish Highlands, carried by clansmen through the Jacobite risings and later by the Highland regiments of the British Army. Blades were often imported from continental Europe and mounted in Scottish-made hilts.
The sword also inherited a famous name. "Claymore," from the Gaelic claidheamh mòr or "great sword," originally described the large two-handed Highland sword, but by the 18th century it was widely applied to the basket hilt broadsword as well. That is why both swords share the name today. The basket hilt still survives as a ceremonial sword for officers of Scottish regiments.
Specifications
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Overall length: 48"
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Blade material: 1095 high carbon steel
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Heat treatment: Quenched and tempered
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Edge: Sharpened, double-edged
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Guard: Steel basket hilt
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Weight (sword): approximately 3.5 lbs
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Included: Leather scabbard
Sword Care
1095 is a carbon steel, not stainless. Wipe the blade and basket after handling to remove fingerprints and moisture, then apply a light coat of mineral oil or sword oil. Pay attention to the joints of the basket, where moisture and dust can collect. Store the sword somewhere dry and inspect it occasionally for surface spots. Because the edge is sharp, wipe from spine to edge and keep the sword out of reach of children.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a basket hilt sword?
A basket hilt sword has a guard made of steel bars that curve around the grip to form a cage over the hand. The style is most closely associated with the Scottish Highlands, where it was fitted to broadswords and backswords from the 17th century onward.
Is a basket hilt broadsword a claymore?
It can be called one. "Claymore" first described the large two-handed Scottish greatsword, but by the 18th century the name was also used for the one-handed basket hilt broadsword. Collectors today use it for both, so it helps to say "basket hilt claymore" or "two-handed claymore" to be clear.
What is the difference between a broadsword and a backsword?
Both were commonly mounted with basket hilts. A broadsword has a double-edged blade, while a backsword has a single edge with a thick spine along the back. This sword has a double-edged broadsword blade.
Is the blade sharpened?
Yes. It ships with a sharpened, double-edged blade and should be handled and stored accordingly. Sales are limited to adults 18 and over.
Is 1095 steel a good choice for a broadsword?
Yes. 1095 is a proven high carbon steel that hardens well and holds a fine edge when properly quenched and tempered. It is not stainless, so a quick wipe and a light coat of oil keep it in top condition.
Why is this sword longer than historical basket hilts?
Most historical Scottish basket hilt broadswords were shorter. This 48" version is designed for greater visual impact, with a longer blade that balances the size of the basket for display.
