The Zweihänder and Claymore sword types are two of the most popular collected and studied swords today. The imposing size and heft of these weapons make them objects of fascination for history buffs.
Even video games have increased interest in these two-handed sword styles. With games like Elden Ring, Dark Souls, and others including real historical swords into their fantasy settings, it is no wonder why swords like the Zweihänder and Claymore are such sought-after weapons.
The Zweihänder and Claymore swords share many characteristics, but have enough differences to be truly distinct swords. Not only were they used in very particular times and places, the swords themselves are different weights, lengths, and styles.
Let's take a closer look at the two swords individually in order to understand how they stand apart from each other. We start, however, with a definition of the European two-handed sword—the broad sword type of both the Zweihänder and the Claymore.
What are Two-Handed Swords?
European two-handed swords evolved from the medieval longsword. This style of sword emerged with changing armor styles. The long and pointed style of the longsword was effective at piercing plate armor.
As full plate armor fell out of fashion in the 1500s and 1600s, armies created the two-handed sword for specialized infantry. By definition, the two-handed sword was too long to be worn at the waist. This distinguished it from shorter sword styles of the time.
Although early versions of the two-handed sword appeared as early as the late 1400s, the Renaissance period of the 16th and 17th centuries was the "golden age" of large swords.
Two-handed swords measured up to six feet long (175 cm) and weighed up to six pounds (~2.5 kg). They featured long hilts to accommodate two hands and often had large crossguards that were distinct weapons themselves.
While two-handed swords were used across Europe during the Renaissance (several English two-handed swords survive in designs made for thrusts and slashes), Germany and Scotland stand out for their especially large and deadly swords: the Zweihänder and the Claymore.
Zweihänder Characteristics
The Zweihänder sword was wielded by German and Swiss mercenaries during the 1500s and 1600s. Although its popular name is modern rather than historical, we will use it here because of its familiarity.
This sword was used by tall and strong soldiers, or Doppelsöldners within the larger group of Landsknecht fighters. The swords were useful in fighting situations involving pikes. The Zweihänder was capable of knocking aside and even breaking enemy pikes.
The Zweihänders used in wars measured over 5 feet long and weighed up to 4.5 pounds. They had compound hilts with crossguards measuring as wide as 12 inches.
Their huge size meant soldiers carried their Zweihänders on their shoulders.
Because of their length, Zweihänder blades were not made of fully tempered steel. The slim blade of the sword often featured parrying hooks below the cross guard which served as secondary weapons.
All Zweihänders had double-edged blades but the tips of the blades varied. Some were pointed but others remained blunt because swinging was the main maneuver used by the Landsknecht.
Some Zweihänder swords had wavy "flammard" blades, which did not change their effectiveness. Larger versions of the sword became fashionable for guards and ceremonies by the 1600s.
As gunpowder replaced swords in battle, the Zweihänder took on a ceremonial importance. Swords used for ceremonies could weigh up to 15 pounds.
Claymore Characteristics
The Scottish Claymore is a variant of the European two-handed style that was used in clan warfare and against the English from the 1400s to the 1700s.
The Claymore has distinct forward-facing crossguard arms that usually have quatrefoil designs (shown in detail below). This sword type evolved throughout its use. Smaller claymore swords were used in battle in as early as the 1200s.
The sword's large size meant that fighters wore the sword on their backs.
By the 1400s, swords measured up to 5 feet long and weighed around 5.5 pounds. The Highland version of the Claymore sword is the most common and has these standard measurements.
The Highland also features the famous angled crossguard that distinguishes it from other two-handed swords.
Other styles of the Claymore also existed in Scottish history. These variations include the Lowland sword, the clamshell sword, and the basket hilt sword.
The Lowland style is the largest of all Claymores and measures over 6 feet in length. The clamshell and basket hilt swords have hilts in the shape of clamshells and baskets. These styles became more popular in the 1600s and 1700s.
Claymore styles varied from region to region within Scotland. Different styles also became popular at different periods. As mentioned above, basket hilt Claymores gained popularity in the late Renaissance period as dueling became a popular civilian activity.
Zweihänder vs Claymore: Similarities and Differences
Similarities:
The Zweihänder and Claymore swords are both two-handed sword styles that grew in popularity during the Renaissance period. Both measure over 4 feet long and weigh over 3 pounds.
These swords saw battle and were powerful and deadly weapons against enemies. They both have double-edged blades that were effective for slashing and swinging maneuvers.
Differences:
The Zweihänder is a German and Swiss weapon, while the Claymore is native to Scotland. Zwëihanders were, on average, larger and heavier than most Claymores. Ceremonial versions were especially huge.
Zweihänders have more bells and whistles than the Claymore, which has a more elegant style with its distinctive forward-facing crossguard. The Zweihänder's parrying hooks served as secondary weapons, which the Claymore lacks.
While the Zweihänder was wielded by both German and Swiss soldiers, the style of the sword remained the same. The Claymore had far more variation in style depending on the region and time period in which it was used.
Even the way these large swords were carried is different. The Zweihänder was carried on the shoulder, while Claymore wielders strapped the sword to their backs.
Conclusion:
Both the Zweihänder and the Claymore are excellent examples of the European two-handed sword type. While the styles have a lot in common, they are distinct and fascinating swords that represent the cultures that wielded them.
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