Sir, I am in a bit of an argument about the use of the term Claybeg, I have seen on many sites where they say it was the term for the basket hilt claymore. In my understanding of this subject the term Claybeg does not exist in the Gaelic language and was introduced by a gentleman that had no understanding of the language itself. I have also received info from the Oakeshott Foundation that the term Claymore meant only Large blade and did not refer to any particular size sword either Two-handed or one-handed,The term Claymore actually refered to and meant Broadsword. I send you a copy of the note forwarded to myself from the Oakeshott Foundation.

“In reference to the Gaelic sword references, the only historical terminology of the language regarding either the single or double edged single hand or two handed sword was the `claidheamh mhor` (or Anglicized `claymore`). This was not in reference to the type of sword or its size but purely in reference to the blade as in it being broad, wide, big, as Mhor has such a general meaning which only becomes specific in context. Even in English terminology, a backsword is a type of broadsword, but a broadsword need not be a backsword! There were no such Gaelic terms used in reference to either the single edged blade or the smallsword specifically. These have been affectations of Anglicized Lego language, where terms in other languages are made up in order to satisfy the structural norms of English. Hope this helps. Yours Very Truly, Macdonald”

Could you give me your feelings on this? Thank You Barry K. Shepherd Sitka Alaska