The Scottish claymore, a long sword used by Scottish mercenaries from the 15th to 17th century, symbolized fearlessness in battle. The blade, usually 55 inches long, required both hands to wield since swordsmen couldn't carry a shield. Legend claims that Scottish knight William Wallace used a claymore in the war for independence, immortalized in the movie "Braveheart. " In a kill test, bladesmiths would deliver two blows on an animal carcass to test the weapon's lethality and historic design. Unfortunately, one blade failed to cut, raising doubts about its sharpness and durability.