The basked hilted broadsword (Gaelic: claidheamh leathann) was used by the clans from the sixteenth century, when the use of fire arms made armour and consequently heavy weapons like the claymore obsolete, because it could be wielded with one hand and was more versatile in battle. Later on the military were also issued with this style of sword, but this was known as the backsword (claidheamh cùil), as the blade was only sharpened on one side.