Want realistic? How about not using a claymore when fighting archers? Hows that for realism? Just use the new swap feature and equip sword and shield. Simple. Seeing as how you want it realistic, how about this: in reality, noone would take just one weapon with them. Unlike video games, sword bashing makes swords blunt, so its a good idea to carry a couple. There, I just justified you swapping to your shield.

Just swap weapons mid battle.

If Barbarians could do it in a game made over 10 years ago I don't see anyone who wants to shouldn't be able to do it in this game.

With a high-level perk, of course.

Hey you know, it would be pretty hard to actually take your shield out from your back quickly. You'd be more likely to block arrows by spinning around so the shield is facing the arrow, or even just dodging.

Umm this thread makes no sense? Hotkey shield, Hotkey 2hander and switch to block?

Mid-fight? Are you serious?

"Hang on, don't attack yet. I need to put away my two-handed claymore and pull out a shield to block. Okay I'm ready."

*blocks*

"Alright, hold on again. I need to put this away and pull out my sword again to attack you."

:facepalm:

You forget this is a game, and they have already said swapping weapons would be quick, just like in oblivion - your point is invalid.

And even with this weird system (which you can already do with hotkeys) you'd have to go, no wait while I try and get a shield off my back with one hand, equip it with one hand, block, then take off my shield with one hand, put it back on my back with one hand, then strike with two hands. Riiiiight.

And if you are going into using a 2 Hander with 1 Hand, get back to WoW.

I KNOW MY POINT IS INVALID I'M IN AGREEMENT WITH YOU

That whole post was mocking people who say things like that. Jesus Christ.

Yes.

You could do the same in Oblvion and Morrowind too.

And it's basically the same thing the OP asked.