Khopesh, Egyptian Sword, Black

Khopesh, Ancient Egyptian Curved Sword, Black

This handsome reconstruction of an ancient Egyptian khopesh has an untempered / unhardened EN45 spring steel blade with black finish and decorative brass fittings. The cutting edge (on the blade's convex side) is not sharpened. The grip is made of lacquered wood, the guard and pommel of brass. The blade and the hilt are both adorned with stylized snake / serpent motifs. The serpent, especially the so-called Uraeus (an upright or rearing cobra) was a common ancient Egyptian symbol of royalty and divine authority, and also closely associated with the concept of afterlife.

The Bronze Age khopesh was a curved, sickle-like sword that evolved from earlier forms of crescent-shaped Mesopotamian battle axes. By the beginning of the Egyptian New Kingdom period (ca. 16th c. BC), it had become one of the most popular military weapons of Ancient Egypt. The most conspicuous feature of this one-handed infantry sword was its hooked blade which was sharpened on the outside edge, making it a gruesomely powerful slashing and chopping implement of warfare in close quarter combat. Although primarily designed as a cutting weapon, it could also be used for the occasional thrust or to knock one's opponent off his feet, disarm him or hook his shield. The high effectiveness and versatility of this sword, which was quite advanced for its time, very likely contributed to the long-lasting sovereignty and stability of the Egyptian Empire.

Numerous depictions of pharaohs wielding a sickle-sword in ancient Egyptian art as well as well-preserved surviving examples found in royal graves (for example in the tomb of Tutankhamun, 14th c. BC) suggest that this iconic weapon also had a ritual / ceremonial value and was a symbol of high status and prestige. Eventually, the Khopesh went out of use around 1300-1200 BC, gradually superseded by more traditional straight swords.

Please note that this sword is not a battle ready weapon. It is designed as a collector's or decoration/display piece and is not suited for combat reenactment. Besides its quality as a collectible, it is also perfectly suited as a prop, e.g. to complete your costume.

Details:
- Material: EN45 spring steel blade (high carbon steel, not stainless) with black finish, wood and brass hilt
- Overall length: approx. 75 cm
- Blade length: approx. 54 cm
- Blade thickness: approx. 4 mm (cutting edge approx. 1 mm)
- Hilt length: approx. 20 cm (grip approx. 9 cm)
- Blade width: approx. 4.5 cm at guard / 9.5 cm at tip
- Point of balance: approx. 12 cm from the guard
- Weight: approx. 2.3 kg
- No scabbard

Specs may slightly vary from piece to piece.

Please note:  
We do not sell this product to customers under the age of 18. Please provide your birth date when ordering. We'll also need a copy of your ID-card or passport by email, scan, fax or mail.