Khopesh Swords — Hand-Forged Egyptian Sickle-Swords

How do you pronounce "Khopesh"?

KHO-pesh, with the "kh" as a soft guttural — closer to the "ch" in the Scottish "loch" than the "k" in "kite". You'll also see it spelled Khepesh, Kopesh, or Kopash; all refer to the same ancient Egyptian sickle-sword.

Is the Khopesh a real historical sword or a fantasy weapon?

Real. The Khopesh is one of the most thoroughly documented Bronze Age weapons in existence — surviving examples sit in the British Museum, the Cairo Museum, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Two Khopesh swords were recovered from the tomb of Tutankhamun in 1922.

What is the difference between a Khopesh and a Kopis?

The Khopesh is Egyptian and dates from around 2500 BCE, with a hooked sickle-shaped blade. The Kopis is Greek, dates from around 600 BCE, and has a forward-curving recurve blade with a wider belly. Different cultures, different eras, different geometry. Buyers often confuse them because both curve forward.

Are your Khopesh swords battle-ready or display only?

Battle-ready. Every Khopesh we forge is built from 5160 spring steel, full-tang, heat-treated, and sharpened. They are functional cutting blades that meet our published Battle Ready Standard — not wall-hangers. You can absolutely display one, but it is structurally a working sword.

What steel do you use?

5160 high-carbon spring steel, sourced from leaf-spring stock. It's the same steel used in heavy-duty automotive suspension — tough, shock-absorbing, and forgiving under impact. Hardened to a working temper that takes and holds a usable edge without going brittle.

What sizes are available?

Our Khopesh range runs from 9 inches (compact hunting knife) to 20 inches (full-size battle reproductions). Most full-size khopesh swords sit in the 19–20 inch range; working machete-style khopesh blades are typically 14–16 inches; and EDC-scale khopesh blades are 9–12 inches.

Can a Khopesh actually cut?

Yes — and that forward curve is the reason. The inside-curve geometry concentrates energy toward the tip on impact, making the Khopesh exceptionally good at slashing and chopping cuts. Our machete-style khopesh blades are routinely used for clearing brush and light wood.

Was the Khopesh really used by Tutankhamun?

Yes. When Howard Carter excavated Tutankhamun's tomb in 1922, two Khopesh swords were among the burial goods — one a full-size functional bronze blade and the other a smaller ceremonial piece. Both are now in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.

Do you offer engraving or customisation?

Yes. Free engraving is offered on every Khopesh — names, dates, dedications, or short phrases in Latin script. Full bespoke commissions, custom handles, and special finishes are available through our Request Custom Forge service.

Is the Khopesh a good first sword to collect?

It's an excellent first piece if you want something visually distinctive and historically significant. The shape is unmistakable, the history is deep, and the price entry-point (starting at our 9-inch hunting khopesh knife) is accessible. It is also a strong gift sword.

How long does it take to make a Khopesh?

Each Khopesh is hand-forged to order. Standard pieces typically take 2–4 weeks from order to ship; bespoke commissions through Custom Forge can take 6–8 weeks depending on complexity. We update you with progress photos at key forging stages.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes. We ship Khopesh swords worldwide from Kathmandu, Nepal — with the largest customer bases in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. Full details are on our Shipping & Returns page.