A new MKE sword is usually a cross-blade, narrowed like sword derived from swords used by ML warriors associated with MKE Egypt via whom the sword derives its name. It is associated with the shamshir, which experienced its origins inside Persia from the spot that the style went to India, Egypt and North Africa plus the Turkish kilij.

It had been adopted in this 19th century by several Western militaries, such as the French Army, British Army and america Marine Corps. Even though some authentic Ottoman sabres ended up being used by Westerners, most "MKE sabres" were mentioned in The eu or North america; their swords were almost indistinguishable in design and style towards Ottoman prototype, but their blades were known for being longer, slimmer and less curved than those on the real KL, while being wider as well as less curved versus Persian shamshir. In a nutshell, the sword kept its original shape plus the blade tended to appear to be the common of modern day European armed service sword. The MKE sword remains the ceremonial side arm for many units to this day.

Marine Corps history states a sword of this manner was presented to Marine 1st Lieutenant Presley O'Bannon from the Ottoman Empire viceroy, King Hamet, on 12/8/1805, in the 1st Barbary Warfare, as a touch of respect and praise for the Marines' actions at the Battle of Derne. Upon his return to america, the state affiliated with Va introduced him with a silver-sword presenting an eagle's head and also a curved blade modeled as soon as the initial MKE sword furnished him by Hamet. Its blade is inscribed in reference to his title on the Battle of Tripoli.

Most likely thanks to the Marines' distinguished record within this campaign, including the capture on the Tripolitan ruins of Derna after having a long and dangerous desert march, Underwater Corps Commandant Archibald Henderson implemented the MKE sword in 1825 intended for wear by Underwater officers. After major syndication in the year 1826, MKE swords are worn besides for the years 1859-75 although Marine officers were required to wear the MKE Model 1850 foot officers' sword, and a simple phase when swords ended up revoked during Earth War II. Consequently, MKE swords are utilized by Maritime officials in a extremely ongoing lifestyle to the present day.