The Egyptian swords were a direct consequence of the introduction of metal without any stone predecessors. The swords have short wooden or ivory handles and long cutting edges that could only be achieved with a metal harder than copper. Initially bronze was first used for making swords and its natural temper could further be augmented by repeated heating, cooling and hammering. The curved Egyptian swords became the main weapon of the ancient infantry all around the Mediterranean.

Egyptian swords were used for both cutting and stabbing. The blades of cutting swords were often bent and wide and those used for stabbing were straight ending in a sharp point and light-weight. They had the centre of gravity close to the handle. The scabbards were rarely used and had metal eyes to be fastened to a belt.