Sword Knot,Uniform Sword Knots Supplier

Nice — sword knots are beautiful little bits of military tradition. Here’s
a compact, practical primer covering what a sword knot is, history, types,
how to wear one, materials & measurements, simple DIY, and care.

What it is

A sword knot (aka sword tassel, knot, portepee, or Knot) is a cord or strap
with a decorative knot/tassel attached to a sword’s hilt. Originally it
helped secure the weapon to the wrist in combat; today it’s mostly
decorative and a mark of rank, regiment, or ceremony.

Short history

Practical origin: wrist strap for retaining a sword in fighting.

Evolution: became decorative, with styles indicating rank/regiment
(Prussian portepee, British sword knot, French lanyards).

Modern use: ceremonial dress, officer’s insignia, collectors’ items, re-
enactment.

Main types & terms

Bullion/acorn knot — metallic thread (gold/silver look), often with an
“acorn” shaped finial. Common in British and many continental uniforms.

Silk tassel knot — silk or rayon cord with tassel; common in dress
uniforms.

Leather strap knot — simpler looped leather thong (practical, lower-cost).

Portepee — German-style decorative knot (often elaborate).

Whistle cord / cap cord — different items sometimes confused with sword
knots (these sit on caps or hold a whistle).

Typical parts

Loop/strap — goes around the sword guard or wrist.

Cord — braided or twisted body.

Knot/tassel — decorative end (acorn, tassel, bullion fringe).

Finial — metal or woven cap covering the top of the tassel (acorn-shaped
for bullion).

Measurements & materials (practical)

Loop length (end-to-end relaxed): typically 25–35 cm (10–14 in) for a loop
that can slip over the pommel/guard comfortably. Adjust shorter for tighter
fit.

Tassel/drop (from top of finial to tip): 8–15 cm (3–6 in) depending on
style.

Cord thickness: bullion cords often 3–6 mm equivalent (braided metallic);
silk cords thinner.

Materials: bullion (metallic thread over core), silk or rayon, cotton cord,
leather, brass or gilt metal for acorns/finials.

How to attach / wear

Pass the loop through or around the sword guard or pommel (varies by
sword).

Pull the knot/tassel through the loop so it sits snug at the base of the
guard (like tying a shoelace loop).

For wrist use (historical): pass loop over the wrist. For ceremonial
display: let it hang decorative on the guard.

Simple DIY — quick bullion-style knot (basic)

Materials: braided cord (or strong yarn), wrapping thread, small wooden
bead or metal acorn-cap, glue, scissors.

Cut cord: one long piece (~90–120 cm depending how full you want the tassel
and loop size).

Make a loop for the guard: fold cord to form loop ~30 cm circumference.

Bind the fold point tightly with wrapping thread about 2–3 cm below the
fold to form the “neck”.

Create tassel: use remaining loose ends below the binding; trim evenly.

Finish with a small bead or glue-wrapped cap around the binding to hide
threads — optional metallic thread wrapped around the cap for a bullion
look.

Neaten with glue and trim. Attach to sword as above.

If you want a proper bullion acorn knot pattern (step-by-step photos or a
diagram), I can make a printable pattern or a stepwise photo guide next.

Buying tips

For authentic/ceremonial: look for bullion (gold/silver) or silk variations
from reputable militaria suppliers.

For re-enactment/practical: leather or cotton versions are cheaper and more
durable.

Match era & nation: pattern, color and finial shape often indicate regiment
or period — check reference photos if authenticity matters.

Care & storage

Keep bullion and metallic threads away from moisture (they tarnish).

Store flat or hung so tassel doesn’t tangle.

For silk/rayon: gentle dusting; avoid washing unless you know the materials
— spot-clean with mild soap and air-dry.

Use a soft brush to reshape tassels.

If you want, I can:

show photos of different historical sword knots,

create a printable step-by-step DIY pattern,

or help identify a specific knot from a photo (you can upload one).

Which of those would you like?

Minimum Order: 100 pieces

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