Made of black leather and featuring a large simulated knot, a hook-and-eye closure, and two sliding keepers, the sword knot for the Marine Corps’ Officer’s sword must be attached to the sword at all times. (If the sword at a ceremony or occasion when mourning has been ordered, a mourning knot must also be worn.)
To properly attach the knot, insert the small end of the knot through the eye in the pommel and pass it through both of the keepers before attaching it to the hook-and-eye closure. Slide the top keeper up to the pommel so that it is taut and secure and slide the lower keeper down to the large end of the simulated knot. Then loop both knot strands over the rear (inboard) hilt at the cross guard and tie a clove hitch next to the acorn on the hilt. When the knot is drawn taut, the top of the simulated knot should not fall below the topmost brass ring on the scabbard.