One Piece is a popular pirate-themed manga serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump. Many pirates appear in One Piece and fight using a variety of abilities and weapons. One of the most common weapons is the sword. Swords range from rare, like those found in Japan, to mass-produced swords, so the value and strength of swords vary greatly within the story. In the world of One Piece, swords are divided into four main ranks. These ranks are, from highest to lowest: 12 Supreme Master Swords, 21 Master Swords, 50 Good Master Swords, and Master Swords. Swords with numbers mean that there are only that many in the world, and they are all the more valuable. In this article, we will take a closer look at the swords that appear in One Piece.
Introducing Famous Swords Appearing in One Piece Part 1: "Black Sword, Night," one of the 12 Greatest Swords of All Time
Source: ONE PIECE © Eiichiro Oda / Shueisha, Fuji TV, Toei Animation
The first famous sword featured in One Piece is "Black Sword, Night," one of the 12 Greatest Swords of All Time. This sword is one of the 12 Supreme Masterpieces, the highest rank among swords, and its current owner is Dracule Mihawk, one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea. Of the 12 Supreme Masterpieces whose shape and appearance are known in the story, only this "Black Sword - Night" is known, and as its name suggests, it is a black sword that is very large. Dracule Mihawk wielded it when he first met Zoro, and the next time he used it was during the Battle of Marineford. During the Battle of Marineford, it had a major impact on the battle situation, such as cutting through an ice wall. It could also be said that even a large sword is useless without the skill to wield it.
One Piece's Famous Swords, Part 2: "Wado Ichimonji," One of the 21 Masterpieces
Source: ONE PIECE © Eiichiro Oda / Shueisha, Fuji TV, Toei Animation
The next sword featured in One Piece is "Wado Ichimonji," one of the 21 Masterpieces. This sword is ranked second highest and is extremely valuable. It is owned by Roronoa Zoro, and is an important sword that he has had since his first appearance. This is because it was passed down to Zoro from a girl named Kuina, who was his childhood friend. In terms of price, it is an extremely expensive sword worth at least 10 million berries, and is a famous sword with a straight blade and a white-lacquered tachi sheath. It is basically the sword that Zoro holds in his mouth when using three swords, and it is the sword he values most when using one sword.
Introducing Famous Swords in One Piece Part 3: "Shusui," One of the 21 Great Swords
Source: ONE PIECE © Eiichiro Oda / Shueisha, Fuji TV, Toei Animation
"Shusui," one of the 21 great swords in One Piece. It ranks in the same league as "Wado Ichimonji," one of the 21 great swords, making it one of the most valuable swords. Its original owner was the samurai Ryuma of Wano Country. The samurai Ryoma is a hero from Wano Country, legendary for cutting off the head of a dragon. He was later turned into a zombie by Gecko Moria and worked as his subordinate, but when he fought Zoro, he became the owner of the 21st Great Sword, "Wado Ichimonji." It is a type of black sword, with a rough blade and a large reverse cross-shaped blade, making it heavy and somewhat difficult to handle. It is also strong enough that it would not bend even a millimeter even if trampled by a dinosaur.
One Piece Famous Swords Part 4: Yukibashiri, One of the 50 Fine Swords
Source: ONE PIECE © Eiichiro Oda / Shueisha, Fuji TV, Toei Animation
The next famous sword from One Piece is Yukibashiri, one of the 50 Fine Swords. This sword was also used by Roronoa Zoro. It was a family heirloom in a weapon shop in Rogue Town, and the owner gave it to Zoro, anticipating his strength. It is made with a black lacquered tachi mounting and a midareba kochoji blade, giving it exceptional sharpness. However, when it fought the navy to rescue Robin at Enies Lobby, it was rusted by Navy Captain Shu, who possessed the power of the Sabi Sabi no Mi. Since then, it has been replaced by Shusui, one of the 21 Great Works of Art introduced earlier.
One Piece Famous Swords Part 5: "Kashuu," One of the 50 Fine Swords
Source: ONE PIECE © Eiichiro Oda / Shueisha, Fuji TV, Toei Animation
The fifth One Piece famous sword we'll introduce is "Kashuu," one of the 50 fine swords. This sword was confiscated by Tashigi and Smoker from Mr. 11 of Baroque Works on the Grand Line. It has rarely appeared in public and remains confiscated by the Navy.
One Piece Swords Part 6: The Masterpiece "Sandai Kitetsu"
Source: ONE PIECE © Eiichiro Oda / Shueisha, Fuji TV, Toei Animation
The next sword featured in One Piece is the masterpiece "Sandai Kitetsu." This sword is the third in the Kitetsu series and is owned by Roronoa Zoro. This cursed sword was found in a weapon shop in Rogue Town, and was sold at a low price because it was said that anyone who held it would be killed by the curse. However, when Zoro bet on it by throwing the sword at his own arm and emerging unharmed, it was given to him for free. There are also first and second generations of Kitetsu, and the first Kitetsu is one of the 12 greatest swords of the 19th century. The second Kitetsu is also one of the 21 greatest swords of the 19th century, and is considered highly valuable but dangerous.
One Piece Swords Part 7: The Master Sword "Shigure"
Source: ONE PIECE © Eiichiro Oda / Shueisha, Fuji TV, Toei Animation
The last sword featured in One Piece is the master sword "Shigure." This sword has been used by Navy Captain Tashigi for many years, and it's also an expensive one. As a sword enthusiast, Tashigi holds a special place in her heart, using it to perform the technique known as "Zan Shigure."
Characters Who Use Swords
Source: ONE PIECE © Eiichiro Oda / Shueisha, Fuji Television, Toei Animation
So far, we've introduced the famous swords that appear in One Piece. So, what kind of swordsmen are there in One Piece? We'll introduce characters who wield the swords we've introduced so far, as well as characters who wield other, lesser-known swords.
The Three-Sword Swordsman!! Roronoa Zoro
Source: ONE PIECE © Eiichiro Oda / Shueisha, Fuji TV, Toei Animation
The first swordsman we'll introduce is Roronoa Zoro of the Straw Hat Pirates. Nicknamed the "Pirate Hunter," he's known for his short green hair and three-sword style. He's incredibly strong, has mastered the use of Haki, and is a pirate who's garnering attention. Thanks to his training under Dracule Mihawk, he has the skills to split a battleship in half.
The World's Strongest Swordsman!! Dracule Mihawk
Source: ONE PIECE © Eiichiro Oda / Shueisha, Fuji TV, Toei Animation
Dracule Mihawk is the world's strongest swordsman and a former member of the Seven Warlords of the Sea. He is a man of few words, possessing the power to cut through mountains. His character remains shrouded in mystery, and his bounty and which pirate crew he belongs to are unknown.
Marine HQ Captain Tashigi
Source: ONE PIECE © Eiichiro Oda / Shueisha, Fuji TV, Toei Animation
The next swordsman we'll introduce is Tashigi. Despite being a woman, Tashigi is a skilled swordsman who rose to the rank of Marine HQ Captain. He is known for his large glasses and short, black hair, and is a sword enthusiast. His goal is to capture Roronoa Zoro.
Trafalgar Law, Captain of the Heart Pirates
Source: ONE PIECE © Eiichiro Oda / Shueisha, Fuji TV, Toei Animation
Trafalgar Law is another swordsman who appears in One Piece. He wields a sword called Kikoku, which he uses in conjunction with the power of the Ope Ope no Mi. His sword is apparently powerful, as he was able to cut through a Haki-filled Vergo in one slash, but the exact sword has not been revealed.
The Blind Man!! Admiral Fujitora
Source: ONE PIECE © Eiichiro Oda / Shueisha, Fuji Television, Toei Animation
The next swordsman we'll introduce is Admiral Fujitora. Fujitora is a blind swordsman and possesses the Devil Fruit ability to manipulate gravity. He is a man of great honor and kindness, and often behaves in a compassionate manner. He possesses exceptional skills and excels in dynamic attacks, such as floating and dropping rocks.
Handsome Swordsman! Cavendish
Source: ONE PIECE © Eiichiro Oda / Shueisha, Fuji TV, Toei Animation
Cavendish is a handsome swordsman from Dressrosa. After Luffy defeated Doflamingo, he became a member of the Straw Hat Pirates' grand fleet. Cavendish wields a saber-like sword called Durandal and is highly skilled.
One of the Four Emperors! Red-Haired Shanks
Source: ONE PIECE © Eiichiro Oda / Shueisha, Fuji TV, Toei Animation
Red-Haired Shanks is also a swordsman. Despite losing one hand, Shanks remains one of the Four Emperors and uses Conqueror's Haki. He also boasts top-class strength among pirates, such as being able to stop a full-power blow from Akainu with just his sword.
Silvers Rayleigh, Former First Mate of the Roger Pirates
Source: ONE PIECE © Eiichiro Oda / Shueisha, Fuji TV, Toei Animation
The last swordsman we'll introduce in One Piece is Silvers Rayleigh. Rayleigh is one of the legendary pirates who served as Gol D. Roger's first mate. He's an old man with long, white hair and is also Luffy's master. He wields a sword, but the type of sword he wields is unknown.
[One Piece] A Comprehensive Guide to the Famous Swords That Appear in the Series!
Source: ONE PIECE © Eiichiro Oda / Shueisha, Fuji TV, Toei Animation
This time, we've introduced the swords that appear in One Piece. Swords are both works of art and weapons used in battle. There are also many different types, and it seems likely that even more amazing swords will appear in the future. Knowing the ranks will help you understand the greatness of each sword, so if you at least remember the ranks, you'll be able to enjoy future parts of the story even more.