The One Piece Katanas

The world of One Piece (Wanpīsu no sekai – ワンピースの世界) is a planet covered mostly by oceans, where the great era of piracy reigns.This fictional universe evokes the colonial times of our own history, with explorers, maritime empires, and uncharted territories.The planet is divided into four main seas, separated by a gigantic continent called Red Line that connects the two poles, and by an equatorial ocean called Grand Line, known for its extreme dangers and unfathomable mysteries.

 

The story follows the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy, a young boy who gained the ability to stretch like rubber after eating a Devil Fruit.Aboard his ship, he forms a loyal crew called the Mugiwara (Straw Hats).Together, they sail the seas searching for the ultimate treasure, the One Piece, aiming to make Luffy the King of the Pirates.In this vibrant universe, many pirates — famous or feared — wield exceptional swords, some with mysterious origins or cursed powers.

The sabres (Tōken – 刀剣), also called swords, are the most common weapons in close combat. They allow the user to slash, pierce, and sometimes even channel Haki, a unique inner force in the One Piece world.Fighters skilled in swordsmanship are known as swordsmen.Their technique, precision, and mastery make them formidable opponents, feared and respected across the oceans.

There are several categories of swords featured in the manga: 

 

Katana: Traditional Japanese sword, often wielded with one or two hands.

Nodachi: A longer and heavier blade than a katana, requiring both strength and agility.

Meitō (名刀): Famous swords, recognized for their renown or historical significance.

Ō Wazamono (大業物): Among the 21 best swords in the world.

Ryō Wazamono (良業物): A set of 50 high-quality swords, far beyond ordinary weapons. 

 

 These blades are more than tools of war — they often carry a soul, a story, and sometimes even a will of their own.In One Piece, the sword is an extension of the fighter, a reflection of their strength, choices, and destiny.

Here are the different katanas you can find:

The Sandai Kitetsu is the third and final cursed sword of the Kitetsu lineage.It belongs to the Ryō Wazamono class, one of the 50 high-quality swords in the world.Forged in the Land of Wano by Tenguyama Hitetsu, it is infamous for bringing misfortune to its wielders, often leading them to their demise.Zoro acquires it in Ipponmatsu’s shop, drawn by its sinister aura.To test his luck, he throws the blade into the air and extends his arm — the sword avoids cutting him, proving Zoro’s dominance over the curse.Its cross-shaped guard and wavy blade patterns make it as beautiful as it is deadly.

Ranked among the 21 Great Grade Swords (Ō Wazamono), Shusui is a legendary black blade .It once belonged to Ryuma, a famed samurai from Wano, before becoming a national treasure.After defeating the zombified Ryuma, Zoro inherits Shusui in recognition of his strength. The sword enhances attack power and grants exceptional durability, even surpassing Wadō Ichimonji.Its blade is jet black with a red Hamon, and its sheath is adorned with circular patterns.BAlthough Zoro used Shusui for a long time, he eventually returned it in exchange for Enma, at the request

of the Wano people.

Kikoku is a Nodachi , an extremely long and heavy blade requiring exceptional mastery.It is also considered a cursed sword, although its exact classification remains unconfirmed.Wielded by Trafalgar D. Water Law, Kikoku is used in combination with his Ope Ope no Mi powers, granting him surgical precision in combat.Law wields Kikoku like a scalpel, capable of slicing through mountains, meteors, and even entire islands.Its guard is oval-shaped, wrapped with white fur, and the black sheath features white cross motifs. Kikoku perfectly reflects Law’s surgeon-like precision and deadly efficiency.

Enma is one of the most feared swords in One Piece, ranked among the 21 Great Grade Swords (Ō Wazamono).Forged by Shimotsuki Kozaburo, it once belonged to Kozuki Oden, who wielded it alongside Ame no Habakiri.This is the only sword ever to scar Kaido.After Oden’s death, his daughter Hiyori gives Enma to Zoro in exchange for Shusui.Enma has a unique ability: it absorbs its wielder’s Haki, making it extremely difficult to control.Its clover-shaped guard, purple scabbard decorated with golden flowers, and its demonic power make it a terrifying blade.Only the most disciplined swordsmen can master Enma’s overwhelming strength.

The Wadō Ichimonji is one of Zoro’s most treasured swords .  Ranked among the 21 Great Grade Swords (Ō Wazamono), it is renowned for its legendary durability.Also forged by Shimotsuki Kozaburo, the sword originally belonged to Kuina, Zoro’s childhood friend.Upon her death, her father and Zoro’s master entrusted him with this blade as an inheritance.The Wadō Ichimonji is the only sword to have withstood Mihawk’s devastating strike, proving its legendary toughness.White and elegant, it symbolizes honor and Zoro’s promise to become the world’s greatest swordsman.

Yubashiri is a Ryō Wazamono blade , acquired by Zoro at Ipponmatsu’s shop, at the same time as the Sandai Kitetsu.Although it is not cursed, it is extremely light and easy to handle, which allows for quick and precise attacks.Its contrasting black scabbard showcases its efficiency in combat. Unfortunately, Yubashiri is destroyed by Marine Captain Shu, who uses a rust-based power.Zoro gives it a last tribute by laying it to rest on a symbolic grave at Thriller Bark.It remains engraved as one of his most loyal swords.