Swords

A **sword** is a weapon comprising a long strip of metal, with at least one side sharpened. It is used almost exclusively for melee combat, to cut and/or pierce opponents.

Swords are possibly the most common weapon in the world of *One Piece*, with users ranging from untrained civilians and petty criminals to the Grand Line's greatest warriors. Those possessing particular training and expertise in their use are renowned as **swordsmen**.

## **Overview**

Though subject to any number of variations, swords fundamentally combine three elements:

* A *blade*, made of some durable material (most often steel or another metal) sharpened with at least one edge, which is used to attack.
* A *hilt*, significantly shorter than the blade, which is used to hold and move the weapon.
* A *guard*, which fits the blade onto the hilt and protects the user's hand(s).

Many notable swords throughout the world follow an *uchigatana* template, with broad guards, two-handed hilts, and single-edged curving blades bearing distinct *hamon* patterns.

A sword's blade serves its primary function. Most of them are designed for cutting, thrusting, and/or blocking other bladed weapons, although not all swords rely on being able to create a wound that's meant to be lethal; some are also designed with small indents in them to help fight other melee weapons, while a few may be equipped with special mechanisms that enhance their capabilities and efficiency.

A sword's weakness is its quality and lack of range, as well as the fact that, unlike other weapons, they rely more on the skill of their wielder.

### **Sentience**

According to Shimotsuki Kozaburo, a sword has its own personality, some more than others: Sandai Kitetsu was noted as being a "problem child" because it frequently cuts more than intended; Shusui was said to have had a "bad temper", making it heavier and difficult to handle; and Enma has a deadly disposition, often testing its owner through gluttonously draining away their Haki to a near fatal level. Because all those aspects tends to overwhelm weaker people unable to handle them, sometimes causing their previous owner's deaths, said swords might earn a reputation as a "cursed" sword, although, it is implied that those misfortunes occurs because of the swordsmen lacking the strength to handle them.

Kozaburo also said that a sword chooses its own wielder depending on who best suits it. As such, to properly use one of those swords, the potential swordsman must first figure out its personality and bend it to their will. If their wielder possesses the strength to wield them, then they'll have an easier time handling it. A good example of this is Kozuki Oden, who had mastered Enma, while having his Ryuo drained, but wielded it as if it was as light as a feather. On the other hand, Zoro, who had lacked strength comparable to Oden, needed to continue going all out using Busoshoku and Haoshoku Haki to satiate Enma.

### **Construction**

A **swordsmith** (刀鍛冶 *katanakaji*) is a craftsman responsible for forging and/or repairing bladed weapons that are used in battle. Master swordsmiths, such as the one in Wano Country, are skilled enough can create masterpieces known as Meitos. Known swordsmiths include Kotetsu and Tenguyama Hitetsu of the Kitetsu school of swordsmiths, as well as Shimotsuki Kozaburo.

The quality of a sword determines its monetary worth. At the weapons shop that Roronoa Zoro visited in Loguetown, a lousy sword is priced at 50,000, whereas a high quality sword is priced at 100,000.

### **Classifications**

While there are a large variety of swords in terms of shapes and attributes, they are also classified by their qualities. The three known classifications are as followed:

* **Meito** (名刀 *Meitō*, literally meaning "Famed Blade"): A sword of exceptional quality that has gained its own fame. Meito boast cutting power and resilience that far outclass other weapons. There are four known grades of meito; Grade, Skillful Grade, Great Grade, and Supreme Grade. A meito blade is known to be worth millions of Bellies.

* **Kokuto** (黒刀 *Kokutō*, literally meaning "Black Blade"): A sword that has a black blade, having been turned black through countless battles. These swords are stronger than normal blades, most renown for their impressive resilience, not bending an inch, even if a dinosaur stepped on it. It is stated that should a swordsman turn their sword into a Black Blade, then its grade would increase in rank, but this is rare. Yoru and Shusui are both Kokuto.

* **Yoto** (妖刀 *Yōtō*, literally meaning "Cursed/Mystic Blade"): A sword that carries a curse and brings misfortune to its wielders; though it can be overpowered if the user's luck is superior. According to Shimotsuki Kozaburo, since swords are made specifically for causing terrible harm, the weak fearing a sword and calling it cursed is a badge of honor and a sign of good quality. All three of Kitetsu's creations are cursed blades. Kikoku and Shichiseiken are also Yoto.

## **Types of Swords**

There are many different type of Swords that ecxist within the One Piece World. For a full list please refer to the One Piece Wiki article on Swords.