One Piece Swords: Guide to Grades, Meito, and Legendary Swords
Everything you need to know about legendary blades, forging grades, cursed swords, and collectible replicas (Zoro, Law, and Mihawk katanas...).
In the world of One Piece, a sword is not merely a tool—it is an extension of the warrior's soul. From Dracule Mihawk to Roronoa Zoro, the greatest fighters wield named blades called Meito (Famous Swords), forged with exceptional care and capable of withstanding the world's most devastating forces.
But not all blades are created equal. Some are blessed, others cursed. Some are forged by brilliant craftsmen, while others have become Black Blades (Kokuto) through Haki infusion over the centuries. This complete guide explains everything—from the grade hierarchy to the art of choosing your collectible replica.
1. Meito Grades: Power Hierarchy
Swords are classified into 4 main categories according to their forging quality and rarity. The higher the grade, the more resistant and sharp the blade is, and the better able it is to withstand Haki infusion without breaking. A low-quality sword will shatter upon contact with intense Armament Haki.
| Grade (Japanese) | Translation & Rarity | Details & Holders |
|---|---|---|
| Saijo O Wazamono | 12 Supreme-Grade Blades (Legendary — 12 in the world) |
The most perfect blades in the world. Practically indestructible. Each one is unique and named. • Yoru — Dracule Mihawk (cross-shaped black blade) • Murakumogiri — Edward Newgate / Whitebeard (6.6 m naginata) • Ace — Gol D. Roger (saber of the Pirate King) • Enma — Kozuki Oden → Zoro (after promotion through Haki) • Ame no Habakiri — Kozuki Oden (capable of "cutting the heavens") 👉 See the complete list of the 12 supreme blades |
| O Wazamono | 21 Great Blades (Heroic — 21 in the world) |
Just below the supreme rank. Masterpieces of forging that can withstand clashes with supreme-grade blades. • Wado Ichimonji — Kuina → Zoro (pure white, immaculate blade) • Enma — Zoro (before promotion to Saijo O Wazamono) • Shusui — Ryuma → Zoro (legendary black blade from Wano) • Nidai Kitetsu — Tenguyama Hitetsu (2nd cursed Kitetsu) • Gryphon — Shanks (Yonko's saber) |
| Ryo Wazamono | 50 Superior-Grade Blades (50 in the world) |
Highly reliable blades for fighters in the New World. Superior to nearly all ordinary weapons. • Sandai Kitetsu — Zoro (3rd cursed Kitetsu, Loguetown arc) • Yubashiri — Zoro (destroyed by Shu at Enies Lobby) • Shigure — Tashigi (destroyed by Monet at Punk Hazard, repaired) |
| Wazamono | Quality Blades (undefined number) |
Sharp and reliable blades, superior to standard swords but lacking the rarity of the higher grades. Used by most high-level fighters in the first half of Grand Line. |
2. Black Blades (Kokuto) and Haki
A blade is not born black—it becomes black. This is one of the greatest secrets of swordsmanship in One Piece, and one of Zoro's most fascinating story arcs.
This process is linked to the permanent and total impregnation of Armament Haki (Busoshoku) over hundreds of battles. When a swordsman is powerful enough for Haki to become permanently embedded in the metal, the blade turns black and rises in rank. Once black, it gains hardness, rank, and destructive power.
- Yoru (Mihawk): The only blade to have been black from the moment it first appeared in the series. Mihawk turned it black years ago—a testament to his absolute mastery of Haki. Its giant cross shape is unmistakable.
- Shusui (Ryuma → Zoro): The legendary samurai Ryuma turned Shusui black over a lifetime of battles. That is why it is considered a national treasure of Wano. Zoro obtained it by defeating zombie Ryuma at Thriller Bark—and had to return it to Wano out of honor.
Zoro is currently turning Enma black, which would make it the third black blade in history—and could propel his level beyond Mihawk's. Everything You Need to Know About Armament Haki.
3. Swordsmanship Styles: Schools and Techniques
In One Piece, having a great blade isn't enough—you need a style. Every great swordsman has developed or inherited a unique school of combat, often linked to their personal philosophy.
⚔️ Santoryu (Three Swords)
User: Zoro
Zoro's unique style — three blades wielded simultaneously, with the third held between his teeth. A style he invented himself after Kuina's death. Reaching its peak in techniques such as Asura (nine illusory arms) and Santoryu Ogi: Rokudo no Tsuji.
🌊 Nitoryu (Two Swords)
Users: Oden, Vista
Kozuki Oden used Ittoryu and Nitoryu with Enma and Ame no Habakiri simultaneously. His Togen Totsuka technique managed to wound Kaido during their first encounter — a feat few humans have accomplished.
🖤 Ittoryu (One Sword)
Users: Mihawk, Shanks, Zoro (future)
The purest and most difficult style to master. Mihawk considers Ittoryu the pinnacle of swordsmanship — "the greatest power in the simplest motion." He defeated Vista using Ittoryu without being injured.
💛 Ope Ope Style (Nodachi)
User: Trafalgar Law
Law uses his Kikoku (giant Nodachi) combined with his Ope Ope no Mi to create "Rooms" in which he cuts everything with surgical precision. His style is not a classical swordsmanship style — it is combat surgery.
4. Roronoa Zoro's Swords: Evolution
Zoro has wielded many blades throughout his adventure. His journey with his swords is a narrative arc in its own right — every blade he obtains or loses reflects his evolution as the future world's greatest swordsman. Here are the iconic models available in our store.
ENMA (The King of Hell)
The sword that wounded Kaido — something few weapons in the world have managed to do. Given by Hiyori (Oden's daughter) to Zoro in exchange for Shusui to honor Wano. It is a capricious and sadistic blade: it actively drains its user's Haki, forcing them to constantly produce more or face total desiccation.
Its scabbard is purple and adorned with cherry blossoms. Its guard is shaped like a clover. According to Tenguyama Hitetsu, it "can cut to the depths of Hell."
Current Grade: Saijo O Wazamono (after being imbued with Haki by Zoro).
WADO ICHIMONJI (The Way of Harmony)
The white sword with an immaculate scabbard. It was the sword of Kuina, Zoro's childhood friend and rival, who died accidentally. It is his most precious and intimate treasure — the one he always places in his mouth during Santoryu, symbolically the closest to his heart.
A straight, pure blade without ornamentation. It can withstand repeated clashes against Yoru (Supreme Grade) — proof of its exceptional quality despite being "only" O Wazamono grade.
Grade: O Wazamono (21 Great Blades).
SANDAI KITETSU (The Demon Splitter — 3rd Generation)
A "Cursed Blade" of the Kitetsu family. Forged by Tenguyama Hitetsu, it is classified as Ryo Wazamono. Legend says that all its wielders meet a tragic death. In Loguetown, Zoro tested his luck by throwing the blade into the air above his outstretched arm — and the sword "chose" him by sparing him.
Its guard is shaped like a rounded cross, and its blade bears a wave pattern. Sharp enough to cut through half of a Sea Train carriage in a single motion.
Grade: Ryo Wazamono (50 Superior-Quality Blades).
A fan of Marimo? Also discover why he lost an eye in our theory: The Secret of Zoro's Left Eye.
5. The Kitetsu Family: Three Cursed Generations
The Kitetsu blades are a distinct family within the world of Meito. Forged by the Kitetsu clan with a "bloodthirst" deliberately infused into the metal, they carry a real curse: their owners all end up dying violently. The lower the number, the more powerful the blade—and the more intense the curse.
👹 Shodai Kitetsu (1st Generation)
SAIJO O WAZAMONOThe most powerful and most cursed of the three. Its current location is unknown in the canonical narrative. Its curse is considered irrepressible—even the greatest swordsmen avoided wielding it for too long. It is among the 12 Supreme Blades in the world.
⚔️ Nidai Kitetsu (2nd Generation)
O WAZAMONOHeld by Tenguyama Hitetsu in Wano. In Udon, Luffy takes it and uses it… as a club, throwing punches with the pommel. Despite its absurd use, it does not break—a testament to its supreme quality. Its curse did not affect Luffy, probably thanks to his nature as Joy Boy / Nika.
🗡️ Sandai Kitetsu (3rd Generation)
RYO WAZAMONOZoro's blade, obtained in Loguetown. The least powerful of the three, but still a formidable blade. Zoro broke the curse through the sheer force of his luck (or his will)—he is the first known user to survive and thrive with a Kitetsu.
6. Yoru & the Other Mythical Blades
Yoru is officially the most powerful blade in the world of One Piece. Classified as Saijo O Wazamono, it is a monumental cross-shaped sword, completely black thanks to Mihawk's total infusion of Haki. It is taller than its wielder.
- Its cross-shaped guard is so large that Mihawk carries it like a cross on his back.
- It can cut through the ocean—Mihawk demonstrated this during the Marineford arc by slicing through a wave of ice from Aokiji and splitting the sea to reach Luffy.
- Without even a trace of additional visible Haki, Yoru cuts through everything. With Mihawk's Haki, its potential is incalculable.
- It is also one of the few blades to be a "true" Western sword (claymore) rather than a Japanese saber—reflecting Mihawk's hybrid style.
It's not just classic katanas. One Piece is full of unique weapons:
- Kikoku (Trafalgar Law): A cursed nodachi (very long sword with an oversized blade), with a cross-shaped guard and a black scabbard. Law uses it in combination with his Ope Ope no Mi to cut through entire mountains and islands in his "Rooms." It is twice the length of an ordinary man. See Law's sword.
- Gryphon (Shanks): A Western-style sword (rapier or European saber) that Shanks wields with such mastery that he was able to stand up to Whitebeard. It was with Gryphon that he used his devastating Haoshoku Haki to paralyze thousands of Marines at Marineford. Classified as O Wazamono. See Shanks' sword.
- Ame no Habakiri (Oden): Enma's twin blade. A Saijo O Wazamono from Wano with a white blade and a guard featuring floral patterns. Legendarily capable of "cutting the heavens." It is currently in the hands of Yamato, Kaido's son — and its future could be linked to the conclusion of the Wano arc.
- Murakumogiri (Whitebeard): The weapon of the world's strongest man. A gigantic 6.6-meter naginata (Japanese halberd), with a curved blade attached to a long red and yellow shaft. Combined with Whitebeard's Gura Gura no Mi, its power allowed him to create tsunamis. Classified as Saijo O Wazamono.
🛠️ Buyer's Guide: Steel or Wood?
Would you like to buy a replica? Here's how to choose based on your intended use and profile:
1. Steel Replicas (Metal)
Who is it for? Adult collectors, high-end decoration.
Advantages: Realistic weight, glossy or matte blade depending on the model, premium appearance (carbon steel or stainless steel). Magnificent on a wall-mounted display or in a display case.
⚠️ Not sharpened for safety, but remains a heavy and sturdy object. Sale prohibited to minors.
2. Wood / PU Replicas
Who is it for? Cosplayers, children, conventions, and Japan Expo.
Advantages: Lightweight, sturdy, permitted at conventions (Japan Expo, Manga Lyon, etc.), with no risk of injury.
View the Cosplay range →🏆 How to Display Your Replica?
🗂️ Wall Mount
Ideal for long katanas (Enma, Yoru, Kikoku). Installs in 5 minutes. Maximum decorative effect in a living room or office.
🔳 Enclosed Display Case
For premium steel pieces. Protects against dust and moisture. Recommended for limited editions.
🗡️ Standing Display Stand
Display your katana at an angle in a corner of the room. Guaranteed samurai style. Compatible with standard-size replicas (60–90 cm).
🎁 Gift Set
Give a replica with style. Our gift sets include the sword, its scabbard, and a certificate. Perfect as a gift for One Piece fans.
⚔️ The Forge — All Replicas
From Zoro's katanas to Mihawk's swords—in steel or resin, for collectors or cosplayers.
❓ Sword FAQ
Technically, the 12 Saijo O Wazamono are all at the same forging level. However, Yoru (Mihawk's) is often considered the pinnacle because it is the only supreme black blade confirmed in the current narrative—and Mihawk is the world's greatest swordsman. Ace (Roger's sword) is in the same tier but has never been shown in combat.
Luffy is not a swordsman—he fights hand-to-hand. However, in Udon (the Wano arc), he picks up the Nidai Kitetsu (O Wazamono) and uses it as a club, striking with his Haki-coated fist. The Kitetsu's curse does not affect him—probably thanks to his nature as Nika / Joy Boy.
The Kitetsu blades are forged with deliberate malicious intent—a “bloodlust” etched into the metal by their forgers. If the user is weak-willed or has weak Haki, the sword “takes control” and leads them to death. Zoro is the only one to have subdued the curse of Sandai Kitetsu through the strength of his luck and Conqueror's Haki.
It has been his stated goal since Chapter 1—and the final arc seems to be heading in that direction. To surpass Mihawk, Zoro must master Ittoryu (one-sword style) at his level, turn Enma black, and develop a technique capable of surpassing “the greatest blade in the world.” After his two-year training with Mihawk himself, the foundations are in place.
Yubashiri (Ryo Wazamono) was rusted and destroyed by Marine Shu (user of the Sabi Sabi no Mi, the Rust-Rust Fruit) during the Battle of Enies Lobby. It was one of Zoro's most symbolic losses—he held a funeral ceremony for the blade on Thriller Bark. He replaced it with Shusui, then Enma.
This is a highly debated question. Theoretically, a Saijo O Wazamono blade infused with maximum Haki could cut Seastone, but no canon battle has directly confirmed this yet. Mihawk with Yoru remains the most likely candidate for such a feat.