Nobody can question Roronoa Zoro’s devotion and commitment to becoming the world’s best and strongest swordsman, worthy of deposing Dracule Mihawk from his pedestal.
A member of Luffy’s Straw Hats Pirates, Zoro has shown exceptional sword-fighting skills, allowing him to possess some of the One Piece universe’s legendary swords and eliminate enemies with ease.
With more than a thousand One Piece episodes (and counting), Zoro continues to amaze fans with his sword-wielding devastating attacks.
Whether it’s defeating a hundred Baroque Works bounty hunters or a horde of giant Humandrills, Zoro’s swordsmanship and strength are at the core of his fighting prowess.
After all, strength is necessary to deliver a crushing blow to any opponent, regardless of size and power.
If you’ve been following One Piece since Day 1 (1997), you’re already familiar with Zoro swords.
If not, you’ll find this post beneficial. In hindsight, you can still read on to freshen up your memory about legendary Zoro sword names.
Current Swords
Zoro’s unique sword-fighting style involves three swords; hence, the name Three Sword Style. It’s an unusual technique which no ordinary mortal can accomplish. Even the legendary Samurai of feudal Japan use only two of eight Japanese sword types – the Katana and Wakizashi.
Wielding three swords is never a problem with Zoro, with two hands holding two swords and another in his mouth. Adding his legendary Haki to his sword-fighting skills allows Zoro to cut down enemies nearly effortlessly. So, what are these three Zoro swords?
Wado Ichimonji
A Wado Ichimonji Zoro sword replica forged by hand. Photo on Jumbo Radish Youtube Channel.
This Zoro sword first appeared in One Piece Episode 2, Chapter 5. Although it’s not a Supreme Grade sword, the Wado Ichimonji is still an exceptional-quality bladed weapon belonging to the 21 Great Grade Blades.
Shimotsuki Kozaburo, a legendary Wano Katana-kaji, forged the Wado Ichimonji and gifted it to his son, Koushirou, the Sensei of the Isshin Dojo.
The Shimotsuki clan is a distant relative and friend of Zoro’s, allowing the latter to leverage on their strong relationship to obtain the Wado Ichimonji from Koushirou’s daughter, Kuina, upon the latter’s untimely demise.
The Shinogi Zukuri-style katana featured a stunning pure-white Ito (the Tsuka’s outer wrapping) covering a gray Samegawa (shark skin), producing the iconic diamond pattern on the hilt.
Meanwhile, the Wado’s Tsuba (sword guard) conveys simplicity and harmony – an oval Tsuba with an eye-catching metallic golden color. The Wado’s razor-sharp edge (Ha) has a shining white color, while the Bo-hi is deep black. It’s the perfect example of beauty in equality and harmony.
The Nagasa (blade) has a Sori (curve) is gentler than a traditional katana, yet it terminates in a remarkably sharp Kissaki (tip) that delivers piercing strikes to enemies.
Even the Wado Ichimonji’s Saya is an elegant display of harmony. It’s white, unlike the brown or black sheaths of conventional katanas. Kozaburo added a modest Kojiri at the Saya’s end to augment its beauty.
This Zoro sword isn’t only beautiful. It’s an extremely powerful, durable, and uber-sharp katana, too. Zoro wields the Wado Ichimonji in his mouth. Although Zoro’s two other swords didn’t survive the clash with Dracule Mihawk’s Supreme Grade Blade Yoru (the world’s strongest Black Blade), the Wado Ichimonji did. It’s proof of the katana’s strength and reliability, enough to gain Hawk Eye’s respect.
The Wado Ichimonji could cut a giant iceberg, a large battleship, and Mr. 1’s steel body. It also went head-to-head against Shimotsuki Ryuma’s legendary Black Blade, Shusui, although Zoro feared the Wado Ichimonji might break.
Enma
Zoro using the Enma Zoro sword for the first time. Photo on We Otaku Youtube Channel
Although the Wado Ichimonji is one of the most iconic Zoro swords, it isn’t the most powerful. That distinction goes to the Enma, another Shimotsuki Kozaburo creation. However, this legendary Zoro sword came late in the One Piece series – Episode 955 in Chapter 954.
Kozuki Hiyari dubbed the Enma better than the legendary Black Blade, Shusui, while Kozuki Sukiyaki deemed it the perfect partner for the Ame no Habakiri. While the Ame no Habakiri can cut heaven in two, Enma can pierce through hell’s bottom.
Before Enma could pass through these Kozuki descendants, it first went to Kozuki Oden, who wielded it with the Ame no Habakiri as part of Oden’s Two Sword Style. Oden’s father, Sukiyaki, kept Enma as an heirloom for Oden’s daughter, Hiyari.
When Zoro defeated Shimotsuki Ryuma and obtained the Shusui, Hiyari offered the Enma as a replacement. As it turned out, the Shusui was a stolen national treasure – an O Wazamono-grade sword – of Wano. Zoro tried the Enma and was impressed with its properties. He agreed to exchange the Shusui for the Enma.
Like the Wado Ichimonji, the Enma is a beautiful katana belonging to the 21 Great Grade swords. It’s a Shobu Zukuri-style sword with a moderate Sori and a gold-and-lilac color scheme.
The trefoil-shaped Tsuba complements the lilac-lacquered Tsuka and Saya with golden five-petal flowers on each side as motifs. Adding to the Enma’s charm are a matching Kojiri and Kashira with trefoil cutouts. The black No-hi provides a stunning backdrop to the Enma’s irregular yet elegant flame-shaped Hamon.
Its tremendous sharpness and power make Enma formidable and feared by opposing forces. It went head-to-head with Gol D. Ranger’s Ace and Edward Newgate’s Murakumogiri, two of the most powerful 12 Supreme Grade Blades.
The Enma was also one of the few weapons ever to injure the invulnerable Kaidou, and in his dragon form. This Zoro sword also allows its wielder to release his Busoshoku Haki, producing sufficient energy to split the giant Mountain God.
With the Enma in Zoro’s hands and with the Straw Hat Pirate still learning the sword’s many distinct attributes, there’s no question Zoro is a fearsome force.
Sandai Kitetsu
Zoro holding the Sandai Kitetsu Zoro sword during training. Photo on We Otaku Youtube Channel.
Unlike the Enma and Wado Ichimonji, the Sandai Kitetsu is a lesser-quality katana belonging to the Grade Blade classification. Although its prowess is inferior to the two other Zoro swords, the Sandai Kitetsu still offers exceptional cutting power and resilience.
Kozuki Oden’s father, Sukiyaki, forged the Sandai Kitetsu as a Nidai Kitetsu imitation katana (one of the 21 Great Grade Swords). Unfortunately, this action cursed the Katana, prompting Sukiyaki to export it until it was acquired by Ipponmatsu.
Ipponmatsu was fearful of the cursed sword. And although reluctant at first, he agreed to sell it to Zoro, who, surprisingly, loved Sandai Kitetsu’s cursed nature.
The Sandai Kitetsu Zoro sword first appeared in Episode 49 of Chapter 97. It is an equally stunning katana with a distinct blue flame-shaped Hamon, a white Ha, a golden rounded cross pattee-like Tsuba, and a reddish-brown-wrapped Tsuka.
Although less powerful than the Enma and Wado Ichimonji, the Sandai Kitetsu is still a formidable weapon. Zoro used it to cut a Sea Train carriage in two, while standing up to repeated Zoan Devil Fruit-enhances Rokushiki attacks. The sword could even withstand the Shusui.
The Sandai Kitetsu was instrumental in Zoro defeating Diaz Bonez, Ryuma, Bartholomew Kuma, Pica, King, Hody Jones, Oars, Kaku, and Enel – all powerful adversaries in the One Piece universe.
Former Swords
Roronoa Zoro’s adventures through the One Piece universe – all 1,000+ episodes – allowed him to possess many blades. Unfortunately, some didn’t last. Here are three Zoro swords of the past, either removed from Zoro’s possession or destroyed in battle.
Shusui
Zoro obtaining the Shusui from Shimotsuki Ryuma. Photo on ExcapePlan Youtube Channel.
The Shusui is a legendary Black Blade classified as a Great Grade Sword. It appeared in the series in Episode 342, Chapter 448, wielded by an equally legendary zombified samurai, Shimotsuki Ryuma.
Ryuma bequeathed the Shusui to Zoro after their battle as recognition of the latter’s impressive sword-fighting skills. Unfortunately, Zoro had to exchange the Autumn Water katana for the Enma at the request of Kozuki Hiyari, citing the sword as one of Wano’s national treasures.
The Black Blade Hira Zukuri-type katana features a reverse wave Kanemoto-style Hamon, an octofoil Tsuba, and black silk-wrapped Tsuka.
The Shusui is a powerful sword, allowing Ryuma to behead a dragon with little effort. Like the Sandai Kitetsu, Zoro considered the Shusui a “problem child,” always seeking destruction. Under Dracule Mihawk’s tutelage, Zoro was able to harness the Shusui’s true powers, making the sword Zoro’s favorite in his One Sword Style.
Yubashiri
Ipponmatsu giving the Yubashiri to Zoro. Photo on Onepiece31 Youtube Channel.
A notch above the Sandai Kitetsu in sword grading, the Yubashiri is a Skillful Grade Sword. It was an Ipponmatsu family heirloom, given free to Zoro when the latter bought the cursed Sandai Kitetsu.
The Yubashiri looks more like a Tachi than a katana because it’s long. It features a cross-shaped Tsuba, a black Tsuka, and a lacquered black Saya. The Nagasa has a Midareba pattern.
Unlike other Zoro swords, the Yubashiri is surprisingly lightweight. It allows Zoro to utilize his lightning-quick reflexes and blitzkrieg actions to defeat foes without undermining the sword’s cutting power.
Shimotsuki Ryuma destroyed the Yubashiri when the zombified samurai battled Zoro. Since Ryuma gave Zoro his sword, the latter replaced the Yubashiri with the Shusui.
Shimotsuki Kozaburo Katanas
Legendary swordsmith Shimotsuki Kozaburo teaching a young Roronoa Zoro about swords. Photo on ANIMANGO Youtube Channel.
Two Shimotsuki Kozaburo katana swords were two of the first three katanas used by Zoro in his Three Sword Style (the other is the Wado Ichimonji). Dracule Mihawk shattered these katanas to smithereens in their first duel.
The Bottom Line
Although Zoro swords exist in fantasyland, many attributes resemble real-life Japanese swords, especially the katana. These swords make exceptional props for cosplayers, especially die-hard Zoro fans. They might not imbue you with Zoro’s Haki, but these Zoro swords allow you to relive the adventures of this lovable One Piece character.
