Zoro has used a variety of different swords throughout One Piece. Here's what makes each one special.
The Straw hat Pirate crew are some of the most unique and quirky characters in the One Piece universe. Each member of Luffy’s group has a very specific set of skills that contribute to the crew’s success. While they’ve grown in numbers over the years, every Straw hat has had a chance to show off what makes them such an integral part of the group.
Zoro was the first person to join up with Luffy in East Blue and has become one of the most recognizable Straw Hats over the years, in part due to his unique fighting style. Zoro serves as one of the Straw hat crew’s two Swordsmen alongside Brook, and is notable for using three swords at once in battle. The former bounty hunter has gone through his fair share of blades throughout the series, with each coming with its own story.
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Formerly Used Swords
Zoro has used a total of seven different swords since being introduced. Zoro used two unnamed swords alongside Wado Ichimonji up until they were shattered in his fight with Mihawk near the Baratie. The two katanas weren’t anything special compared to the weapons he would replace them with, though they were later revealed to have been a gift from famous Wano-born swordsmith, Shimotsuki Kozaburo.
Zoro later received Yubashiri from Ipponmatsu in Loguetown, which would go on to be one of his most reliable weapons for a number of years. Zoro was gifted the sword when he proved his skill and courageousness to the shopkeeper. As one of the 50 Skillful Grade Swords, Yubashiri was a rare and reliable weapon that served Zoro’s unique fighting style well. It was destroyed during Zoro’s fight with Shu on Enies Lobby, and was later left alongside the Rumbar Pirates' gravesite on Thriller Bark.
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Zoro would receive Shusui after battling and defeating the zombie of legendary Wano samurai, Shimotsuki Ryuma, on Thriller Bark. Shusui immediately replaced Yubashiri, and as one of the 21 Great Grade Meito swords, served as a considerable upgrade in both durability and strength. Gyukimaru stole the sword from Zoro in Wano in order to leave it at Ryuma’s grave. Zoro agreed to leave the sword in exchange for another of the 21 Great Grade Meitos, Enma.
His Current Arsenal
Wado Ichimonji has been Zoro’s most iconic weapon since day one. Another one of the 21 Great Grade Meito swords, the sword has become synonymous with the Straw Hat swordsman, coming in handy throughout his many difficult battles. Like his tow unnamed katanas, Wado Ichimonji was crafted by Shimotsuki Kozaburo. It initially belonged to his granddaughter and Zoro’s childhood friend, Kuina, and was passed on to Zoro following her untimely death. It’s been the most consistent part of his artillery, coming through time and time again.
Zoro also currently wields the cursed blade, Sandai Kitetsu. He got the sword alongside Yubashiri in Loguetown, disregarding its reputation as a cursed weapon. While the sword is said to bring misfortune upon whoever wields it, Zoro has managed well, making great use of it in battle. The Sandai Kitetsu supposedly dooms its users to a terrible death, and while it doesn’t seem likely that Zoro will die by the time One Piece reaches its conclusion, the caveat might play a part in the story sometime down the road.
The most recent addition to Zoro’s arsenal, Enma used to belong to Oden and has proved to be his most valuable asset in the ongoing fight against Kaido and his forces. The sword can draw out an impressive amount of Busoshoku Haki, which has allowed Zoro to develop considerably as a fighter. Zoro will need to get the most out of all his current swords if he and the rest of the Straw Hats want to come out of Wana as victors.
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