Summary
- One Piece’s Meito classifies swords into Supreme, Great, Skillful, and Grade Blades based on quality, rarity, and renown.
- Aside from legendary swords, the series features unique non-sword blades and melee tools like tridents and cat claws.
- Legendary weapons in One Piece challenge traditional Meito with unconventional designs and abilities, expanding the series’ arsenal.
One Piece has given its audience some of the most iconic weapons in classic shōnen. From Zoro’s Enma and Wado Ichimonji to Kaido’s Hassaikai, fans have seen how some weapons are legendary tools of destruction, craftsmanship, and legacy. To complement these weapons, Oda also introduced the concept of “Meito” (名刀, or Famous Blades), which classifies swords into different grades based on their quality and renown, with Supreme Grade Blades standing at the pinnacle.
However, One Piece also features a fascinating array of non-sword blades and melee tools that could (potentially) rival even the most esteemed katana. From tridents to claws and even unconventional weapons like giant clubs to feline cat claws, these unique weapons deserve some spotlight of their own.
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The Classification of Meito in One Piece
The Legendary Swords
Meito are high-quality weapons, often forged by master blacksmiths, and are categorized into four primary ranks:
|
Grade |
Description |
Examples |
|---|---|---|
|
Supreme Grade Blades (Saijō Ōwazamono) |
The rarest and highest-quality blades. |
Yoru (Mihawk), Shodai Kitetsu |
|
Great Grade Blades (Ōwazamono) |
Wado Ichimonji (Zoro), Enma (Zoro) |
|
|
Skillful Grade Blades (Ryōwazamono) |
High-quality swords with excellent craftsmanship. |
Kashu, Yubashiri |
|
Grade Blades (Wazamono) |
Formidable yet more common than the higher grades. |
Sandai Kitetsu, Shigure |
While most Meito are swords, the classification extends to other bladed and non-bladed weapons that hold similar legendary status.
Non-Sword Blades in One Piece
Cat Claws – Captain Kuro
Wielded by the (supposedly) infamous Captain Kuro, the Cat Claws are sharp, finger-mounted blades that enhance his speed-based assassination techniques. Unlike traditional swords, these claws allow for swift, unpredictable strikes, making them deadly in close combat.
Kirisame – Hody Jones
Kirisame is a trident-like weapon that was used by Hody Jones. With three razor-sharp blades, it serves as both a stabbing and slashing weapon, and Hody liked to attach it to his dorsal fin before swimming into the opponents and slashing them with ease.
Funkfreed – Spandam
Spandam’s sword, Funkfreed, is a peculiar case, having eaten the Zou Zou no Mi, an Elephant Zoan Devil Fruit. This transformation ability makes Funkfreed more than a mere weapon—he gets the advantage of an Elephant’s size, the sharpness of a blade, but most importantly, the cognitive ability to switch between the two when needed.
Durandal – Cavendish
Cavendish wields Durandal, a high-quality rapier known for its remarkable sharpness and durability. Unlike traditional slashing swords, Durandal’s flexibility allows it to withstand impacts that would otherwise break a sword in half. For example, Cavendish was one of the only few who could withstand Chinjao’s headbutt technique, all thanks to the fact that his blade is not a traditional sword.
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While One Piece has no shortage of legendary swords, the world of non-sword weapons is just as rich and compelling. From elephant swords to cat claws, these weapons challenge the traditional notion of Meito. As the series continues, more unique and legendary weapons will undoubtedly emerge, further expanding the vast arsenal of One Piece combatants. The question is: what will be the next legendary weapon to shake the Grand Line?
