Top 10 Swords In Anime

“Naruto” Series (2002-17)

When choosing a weapon, you want to go for something that makes a statement, and we can’t think of a sword that does that more than this one. While it initially appears like a large sword wrapped in bandages, unwrapping it reveals something much creepier. Not only is this weapon sentient, but it draws power from whoever wields it, and can flex and shapeshift at will and absorb the power of attacks used against it. It may stretch the definition of “sword” a tiny bit, but this weapon is nonetheless dangerous.

“Dragon Ball Z” (1989-1996)

When you’re able to fly, fire devastating energy blasts and bench-press mountains, like most of the main cast from this anime, carrying a sword almost seems a tad redundant. But if we hailed from a dystopian future in which most of the human race have been wiped out by androids, we’d take anything we could get too. A fairly simple blade, this weapon is deadly in the hands of Vegeta and Bulma’s bouncing baby boy from the future. In his hands, it’s a powerful weapon, as Frieza learned all too well.

“Sword Art Online” Series (2012-)

Gee Kirito, how come your mom lets you wield two swords?

While most characters are limited to one weapon, protagonist Kirito has access to a unique ability which allows him to wield two swords at once – cause he’s just so fuckin special, isn’t he?

Each one is incredibly powerful, but when used simultaneously, they’re able to take down some very powerful foes. Appropriately enough, obtaining them wasn’t easy. One had to be forged out of a rare crystalline ingot, while the other was a rare boss drop that Kirito obtained on the 50th floor.

“Gintama” (2005-)

While it may look like an ordinary wooden sword, this weapon is actually made of ten-thousand year old alien wood. Or at least, that’s what it’s owner claims. We’re more of the mindset that it’s just plain old wood, and periodically replaced with a quick call to a home shopping network. Whatever the sword’s true origins, it’s still a powerful weapon in the hands of its owner Gintoki, who regularly uses it to perform some pretty impressive feats. It’s seen him through numerous pitched battles, occasionally breaking but still able to cut through numerous obstacles despite lacking a cutting edge of any kind.

“Rurouni Kenshin” (1996-98)

At first glance, this appears to be an ordinary katana, lacking in any major detail or flourish. But closer inspection reveals one critical detail: rather than on the outer curve, the cutting edge is facing inwards, toward the user. This may seem pretty impractical as a weapon, but there’s damned good reason for that. Created by a master swordsmith as his final creation, the sword was created to symbolize the beginning of the Meiji Era, and the end of a long period of bloodshed.

Despite being created as a symbol of peace, the inverted sword is nonetheless a potent tool in the hands of the former battosai.

“Blue Exorcist” Series (2011-17)

This one isn’t held by any ol’ swordsman or wandering samurai, but by Rin Okumura, the son of the devil himself. An enchanted weapon made exclusively to kill demons, the blade can absorb the hearts of demons to use as a power source. Because the blade actually contains Rin’s own demonic heart, drawing causes him to revert to his true form. This also means that if the weapon were destroyed, it would be curtains for Rin…

“Inuyasha” (2000-04)

Powerful and imposing, this sword is said to be able to kill a hundred demons in a single strike. Looking at the size of it, we can believe it. Rather than an ordinary blade, the sword was actually forged from the fang of Inuyasha’s father, hence its name, which translates to “Iron-Crushing Fang”. The sword has numerous abilities, most notable the power to transform into an ordinary katana, just in case walking around with a giant cleaver is a wee bit too conspicuous.

“Bleach” (2004-12)

Summarising the complicated history of this imposing weapon in a short span of time is no easy feat. Like all weapons held by the spiritual guardians known as Shinigami, series protagonist Ichigo’s blade is a manifestation of his own inner power. Because of this, he can use it to cut through spiritual energy, and pretty much anything else that gets in his way. As Ichigo’s powers grow and become more refined, his blade is able to take on new forms, from a massive cleaver to a swift Katana.

“Fate/Stay Night” (2006)

Like the mythical weapon that bears its name, this blade is seen as a tool for righteousness, wielded by everybody’s king waifu, Saber. Capable of transforming magical energy into raw power, this legendary sword is nearly unstoppable in battle, possessing unparalleled offensive and defensive power, as well as incredible speed and versatility. Naturally this means that Saber is a force to be reckoned with when this holy sword is within her grasp, especially when combined with its sheath, Avalon.



Before we unsheath our number one pick, here are some of our honorable mentions.



Kokorowatari (Heartspan)

“Monogatari Series: Second Season” (2013)

Yoru

“One Piece” (1999-)


Ten Commandments

“Rave Master” (2001)

“Berserk” (1997-98)

The old saying goes that one should speak softly and carry a big stick. Well, Guts has the stick part down, but he’s certainly not soft speakin’ when he’s up against apostles.

More like a massive slab of iron than a sword, this massive weapon can tear whole swaths of opponents to shreds, thanks to its massive weight. After its years of being periodically soaked in the blood of demons of every sort, it’s also become stronger than it was originally, and is able to cut down even the toughest of foes. This is one weapon that definitely lives up to its name.