Every Sword Used by Zoro in One Piece (Timeline)

Roronoa Zoro is famous for his Three-Sword Style, but his sword lineup has changed many times over the course of One Piece. From unnamed training blades to legendary Meito like Enma and Shusui, every sword he has wielded marks a different stage in his journey toward becoming the world’s greatest swordsman.

This timeline walks through every major sword Zoro has used in the series so far, in chronological order, and explains when he gained it, how he used it, and what happened to it.

Early Days: Training Swords and Pre-Series Blades

Childhood Wooden Swords

As a child training at Kuina’s family dojo in Shimotsuki Village, Zoro used wooden practice swords for his early duels. These were not named weapons, but they are important because they mark the beginning of his Three-Sword Style and his rivalry with Kuina.

Two Unnamed Katanas (Pre-Series)

When Zoro is first introduced in the East Blue Saga, he is already using a three-sword style that includes two normal katanas and one special blade (Wado Ichimonji). These two unnamed swords were standard steel blades with no special rank, and they would not last long once Zoro confronted a true top-tier swordsman.

Wado Ichimonji – The Constant in Every Era

First Obtained: Before the series (after Kuina’s death)
Status: Still in use

Wado Ichimonji is the only sword that has stayed with Zoro from his childhood all the way into the current story. It was forged by Shimotsuki Kouzaburou, once belonged to Kuina, and became Zoro’s primary blade after he vowed to carry on her dream and become the world’s strongest swordsman.

Over time, Wado Ichimonji has survived battles that destroyed lesser swords, including Zoro’s early duel with Mihawk, cementing its reputation as one of the finest Great Grade swords in the series.

Full guide: Wado Ichimonji – The Soul of a Swordsman

Mihawk vs Zoro: The First Sword Upgrade

Unnamed Dual Katanas (Destroyed)

During the Baratie arc, Zoro uses his two unnamed katanas alongside Wado Ichimonji in his fateful duel against Dracule Mihawk. Mihawk shatters both of these swords easily with Yoru, demonstrating the massive gap between Zoro’s current level and that of the world’s strongest swordsman.

After this battle, Zoro is left with only Wado Ichimonji and must find new swords to restore his Three-Sword Style.

Loguetown: Yubashiri and Sandai Kitetsu Join the Crew

Yubashiri – The Swift Blade

First Obtained: Loguetown
Fate: Destroyed at Enies Lobby

In Loguetown, Zoro visits Ipponmatsu’s weapon shop and acquires Yubashiri, a light and agile sword that becomes one of his main three blades for a long stretch of the story. Yubashiri is one of the 50 Skillful Grade swords (Ryō Wazamono) and is praised for its sharpness and ease of handling.

Ipponmatsu gives Yubashiri to Zoro as a gift after witnessing his courage with Sandai Kitetsu, recognizing his worth as a swordsman.

Sandai Kitetsu – The Cursed Blade

First Obtained: Loguetown
Fate: Still in use

At the same shop, Zoro discovers Sandai Kitetsu, a cursed sword from the Kitetsu line that is said to bring a horrible death to its owners. After being warned about the curse, Zoro tests his luck by tossing the blade into the air and extending his arm; the sword narrowly misses him and sticks into the floor, and Ipponmatsu, shocked, allows him to keep it.

From this point onward, Zoro’s core lineup becomes: Wado Ichimonji, Yubashiri, and Sandai Kitetsu.

Full guide: Sandai Kitetsu – The Cursed Kitetsu Blade of Zoro

Enies Lobby: The Fall of Yubashiri

Yubashiri’s Destruction

During the Enies Lobby arc, Zoro uses Yubashiri extensively in battle, relying on its speed and lightness in his Three-Sword Style techniques. However, the sword meets its end when Marine Captain Shu, who has the Rust-Rust Fruit, touches Yubashiri and corrodes it into dust, leaving only part of the hilt behind.

After Enies Lobby, Zoro briefly carries the remains of Yubashiri on his back before laying them to rest atop a snowy mountain, honoring the blade’s service.

Temporary Swords and Borrowed Blades

Throughout his journey, Zoro has occasionally used temporary or borrowed swords when his main weapons were unavailable or when he needed extra blades in emergencies.

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Johnny and Yosaku’s swords:

• Borrowed during the Arlong Park arc to maintain his Three-Sword Style while recovering from injuries.

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Various unnamed swords:

• Picked up during chaotic battles or when his normal blades were out of reach, showing his adaptability with any weapon.

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Seppuku tanto (Wano):

• Used briefly during the Wano arc when Zoro turned a forced seppuku situation into an attack opportunity with a small tanto blade.

These temporary weapons are rarely named, but they emphasize Zoro’s skill at turning any blade into a lethal tool when needed.

Thriller Bark: Shusui Enters the Story

Shusui – The National Treasure of Wano

First Obtained: Thriller Bark
Fate: Returned to Wano, no longer used by Zoro

On Thriller Bark, Zoro faces the zombie of Shimotsuki Ryuma, a legendary samurai from Wano whose corpse has been reanimated by Gecko Moria. After a fierce duel, Ryuma acknowledges Zoro’s strength and entrusts him with his sword, Shusui – a Great Grade Black Blade and national treasure of Wano.

From this point until the Wano arc, Zoro’s core sword lineup is: Wado Ichimonji, Sandai Kitetsu, and Shusui. Shusui significantly boosts his offensive power and durability, playing a major role in many post-Thriller Bark battles.

Full guide: Shusui – Zoro’s Legendary Black Blade

Punk Hazard & Dressrosa: Shusui Era

During the Punk Hazard and Dressrosa arcs, Zoro continues to wield Wado Ichimonji, Sandai Kitetsu, and Shusui as his primary three swords. With this set, he defeats powerful opponents like Monet and Pica, demonstrating the synergy between the lightweight Kitetsu, balanced Wado, and heavy, destructive Shusui.

This period cements Shusui in fans’ minds as one of Zoro’s “signature” swords, even though it ultimately does not