Demon Slayer has some of the most outstanding fight scenes in the history of anime. From the most detailed, outlandish, and beautiful sequences to the top-tier fights, the anime never falls short of everyone’s expectations. It goes to say that Demon Slayer has set the standards too high for other anime, all thanks to the people behind Ufotable.
Amidst the overly funded yet incredibly beautiful fight scenes in Demon Slayer, Tanjiro and the others are seen yielding their Nichirin Blades. These blades that resemble Japanese-styled katanas are the most prized possessions of every demon slayer. In this article, we take an in-depth look at this particular blade. What is Nichirin Blade?
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What is a Nichirin Blade?
In a nutshell, Demon Slayers wield Nichirin blades as their ultimate weapon against demons. Without one, they lose the ability to exterminate demons. Although there are other known ways to defeat a demon aside from the decapitation caused by a Nichirin blade.
First, by exposing the demons to direct sunlight (as if it’s easier to go with that option). Second, by means of Muzan’s blood (it’s not guaranteed to work for demons of higher rank). Third, demons have the ability to kill their own kind. Fourth, by means of poisoning with wisteria-induced weapons.
Anyway, Nichirin blades give slayers the opportunity to compete with the demons. It is a high-caliber weapon made specifically for slayers that in real life looks like a basic Japanese katana. Once a demon slayer has reached Hashira, the Nichirin blade will be engraved with "Destroyer of Demons." How cool is that?
The Nichirin Blade also reflects the owner’s personality, skill, and talent. Basically, it differs and varies with every user. Fun fact: the blade’s metal is considered to be similar to other mythological ores such as the Greek and Roman Orichalcum, which, according to some, have magical properties.
Related: Who is the Strongest and Weakest Hashira in Demon Slayer?
How to Get a Nichirin Blade
In Demon Slayer, a Nichirin Blade is awarded to all those successful participants in the final selection, which is evidently seen in Season 1 of the anime. But not everyone can’t wield a Nichirin blade if they like to, since the selection is very keen on choosing the honorary users. You can’t just order one if you like to. Unfortunately, there are high qualifications.
Every successful participant is given the option to choose a special ore for their Nichirin blade. After choosing, the ore is sent to the assigned swordsmith from the swordsmith village. Once the ore has been converted, the swordsmith will personally deliver it to the newly-appointed slayer, just like in Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke’s cases.
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What are Nichirin Blades Made Out Of?
Nichirin Blades are made out of a combination of scarlet crimson iron sand and scarlet crimson ore. These materials can only be found on selected mountain peaks like Sunlight Mountain or Mt. Youko.
Sunlight Mountain's climate is peculiarly abnormal. All year long, there are no visible clouds or rain. Therefore, the mountain is home to the most important ores that have been perpetually bathed in sunlight. Think of it as a solar panel that absorbs sunlight. Perhaps that will be the most simplified explanation. In case you missed it, one of the weaknesses of the demons is exposure to direct sunlight.
The forging process will start after the materials have been gathered by the assigned swordsmith. A friendly reminder not to break any Nichirin blades made by Hotaru Haganezuka because he will haunt you till the end of the world.
What are the Colors of the Nichirin Blade?
The colors of the Nichirin blade work like the paper system in Naruto. If you are not aware of the paper system, it is when a shinobi finds out their chakra nature. For instance, if your chakra nature is fire, the paper will burn, if it is water, the paper will get wet, and if it is lightning, the paper will wrinkle.
The gist is that the Nichirin blade takes on a different color the moment the owner yields the blade. That’s why it is also referred to as "Color Changing Swords." Sounds fancy, right? Anyway, each color has a set of different properties attached to the blade. The color varies based on the personality, skill, talent, and mastery of the owner. Don’t worry if another user holds the blade; it will not change again.
However, the owner who’s not able to colorize their blade (even with black) indicates that he/she has not reached a certain level of skill and mastery required for a Nichirin blade wielder. An example is Rengoku’s younger brother.
The depth and amount of coloring are also important in Nichirin Blades. The best example is Zenitsu’s. His Nichirin blade doesn’t have a solid color band. This is because Zenitsu is technically not connected to his ability, but instead forced upon him.
Read more: What Does the Demon Slayer Sword Color Mean?
What is the Rarest Nichirin Blade?
The Black Nichirin Blade used by Tanjiro is considered the rarest colored Nichirin sword apart from the OP Crimson Red Nichirin blades. This blade is not well received by everyone since it is so rare that no one fully understands its capacity and ability. For some people, a black Nichirin blade symbolizes a bad omen for the owner.
Meanwhile, Nichirin blades turn crimson red for the following reasons: First, by using Nezuko’s demon art to achieve the transition; second, by raising the temperature of the blade through a very strong grip; and third, by clashing two Nichirin blades together. However, it can only be achieved if the owner has reached the highest mastery of being a demon slayer. Also, the crimson-red Nichirin blade doesn’t belong to a certain breathing style.
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Who are the Nichirin Blade Users?
For your reference, the following users are the known Nichirin blade owners:
Color | Breathing Style | User |
|---|---|---|
Black | Sun | Tanjiro Kamado, Yoriichi Tsuginiki |
Amber | Sound | Tengen Uzui |
Blue | Water | Tomioka Giyuu, Sekonji Urokodaki |
Grey | Stone | Gyomei Himejima |
Green | Wind | Sanemi Shinazugawa |
Indigo Grey | Beast | Inosuke Hashibira |
Lavender Grey | Serpent | Obanai Iguro |
Lavender Blue | Insect | Shinobu Kocho |
Light Pink | Flower | Kanao Tusuyuri, Kanae Kocho |
Pink | Love | Mitsuri Kanroji |
Purple | Moon | Kokushibo |
Red | Flame | Rengoku Kyojiro |
White | Mist | Muichiro Tokito |
Yellow | Thunder | Zenitsu |
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Are Nichirin Blades Real?
As much as we would like them to be, Nichirin blades are not real. They are just the basic Japanese-styled katana that anyone can find in their nearest artillery or weapon store. However, everyone can now buy some official Nichirin blade merchandise and/or replicas from trusted providers.
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