In the explosive, curse-infested world of Jujutsu Kaisen, weapons are more than just sharp edges—they're physical manifestations of a sorcerer's identity, ideology, and fighting style. While flashy cursed tools and mythical relics dominate the screen, one of the most grounded yet terrifyingly effective weapons in the series is Nanami Kento’s cleaver.
At first glance, Nanami's weapon of choice—a simple-looking cleaver sword—may seem underwhelming compared to spears that nullify techniques or katanas that split souls. But paired with his genius-level intellect and the tactical mastery of his 7:3 curse technique, this blade becomes one of the most efficient and deadly weapons in the series.
In this article, we’ll explore the design, symbolism, and tactical brilliance behind Nanami’s cleaver, and how it perfectly mirrors the precise, calculated nature of his 7:3 curse technique.
Who is Nanami Kento?
Before we dive into the weapon, let’s quickly revisit the man who wields it.
Nanami Kento is a Grade 1 Jujutsu Sorcerer and a former salaryman. Calm, pragmatic, and disillusioned with both the corporate world and sorcery, Nanami treats his battles like business—clocking in, getting the job done, and clocking out. Unlike other emotional or flashy characters in Jujutsu Kaisen, Nanami is precise, collected, and all about efficiency.
His stoic demeanor and brutally effective techniques have earned him the respect of fans worldwide. But his true brilliance lies in how his philosophy as a sorcerer is reflected in the way he fights—and more specifically, in the weapon he wields.
What Is Nanami’s Cleaver?
Nanami’s blade is an elegant yet brutal hybrid between a traditional cleaver and a longsword. Its rectangular design resembles a butcher's knife, yet it’s longer and more sword-like in utility.
This weapon doesn’t have mystical origins, and it isn’t classified as a special-grade cursed tool. Instead, its strength comes from Nanami himself, who infuses it with cursed energy using his innate technique. The lack of ornamentation or supernatural gimmicks is a conscious design choice that matches Nanami’s straightforward, utilitarian mindset.
The 7:3 Curse Technique Explained
The Ratio Technique, or the 7:3 curse technique, is Nanami’s innate ability. It allows him to forcibly divide any target into a 7:3 ratio and expose a weak point on that ratio line. By hitting this precise point, he can inflict critical damage regardless of the enemy’s natural durability or defense.
For example, no matter how thick a cursed spirit’s hide is, Nanami can bypass brute strength and go straight to the weak spot created by his technique.
This makes him not just a brawler, but a mathematician of violence. Every attack is calculated. Every strike is surgical.
And that’s where the cleaver comes in.
Why Nanami’s Cleaver Is the Perfect Weapon for the 7:3 Technique
A Weapon Built for Precision
The 7:3 curse technique requires precise strikes, not sweeping slashes or wide-area attacks. Nanami’s cleaver is designed with this in mind. Its long, flat edge allows for maximum control and accuracy. The rectangular shape creates clean, defined angles, making it easier to align his strikes with the 7:3 division point.
Other weapons might be flashier, but they lack the control Nanami needs. His cleaver acts like a scalpel, guided by his technique to deliver lethal precision every time.
Minimalism That Matches His Personality
Nanami is the embodiment of discipline and pragmatism. He doesn't believe in over-the-top displays or unnecessary risks. His sword mirrors that mindset—it’s not beautiful, it’s not ceremonial, and it’s definitely not delicate. It's a no-nonsense weapon for a no-nonsense man.
This minimalist aesthetic emphasizes Nanami’s identity as a “blue-collar” sorcerer. He doesn’t see himself as a hero or a savior. He’s just a man doing his job—with a blade sharp enough to split a curse in half.
Designed for Clean, Linear Movements
Unlike curved blades or whips that rely on flow and motion, Nanami’s sword supports direct, linear attacks. The flat edge of the cleaver allows him to strike from above, below, or the sides with mechanical consistency. This is crucial for repeatedly landing hits on the exact ratio-defined weak point.
His sword is not about overwhelming the enemy. It’s about finding that one perfect spot—and exploiting it over and over again.
Key Battles Where Nanami’s Cleaver Shines
Nanami vs Mahito (First Encounter)
When Nanami first encounters Mahito, a sadistic curse with a human-like appearance, he is quick to assess the situation and switch to overtime—a mode where he removes his tie and amplifies his cursed energy. With his cleaver and Ratio Technique, he lands devastating blows, momentarily pushing Mahito into a defensive state.
Despite Mahito’s shapeshifting ability, Nanami’s 7:3 curse technique and precise blade still manage to penetrate his defenses—highlighting just how lethal the combination truly is.
Overtime Mode: The Power Boost
During “overtime,” Nanami’s cursed energy spikes dramatically. His strikes become faster, more powerful, and more aggressive—but they still remain surgical. His cleaver doesn’t change, but how he wields it does. The weapon becomes a tool of high-speed execution, channeling every ounce of power through its razor-flat edge.
It’s one of the few moments where raw power and mathematical precision coexist, and it’s executed perfectly through his cleaver.
Nanami vs Transfigured Humans
In one of the darker arcs, Nanami is forced to fight a swarm of transfigured humans—former people mutated by Mahito’s ability. Even in this horrifying scenario, he doesn’t falter. He uses his cleaver to dispatch each target with clean, efficient strikes, never wasting motion or emotion.
The cleaver becomes a symbol of his resolve—a blade that carries out justice without flair or hesitation.
Symbolism: The Corporate Warrior’s Blade
Nanami's background as a salaryman heavily influences his approach to sorcery. He doesn’t believe in working past his hours unless it’s necessary. His cleaver, devoid of flashy traits, is a literal and metaphorical “employee’s sword”—blunt, reliable, and brutally efficient.
It cuts through red tape as much as it does through cursed flesh. For Nanami, sorcery isn’t about glory—it’s about getting the job done and surviving long enough to clock out.
The Tragedy of Precision in a Chaotic World
Nanami’s cleaver stands in contrast to the chaotic and emotionally-driven nature of other weapons in Jujutsu Kaisen. Where Yuji fights with instinct, and Gojo with overwhelming power, Nanami fights with logic and structure. His weapon is a sobering reminder that not every hero charges in with fire and flair—some just walk into battle with a cleaver, a suit, and a cold sense of duty.
And sometimes, that’s what makes them the most human of all.
Conclusion: Why Nanami’s Cleaver Is One of Jujutsu Kaisen’s Most Powerful Weapons
In a world of cursed energy, flying fists, and domain expansions, Nanami’s cleaver may seem simple—but simplicity is its strength. Combined with the 7:3 curse technique, it becomes a tool of surgical destruction, uniquely suited to Nanami’s personality and fighting philosophy.
It reflects not only his efficiency as a sorcerer, but also his quiet rebellion against chaos, emotion, and irrationality. While others scream and struggle, Nanami walks forward with a blade in hand and a plan in mind.
In the end, Nanami’s cleaver isn’t just a weapon—it’s the perfect extension of who he is: calculated, composed, and unwavering in the face of madness.
