In a world where demons lurk at every corner and darkness reigns supreme, it is essential for every Demon Slayer to have a powerful weapon that would allow them to combat these threats. Most of the characters prefer to carry a Nichirin sword since they constantly absorb sunlight and decapitating a demon with them would permanently kill it. 

Today, we analyze and compare a few such Nichirin swords with respect to different categories to find The Strongest Blade in Demon Slayer.

Yoriichi Tsugikuni (Black Nichirin Katana)

Wielder

The Black Nichirin Katana was held by the first ever Demon Slayer in history, Yoriichi Tsugikuni. The strongest Demon Slayer ever known, he was not only infamous for his strength and abilities, but also for his innate swordsmanship talent. At the age of just seven, this prodigal fighter was able to defeat a trained sword instructor, even though it was his first time wielding a sword. 

Over the years, numerous demons turned to ash at the blade of Yoriichi’s feared Black Sword and even after his death, he was widely considered the most skilled swordsman of all time. 

Appearance

Although Yoriichi’s sword is carved of black ore, it turns red during battle due to his rare skill set. The katana also has the word ‘Slay’ engraved on the blade’s side. As far as minor details go, the weapon has a circular black handguard with four subtle inward curves whose border is golden.

Abilities

The skills of a sword depend on the wielder and it is no different in the world of Demon Slayer. A normal regular blade, the Black Sword turned into a weapon of mass destruction in the hands of the First Hashira, Yoriichi. Infused with his energy, the blade would become one with him and then God help anyone who stood in his way.

Kyojuro Rengoku (Standard Red Nichirin Katana)

Wielder

The user of the Red Nichirin Sword is none other than the fan favourite Rengoku, the late Flame Hashira. One of the greatest swordsmen in the entire anime, his strength and skills made him an unbeatable force for almost every demon that stood in his path. 

His sword would turn red due to his ability to increase the temperature of the weapon and on many an occasion, a demon’s last image would be a lightning red strike before it turned to ash. 

Appearance

Rengoku’s Nichirin Blade is made of scarlet ore and has ‘Destroyer of Demons’ engraved on its side. Moreover, it also has a unique pattern: a long flame going along the length of the blade on either side. The shape of a flame is also adapted for the sword’s handguard. Lastly, the handle itself is white in colour with orange hues.

Abilities

It is said that a single strike from his blade can make his opponent’s body explode into cinders. As a master of the Breath of Flames technique, his abilities go hand in hand with his sword and even after his death, the katana is still able to retain immense power despite being broken by an upper rank demon.

Mitsuri Kanroji (Whip Nichirin Katana)

Wielder

If you ever thought the Love Hashira does not use weapons, Mitsuri would prove you wrong with her Dark Pink Nichirin Sword, also known as the Whip Sword. 

As the name may tell you, it is more like a whip than a blade and bends backwards dangerously after every move, making it almost impossible for anyone besides Mitsuri to use it. This serves as a testament to her unbelievable skill and flexibility. 

Appearance

Going with the theme of Love Breathing techniques, her sword’s blade is pink in colour and has the Hashira mark of ‘Destroyer of Demons’ engraved on its side. Its handle is sea-green and has pink hearts across its length, which end at a pink edge. The handguard for Kanroji’s sword is shaped like a four-leaf clover, which is generally considered a sign of good luck.

Abilities

Since it is able to act as a whip as well, its damage range is greatly increased in comparison to a regular katana used by the other swordmasters. Due to its complexity, only the Love Hashira is able to use it for combat effectively.

Obanai Iguro (Twisted Nichirin Katana)

Wielder

Obanai Iguro’s Twisted Sword is quite unique. He uses a sword design that not only incorporates his Serpent Breathing, but also incorporates the importance of his pet snake in combat, making him a formidable opponent. 

Appearance

Obanai’s Twisted Katana is quite unorthodox, as far as sword designs go. The sword’s lavender blade is twisted in a wave-like formation, making it look similar to a snake’s body. It also has the “Destroyer of Demons’’ phrase engraved on its blade. The handguard of Obanai’s sword also features two snakes, along with several plant-shaped symbols. 

Plus, the handle has simple twisted stripes, similar to Mitsuri’s sword handle in the colour scheme. Moreover, due to the complex shape, Iguro can’t just slide this wavy sword into a cover sheath. So, he uses a leather sheath instead, which uses a magnetic hinge to open up and allows him to store the sword vertically.

Abilities

As far as Obanai’s Twisted Blade goes, its unique design allows the Serpent Hashira to use it in many unpredictable ways, making it much harder to dodge than a normal sword. He is able to use numerous combos that catch enemies off guard and allow him to slay demons much more efficiently.

Gyomei Himejima (Nichirin Spiked Flail and Axe)

Wielder

Last but not the least, Gyomei Himejima’s Spiked Flail and Axe is truly a thing of beauty. Although he is blind, Gyomei opted for something a lot more heavy and advanced than a simple katana. 

The chain allows him to sense the enemy’s moves and position and the weapon perfectly compliments his fighting style as well. No wonder he is considered as the strongest Hashira in the Demon Corps. 

Appearances

The Stone Hashira uses a large axe chained to a heavy flail. Both of them are forged of the same material as a Nichirin sword although some say that it may be superior to a regular katana. In case you are wondering, the Hashira mark is etched on the hilt of Himejima’s axe.

Abilities

Such is the strength of Gyomei’s Spiked Flail and Axe that not even Kokushibo’s demonic sword was able to cut through its chain. This special weapon allows the blind Gyomei to see his opponent and observe their moves, thus perfectly suiting the Stone Hashira for combat.

Conclusion

The award for the strongest sword in Demon Slayer has to go to none other than Yoriichi’s Black Sword. You have to feel bad for the other sword users since the First Hashira is just way too OP and it makes perfect sense that his weapon of choice would be the same as well. 

However, we have to give second place Gyomei’s Spiked Flail and Axe. Although it is not an actual blade, its ability to help the Stone Hashira to monitor his opponent’s movements and its pure strength in battle makes it a worthy runner up.