One Piece: 10 Historical Weapons That Inspired Iconic Items

Overview of Unique Weapons in One Piece

Many weapons featured in One Piece draw inspiration from real historical artifacts from various cultures.
Famed characters such as Ulti, Whitebeard, and Yamato showcase these weaponry with distinctive designs during battles.
Notable examples include the Morning Star, Naginata, and Kanabo, each rooted in different eras and regions.

When discussing One Piece, the conversation often veers towards the mesmerizing powers of Devil Fruits. These fruits offer an array of fantastical abilities, from transforming inanimate objects into delectable treats to harnessing the elements to create devastating natural disasters.

Yet, nestled within this rich narrative is a remarkably vast ranging selection of weapons, many of which are based on real historical counterparts. While some weapons, like the laser beams of the Pacifista, exist purely in fiction, others closely resemble actual implements of war, including firearms and classical swords. This article delves deep into the weapons in One Piece that are inspired by historical design, offering an engaging exploration of unusual and obscure weaponry developed by previous civilizations across the globe.

10. Morning Star

An Iconic 14th-Century Weapon from Germany

Weapon’s User: Ulti
Affiliation: Beasts Pirates
First Appearance: Chapter 977

The Morning Star is a formidable bludgeoning weapon, consisting of a shaft linked to a spiked steel ball. Originating in 14th-century Germany, known as the Morgenstern, this weapon’s unique construction enables its user to deliver devastating blunt-force impacts along with cutting wounds.

Within the world of One Piece, Ulti, a member of Kaido’s elite squad, effectively wields this weapon, demonstrating considerable expertise during her encounters, particularly against Yamato. However, her preference leans towards utilizing her dinosaur form’s brute strength over the Morning Star.

9. Naginata

A Traditional Japanese Weapon from the Heian Period

Weapon’s User: Edward “Whitebeard” Newgate
Affiliation: Whitebeard Pirates
First Appearance: Chapter 234

The Naginata is characterized by a long pole with a curved blade, colored as a spear with an elegant edge. This weapon was favored by samurai and foot soldiers during Japan’s historic wars, making sweeping movements and thrusting attacks effective against cavalry.

In One Piece, various characters wield Naginata-style weapons, but Whitebeard stands out as the most iconic user, carrying one of the rare 12 Supreme Grade Blades known as Murakumogiri.

8. Hemp

A Device Frequently Employed in Feudal Japan

Weapon’s User: Yamato
Affiliation: Ninja-Pirate-Mink-Samurai Alliance
First Appearance: Chapter 971

The Kanabo is a hefty club crafted typically from wood or iron, featuring spikes or studs that enhance its ability to deliver destructive blows. Often employed by armored samurai and warrior monks during feudal Japan, the Kanabo also holds a significant place in Japanese mythology as a favored weapon of the Oni yokai.

In One Piece, Yamato and her father, Kaidou, the Thousand Beast, share a preference for the Kanabo. Despite not matching Kaidou’s immense stature, Yamato demonstrates devastating skill with her weapon, particularly when embodying traditional Oni elements as she does in her encounter with Ulti.

7. Kusari-fundo

A Japanese Weapon from the Nanbokucho Period

Weapon’s User: Zeo
Affiliation: New Fish-Man Pirates
First Appearance: Chapter 611

The Kusari-fundo features metal chains with weighted ends, frequently used by ninjas and law enforcement during the Nanbokucho period in Japan. This weapon effectively captures foes or restricts their movements while permitting skilled users to deliver blunt strikes.

In One Piece, Zeo, a high-ranking officer in the New Fish-Man Pirates, uses the Kusari-fundo to skillfully attack enemies after disappearing from their sight, a tactic that showcases his unique camouflage ability.

6. Khakhara

A Staff Traditionally Employed by Buddhist Monks

Weapon’s User: Kumadori
Affiliation: CP0
First Appearance: Chapter 375

The Khakkhara, a staff looped with metal rings, served as a way for Buddhist monks to announce their presence. Its inception in India enabled its spread throughout other Buddhist nations, including China and Japan, where monks of the Shaolin temple adopted it for self-defense.

In One Piece, Kumadori wields a simplified version of the Khakkhara, transforming the weapon into a lethal thrusting device capable of penetrating opponents with ease.

5. Lance

A Popular Weapon Among Late Middle Ages Knights

Weapon’s User: Shura
Affiliation: God’s Army
First Appearance: Chapter 241

The Lance is a long spear utilized by knights for mounted combat in the late Middle Ages. This weapon was engineered for high-impact assaults, leveraging the knight’s momentum to deliver potentially crippling blows through enemy armor.

In One Piece, Shura employs a lance while mounted on his giant bird, Fuze, reflecting the classic style of medieval combat as he charges into battle. Notably, his lance incorporates a heat dial, imparting fiery attributes to its thrusts during conflict.

4. Kukri

A 7th-Century Blade from the Indian Subcontinent

Weapon’s User: Helmeppo
Affiliation: Marines
First Appearance: Chapter 3

The Kukri is a traditional short sword boasting a distinctive recurve blade, originating in 7th-century India and Nepal. Deployed by Nepali soldiers, this versatile knife is integral for various tasks, including farming and hunting.

In One Piece, Helmeppo, a lieutenant commander of the Marines, wields a Kukri resembling a sword’s size rather than its classic form, showcasing his impressive combat skills, especially when paired with Armament Haki and his agility.

3. Shotel

An Ancient Weapon from Ethiopia Dating Back to 700 BC

Weapon’s User: Jack
Affiliation: Beasts Pirates
First Appearance: Chapter 801

The Shotel features a uniquely curved blade and can be traced back to around 700 BC in Ethiopia. Its distinct curves lend it versatility for both mounted and ground forces.

Jack, a notable executive in the Beast Pirates, expertly wields two Shotels. His version of this weapon features a more extreme curvature, distinguishing it from its historical counterpart.

2. Urumi

A Unique Weapon from India During the Sangam Period

Weapon’s User: Diamante
Affiliation: Donquixote Pirates
First Appearance: Chapter 700

The Urumi is an exceptional type of sword originating from India, renowned for its long, flexible blade reminiscent of a whip. Its adaptability enables its wielder to strike swiftly and effectively, overcoming the challenges posed by its fragility.

In One Piece, Diamante employs an Urumi-like sword, although due to his unique Devil Fruit power, the blade lacks the typical durability associated with traditional Urumis while mimicking their speed and flexibility.

1. Chakram

An Ancient Weapon from India Dating Back to the 5th Century BCE

Weapon’s User: Jango
Affiliation: Marines
First Appearance: Chapter 25

The Chakram is a unique throwing weapon whose origins date back to 5th-century BCE India. This circular blade design allows it to be thrown with skill akin to a Frisbee, maintaining its sharp edge while traveling extensive distances.

In One Piece, Jango, a former pirate turned Marine, creatively employs the Chakram, utilizing it not only as a weapon but as a pendulum for hypnosis. In combat, he exhibits remarkable proficiency, able to throw it with enough force to easily slice through wood and engage in close-quarters combat effectively.

This exploration of One Piece‘s diverse array of weapons only scratches the surface of the rich historical inspiration woven into the series, revealing a fascinating world filled with intriguing blends of fantasy and reality.

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