List of Wazamono

[1][3][2] The katana forged by Nagasone Kotetsu, one of the top-rated swordsmiths, became very popular at the time when the books were published, and many counterfeits were made.

The reasons are thought to be that Yamada was afraid of challenging the authority of the shōgun, that he could not use precious swords possessed by the daimyō in the examination, and that he was considerate of the legend of Muramasa's curse.

The original list of 12 swordsmiths who, based on the cutting ability of their blades, hold the highest rank of Saijō Ōwazamono (Supreme Grade): In the reprinted edition released in 1805 as well as the major revised edition of 1830, the three swordsmiths Soboro Sukehiro (ソボロ助広), Osafune Kagemitsu (長船景光), and Izuminokami Kanesada (和泉守兼定 = Kanesada II) were added to the list.

[2][7] The original list of 21 swordsmiths who, based on the cutting ability of their blades, hold the second-highest rank of Ōwazamono (Excellent Grade): The original list of 50 swordsmiths who, based on the cutting ability of their blades, hold the third-highest rank of Yokiwazamono (Very Good Grade), alternatively pronounced Ryōwazamono (modern reading): The original list of 80 swordsmiths who, based on the cutting ability of their blades, hold the third-highest rank of Wazamono (Good Grade): The following is the category of sword makers who, per the aforementioned listings, produced a mixture of quality: Ōwazamono, Yoki-/Ryōwazamono, or Wazamono.

A total of 65 swordsmiths belong to this category: In the hit manga One Piece, so-called meitō (名刀, "famous swords/blades") are prominently featured: bladed weapons (usually but not strictly swords) forged by master craftsmen and wielded by powerful pirates and marines alike.