Inosuke’s dual swords are one of his most recognizable features besides his boar mask. But why does Inosuke chip his swords?
Inosuke likes to chip his swords because it gives him extra damage. He said it feels like being “sliced by a thousand blades” as the sword tears inside and out of an opponent.
Every demon slayer has their own specialties, and Inosuke’s weapons are no exception.
Tanjiro Notices Inosuke And His Chip Swords
During the Tsuzumi Mansion Arc, also known as the Drum House Arc, Inosuke met up with Tanjiro and Zenitsu. He was hostile at first, and attacked Tanjiro on sight. Tanjiro took notice of Inosuke’s dual blades.
Getting sliced by one of my blades is going to really hurt! This isn’t a blade that can be used by little children. It can make the person that was sliced experience the feeling of being sliced by a thousand blades!
Inosuke to Tanjiro | Chapter #22
We know that Inosuke obtained his dual blades from low-level demon hunters he beat up while exploring around. It is unknown when exactly he chipped his swords. He must have done it really early on if he had them chipped during the final selection.
It’s likely that Inosuke also likes to alter his swords out of a sense of style. He’s rugged on the outside, and having imperfect swords that don’t match the artistic gleam of other demon slayers fits his outgoing and individualistic personality.
Throughout the Drum House Arc and others, Inosuke is always on the forefront of each fight. He gets considerably more screen time during fights than Zenitsu does. Inosuke usually acts as a capable number 2 fighter alongside a more refined demon slayer.
All in all, the real reason that Inosuke likes to chip his swords is for the extra damage. He says it feels like “being sliced by a thousand blades” as the chipped grooves rip through an opponent.