Quote Originally Posted by Anonymoose View Post
Ame-no-Habakiri is all but assuredly a magicked sword, though I question whether a normal Garlean could bring out its potential. If a Garlean could make use of enchanted items, would their aetherial limitations be such a major obstacle? They'd theoretically only need to conquer one aetherially-adept culture and force them to churn out magicked equipment for them to harness. Though, in 1.0, when Darnus channeled magicks through Bradamante, the VIIth was flabbergasted.
While possible, I see this more of an example of a combination of ignorance and arrogance than definitive proof that Garleans can't utilized enchanted items. Few in the Empire even believe that savages would be capable of creating such items - and for those in the know, why would they bother with these trinkets when Garlean technology can provide all the benefits and more? It wouldn't be the first time in history that a belligerent nation has turned away a technological advantage due to prejudice and racism.

Zenos, on the other hand, is a bit more pragmatic when it comes to magical items (at least, when they are katana), and has no pride issues about using their magic in combat.

As for why so many swords, Yoshida addressed this in a LIVE Letter not too long ago. Zenos gained an appreciation for the katana while fighting in the eastern theatre. However, real katanas in actual combat degrade very quickly. Zenos carries several katanas so he can endure prolonged combat; when a sword dulls or breaks, he tosses it aside and takes up another. He also joked that the multi-scabbard is designed primarily to look cool but maybe there's a little switch Zenos flicks to make it spin.
While Zenos wields katana because he thinks they're neat, it's also stated that he's a COLLECTOR of rare and interesting katana. While he carries several at once, each katana does have special properties that he makes use of in combat. While he no doubt like to have several at hand so that he's never without a weapon when his katana breaks, I don't doubt that he also likes to stock a variety of katana with different effects for different situations.

And yes, everything is better with spinning!