Board Thread:General Discussion/@comment-24347120-20140119174406/@comment-11051098-20150818225539

He had a regular sword when he met Bazz and continued to use it over the 5 years they trained together since he couldn't make a Spirit Weapon. The sword resembles the one he has now, it could still be the same, meaning he still can't absorb and manipulate Reishi.

The Balance could work in another way as well, additionally, since by swapping powers with Yhwach at night, he kinda becomes Yhwach's "balance" by looking after his powers while Yhwach sleeps.