User blog comment:Xilinoc/Ch. 606 - DIVINE DIVISION/@comment-2120712-20141119143657/@comment-24153155-20141119230031

Hmmm... not so sure if I would agree with you when it comes to the RGs zanpakuto being reforged once upon a time. I think there might be two explanations why none of the RGs zanpakuto (except for Nimaiya's, and when it comes to him I am actually not even sure if he owns ONE zanpakuto, in a fashion (most) other shinigami do) resemble a katana, although there might be some loopholes.

1. Time-wise. It could be that except for Nimaiya, the other RG Captains were Seireitei Captains in a time prior to the Samurai period (which is of course what the entire Soul Society/Seireitei is based upon). Metallurgy, new agricultural techniques (improving rice farming), onsen and Buddhism were all introduced in the same period in Japanese history, and any pre-katana didn't really have the same "qualities" as the katana modeled in Bleach/history. I have more problems placing Shutara somewhere, as I do know the different types of kimono and stuff, but I don't really know how to connect weaving to strength as such. However, the loop hole is that it is known that Hikifune joined the RG some 100 years ago. Therefore, it would be almost logical that Hikifune did own a katana-like zanpakuto at some point. I like this theory because it explains why they are strong and therefore rightful Captains of the 0th Division: each of them are the true inventors of their specializations.

2. They all owned zanpakuto to begin with (however, Ichibei might not have had one as he is a monk, but he might be a "fallen monk"). Perhaps due to the Reishi present in the Royal Realms, any of their zanpakuto is in some sort of Shikai release, which resembles their powers like it more or less does for anyone having attained Shikai.

I love the concept of the RG, as it must be the strongest of its kind: Each of its Captains represent the true nature of any skills a high-level shinigami must possess.