Zanpaku-to Description

• As a general rule, most zanpaku-to weapons in the "Bleach" world appear like regular samurai katanas in their dormant form. The exception to this rule is with the series' main character, Ichigo, whose zanpaku-to is taller than he is and features no hilt. In this basic zanpaku-to state, the weapons can be used to duel as regular swords, cutting both physical objects as well as injuring spiritual beings such as demons, souls and ghosts. Like a samurai's katana, each zanpaku-to is different even in its dormant stage, but they feature no special magical powers at this point.
  
  

Shikai Description

• Shikai is the second stage of the zanpaku-to's evolution into a powerful supernatural weapon. The word means "first release," as it is the first time the wielder of the weapon has to perform any tasks or say any words to get it to transform. When in shikai form, the zanpaku-to often takes on a weapon far more powerful and different from its simple katana appearance, such as a saw, a whip or millions of tiny little blades. A weapon in the shikai stage also features supernatural powers such as creating illusions, defending against other magic or blowing an enemy away with energy blasts.
  
  

Releasing Shikai

• Learning to release a shikai seems simple enough: the wielder needs only to learn the zanpaku-to's true name. However, some shinigami, or warriors who carry these weapons, may never discover this name. The path to discovery involves years of training and working with the zanpaku-to, connecting the shingami's spiritual energy to that of the weapon to form a true bond. Once the shingami has learned the weapon's true name, releasing the shikai form is as simple as a brief incantation that features the name. The incantation for each shikai is different, and are often one word commands, such as "sprint," "grow" or "scatter," followed by the weapon's true name.
  
  

Beyond Shikai

• After the shingami has learned the shikai form, there is a final stage in completely zanpaku-to mastery: bankai. The bankai (meaning "all release") form is the most powerful, and takes only the incantation "bankai" to make it work. However, the spiritual mastery and control needed to start the bankai release is so high that only the strongest of warriors every achieve this state.