In the world of "Rurouni Kenshin," Kenshin's blade is reversed or backwards to reflect his character's personal philosophy and moral transformation. Himura Kenshin, the protagonist of the series, was once an assassin who earned the nickname "Battosai the Manslayer" for his lethal swordsmanship skills.

After witnessing the horrors and consequences of his actions, Kenshin vowed never to kill again and dedicated his life to atoning for his past sins. The reversed blade, known as the sakabato, is a symbolic representation of Kenshin's commitment to non-lethal combat and his desire to protect and save lives instead of taking them.

By using the sakabato, Kenshin is able to fight without the fear of inadvertently killing his opponents. The blade's reversed edge reduces the risk of causing fatal wounds while still allowing him to engage in combat. It serves as a constant reminder to Kenshin of his past and the responsibility he feels to use his skills to protect and bring about justice without resorting to lethal force.

Overall, the backwards blade reflects the central theme of redemption, pacifism, and Kenshin's journey towards finding a peaceful resolution to conflicts, even in a world dominated by violence.