I think that the comment about Shinji's sword being completely unmagical and ordinary, but still cutting things really, really well, is a reference to "Guards, Guards" by Terry Pratchett. I think it's how Carrot Ironfoundersson's sword is described.
Ebony the Black Dragon
http://ebony14.livejournal.com
"Good night, and may the Good Lord take a Viking to you."
Ebony the Black Dragon
http://ebony14.livejournal.com
"Good night, and may the Good Lord take a Viking to you."