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What is a Tanto knife
Tanto knives are one of the most easily recognizable blade types because they have an almost non-continuous edge. This means that there will be two cutting planes instead of a flat or curved belly like with most pocket knife blades, making them easier for you to spot.
The tanto knife is an ancient Japanese weapon that has been used for centuries. This type of blade features a sharp point on one side and draws lines out from its handle before making changes in direction, which creates a striking appearance as well as a durable cutting edge.
The most recognizable feature about these form-fitting knives comes from how it's shaped: With such a strong leading edge you can be sure they'll cut anything upfront their way with ease. This makes a statement as both a striking look and performance.
Tanto Knife History
In the 12th century, a Japanese warrior named division was inspired by his sword's shape to create an innovation that would eventually become one of Earth’s most popular cutlery pieces.
The katana was designed with a distinctive oval hilt and blade — which are referred to as "tofu-shapes" because they're so simple.
The popularity has increased since then... but not without controversy: some say these knives carry negative connotations due to their association with violence in Japan during its warring periods.
In those days, samurai carried two swords for combat. One long and one short; the latter was known as a tantō (which translates to "short sword" or "dagger").
The tantō blade is a type of knife that samurai warriors used in place of their katanas. The fixed blade wielded by a Samurai had an edge and curve near the tip like some straight back pocket knives, but it also maintained its sharpness longer than normal blades.
The Texas-based knife manufacturer Cold Steel is often credited with introducing the sharp angle into the blade belly, sometimes referred to as an American tanto blade. It's this shape that you're most likely to find in modern pocket knives - not the Samurai version which was popularized by Japanese sword makers centuries ago.
The Reasons You Need A Tanto Knife
The tantō has been a staple of the Japanese warrior for centuries, and Cold Steel's version is no different. The shape became popularized as an everyday carry object in recent years alongside its tactical use.
Samurais used them specifically to fight nearby enemies with close-quarters combat capabilities like fixed blade knives or swords while avoiding being hit themselves without having any room left over on their own side where an opponent could easily attack from before closing distance again after delivering strikes straight down into enemy defenses.
The smaller the tantos, the more features that make them just as useful. This breed has strong points which can puncture or penetrate meat with relative ease while still maintaining their broader shape making it easier to cut through skin without applying too much pressure on your blade
The tanto shape is excellent for poking through armor, but you might find its use in getting into plastic clamshell packaging or adding an extra hole to a leather belt. While some criticized the knife's blade as being too small and imprecise when slicing tasks like tomatoes (and other fruits), well-made knives can still get those jobs done.
After all, the tanto trend is the result of the shape's most readily apparent difference: its shape. That angular blade just looks cool, plain, and simple.
A pocket knife you plan to carry every day should be useful, sure, but it should also look good enough that you'll actually want it in your pocket. There's nothing wrong with having a piece of history in your pocket to show off to friends, either.
The Best Tanto Knife Selection 2022
Best Tanto, Folding Blade Knife
Benchmade - Bailout 537, EDC Tactical Folding Knife, Tanto Blade
The Benchmade Bailout is a tough, reliable folder that you can take on any adventure. It's designed with an EDC in mind but it will work just as well if your next deployment - this premium version of the knife has low-profile milled aluminum handles and features their Axis locking mechanism for added durability. With its gray finish CPM-M4T Tanto blade paired with Grivory handles and aluminum pommel, there are definitely some qualities about these knives worth getting excited over, they're both really handsome pieces while still being highly practical too.
Best Tanto, Fixed Blade Knife
Cold Steel Nightfall Series Premium Fixed Blade Knife with Sheath
Cold Steel is a company that has been introducing new materials and designs to the world of knives, edging weapons & tools since its inception decades ago. From Kraton handles with checkered patterns for increased grip strength or Tanto blades inspired by ancient Japanese blade steel types. Coldsteel continues bringing innovation into what it means today when thinking about quality outdoor gear.
Cold Steel Recon 1 Series Tactical Folding Knife with Tri-Ad Lock and Pocket Clip
The Recon 1 is an exceptional knife for military and law enforcement personnel, fire crews, or people that work in harsh conditions. This tanto blade has been designed to perform even the toughest jobs while being able to hold its edge under pressure; It's made out of CPM-S35VN steel which means it can handle anything you throw at them - including razor sharpness.
Andrew Demko's famous TriAd lock has been proven to be the toughest and most durable mechanism in modern knife making.
It also provides unparalleled protection for your fingers with its tough G-10 handle material that is designed so you can have an unrivaled grip no matter what conditions or situations arise.
SOG Kiku XR LTE - Blackout
The Kiku XR is an all-new, high-performance everyday carry knife that was developed in collaboration between SOG’s Studies and Observation Group (SOG++) as well as Japanese designer Kiku Matsuda.
Last year the Lynnwood label opted to give this compact cutter some major updates: they equipped it with carbon fiber liners & cryogenically heat-treated CTSXHP Tanto blade for instance which has received a completely blacked-out finish like its Micarta scales too! This model also features one of their patented "X ribbons.
Best Budget Tanto, Folding Blade
Kershaw Shuffle II
The Shuffle II Olive is a lightweight tactical knife with an Isonite 8Cr13MoV stainless steel blade. It features both practical and aesthetically pleasing design elements such as the reversible pocket clip, a handy bottle opener on either side of its handle, a lanyard hole if you want to wear it around your neck while working outdoors, etc., dual thumb studs for easy opening without having worry about accidentally cutting yourself when manually pulling back some edged weapon from attacker's grasp - also making this great choice whether right-handed consensual grip will be used during a combat situation.
Best Budget Tanto, Fixed Blade
Cold Steel Recon Tanto Fixed Blade Knife with Sheath
The "Recon Tanto" is a knife that's been Refined and Derived through our pioneering research. The blade shape was developed to have greater merit than other styles, which has seen active military application in numerous conflicts worldwide - it’s on its way to becoming preferred by special units for elite tactical teams like SWAT too!
This model features a 7-inch stainless steel core with a rough-textured black finish coupled together by a 4 3/4 inches wooden handle; weighing around 9 ounces total weight (without sheath).
Kershaw USA Tactical Blur Black Tanto Sandvik Assisted Opening Knife
Kershaw's Ken Onion Blur series is designed for daily use and comes with a variety of blade options. The handles are made from lightweight aluminum, while the 13C26 stainless steel blades offer strength in both corrosion resistance as well as being easy to sharpen if needed due to its rough surface treatment called Trac-Tec that provides non-slip traction even when wet or slippery conditions exist outside allowing you have extra control during your task at hand without worrying about losing hold on what matters most - which means safety!
CIVIVI Brazen Folding Pocket Knife,3.5-Inch Tanto D2 Plain Blade
The CIVIVI Knife is a perfect gift for the outdoor enthusiast in your life. With its sleek design and reliable blade, it will be hard not to fall head over heels with this knife tool! The handle features textured G-10 material that provides an excellent grip while being lightweight enough so as not to add any unnecessary bulk during use or carry on their person all day long - which makes them ideal whether they're right-handed/left side.
Cool flat grind knife with gray stonewashed or black finish, Tanto blade of around 3.5" length and 4 1/2 "handle length; 7-8 inches total handle span when open (stays Fixed). The Heavy duty caged ball bearing system allows the dual thumb studs flipper opener on this tool for easy deployment.
Kershaw Random Leek, Blackwash, 3-inch Sandvik 14C28N Stainless Steel Blade, SpeedSafe Opening, Reverse Tanto
The Leek is a versatile kitchen knife that can be used for anything from chopping vegetables and meat to slicing through garlic. It has a 3-inch blade made with Sandvik 14C28N steel, one of the highest-performing types on earth! The blackwash finish gives this product its own unique look while also helping hide any scratches you might end up developing over time as well.
Gerber introduced their new Reverse Tanto blade shape which adds durability and provides users with an angle not found in other models on the market today.
This change also gives you better control when opening cuts or tasks requiring precision because of this unique design feature as well as giving your hands less fatigue from excessive use throughout various activities such as camping trips where there could potentially be lots going wrong.
CRKT M16-10KSF EDC Folding Pocket Knife: Special Forces Everyday Carry, Black Serrated Edge Blade, Tanto, Frame Lock, Dual Hilt, Stainless Steel Handle, Reversible Pocket Clip
The Brute Strength frame lock is designed with thick locks to secure the blade and cut through fibrous materials easily. Triple Point serrations make cutting hard-to-look for plants a breeze, while enhanced protection from corrosion keeps your tool protected longer than ever before.
Kit Carson in Vine Grove, Kentucky, and CKRT offer this American-made design and produced Tanto knife at an unbeatable price.
Case xx Kinzua 64663 Frame Lock Blue Aluminum S35VN Stainless Pocket Knife Knives
The folding knife is made of S35vn stainless steel and has an aluminum handle. The blade measures 4 3/4 inches when closed or 7 1/2 inches open, giving you plenty to work with! It's lightweight yet durable making it perfect for everyday carry (EDC). This USA-made cutlery product weighs just over three ounces so don't worry about its size.
KA1245-BRK Black Tanto
You'll be ready for any occasion with this combat knife. The thick pointed blade is ideal if you want the bluntness of an ax or tomahawk, but need something that can get in tight spaces and make precise cuts on hard objects such as bones!
MADSABRE Handmade Custom Classic Japan Samurai Tanto Fixed Blade Katana 268 Floors Damascus VG10 Steel Outdoor
We all know that Japanese craftsmen are masters at producing some of the most beautifully designed and high-quality products out there, including knives. This particular type is a bit different from what you might expect because it has both VG10 steel blade core with 60 HRC heat treatment on each side for excellent wear resistance as well as a D2 involving Damascus patterned after filed down layers instead of Damascus metal itself which gives them their beautiful shine.
The high-end rosewood handle is designed for comfort and durability. The delicate nature of the wood creates an enjoyable holding, while also lasting longer than other materials like plastic or metal for long-term use and a leather sheath for easy carrying.
FAQs
What is a tanto knife good for?
A tanto knife is typically used for slicing and piercing and excels at close-quarters combat. The sharply angled edge of the blade allows for deep, precise cuts, while the pointed tip is ideal for puncturing or jabbing. This type of knife is often used by military and law enforcement personnel, as well as by outdoor enthusiasts and hunters.
While a tanto knife can be used for everyday tasks such as opening boxes or cutting rope, it truly shines in self-defense situations. The robust blade can easily penetrate leather and denim, making it an excellent choice for fending off an attacker. Additionally, the compact size of the tanto knife makes it easy to carry and conceal, giving you the element of surprise.
Are tanto knives practical?
Tanto knives are a type of Japanese knife that is characterized by their short, broad blade. These knives were originally designed for stabbing, and their unique shape makes them ideal for piercing through armor. While they are not as common as other types of knives, tanto knives can be very practical in certain situations.
One of the main benefits of tanto knives is their durability. The short, thick blade ensures that the knife can withstand a lot of abuse without breaking. This makes them ideal for tactical and survival situations, where a reliable knife is essential. Additionally, the sharp point on the end of the blade can be used for purposes such as opening cans or puncturing through thick materials.
Is a tanto blade good for everyday carry?
Tanto blades are great for everyday carry because they are so versatile. You can use them for everything from self-defense to opening boxes and cutting cords. They are also relatively compact, making them easy to carry around with you. Plus, the pointed tip is great for penetrative attacks making them popular as tactical knives.
Is a tanto blade good for self-defense?
A tanto blade is good for self-defense because it is a stiff, strong blade that can deliver powerful thrusts. The tanto blade shape also makes it effective for stabbing and piercing an opponent.
Why do people like tanto blades?
People like tantō blades because they are designed for stabbing and thrusting rather than slashing. The tanto blade is thicker than other blades, which makes it more durable and allows for a stronger thrust. Additionally, the point of the tanto blade is very sharp, making it ideal for piercing through tough materials.
Are tanto blades hard to sharpen?
As with most knives, the angle you sharpen a tanto blade at will determined how easy or difficult it is to sharpen. A tanto blade has a very sharp point, so you'll want to be careful not to damage the blade while sharpening.
Generally speaking, most people find that a tanto blade can be challenging to sharpen. However, with a little practice and patience, it's certainly doable. If you're having trouble getting a good edge on your tanto blade, we recommend seeking out a professional knife sharpener. They'll have the experience and tools necessary to get your knife razor-sharp in no time.
What did samurai use tanto for?
The tanto (short swords) was the most common weapon among the samurai class of medieval Japan. The tanto was used in close-quarters combat, and usually had a sharp point for thrusting. The tanto was also sometimes used for ritual seppuku (suicide).
What is reverse tanto?
A reverse tanto is a type of blade that is sharply pointed and curves towards the spine of the knife. The term "reverse tanto" is used because this type of blade is typically seen in Japanese knives, where the traditional tanto blade shape is more common.
The defining feature of reverse tanto blade knives is the curve along the spine which allows for better control and precision when slicing. Additionally, this curve also creates a strong point that can withstand more force than a standard straight edge. As a result, reverse tantos are popular among hunters and outdoorsmen who need a reliable knife that can handle heavy-duty tasks.
What is the difference between a wakizashi and a tanto?
A wakizashi is a Japanese sword with a blade length between 30 and 60 cm, while a tanto is a Japanese sword with a blade length of less than 30 cm. Both swords were traditionally worn by samurai as part of their standard equipment. The main difference between the two types of swords is their size; a wakizashi is larger and thus more suited for general use, while a tanto is smaller and better suited for thrusting or close-quarters combat.
What blade is used for seppuku?
The blade used for seppuku is typically a short, single-edged sword called a tanto. A tanto is different from a regular sword in that it has a shorter blade and is more usable in close quarters. The blade is also sharpened on only one side, making it ideal for plunging into the stomach. Seppuku was once the customary way for samurai to die with honor, and even today it remains an important part of Japanese culture.
What does a clip-point knife mean?
Clip point knives are designed with a concave clip that curves inward towards the blade's sharpened edge. This gives the knife a narrower point, which makes it better for delicate or intricate cuts. The clip point blade is also useful for piercing through materials as the point is more resistant to breaking than some of the other blade shapes.
