Modern-era knives are designed to be general-purpose. However, if you are looking for a sharp and powerful knife that can easily cut through tough surfaces and materials, a Tanto knife is the ideal solution for you. This knife does one thing only, and that is piercing through hard materials without any problem.
Diving into the details
So, what exactly is a Tanto knife? Well, a Tanto knife is a similar blade to Japanese long and short swords. Tanto blades were created for the purpose of piercing through armors during close combats. The best thing about this knife is that it comes with a high point with a flat grind. This specific attribute makes this knife perfect for piercing into hard materials with a strong point.
Another amazing thing about the construction of a Tanto knife is the added metal near the tip. This thick point allows for a higher level of shock absorption during contact, and the wielder can easily penetrate through tough surfaces without placing too much strain on the wrist. Moreover, this added metal near the tip enhances the thickness of the contact point, allowing for a durable weapon that will not break upon repeated stabbings and piercings.
The construction of a Tanto knife is also unique as compared to other blades on the market. This blade’s front edge is designed to meet the back at an angle instead of the traditional curve. Therefore, a Tanto knife may not be perfect for cutting or slicing something. Instead, this angle-oriented design offers more power to the wielder and a stronger tip for piercing.
What is a Tanto Knife used for?
The core purpose and intent behind the creation of a Tanto knife was assistance with close-quarters combat. This weapon was designed to serve as an ergonomic and lightweight yet durable armor-piercing knife. These blades were intended for combats in smaller areas and for piercing hard materials without too much hassle.
Since close-quarters combat is no longer true in modern-era battles, the core purpose of Tanto-styled knives has greatly shifted towards poking and dealing with boxes. Moreover, the chisel-shaped blade style also helps with scraping purposes, such as taking care of scraping stickers or labels from surfaces with extreme precision.
Modern users can also use this blade to take care of edges and round out different edges for different surfaces. It can also help clean out mortise on hinges, etc
Is a Tanto Blade good for survival?
Are you an outdoor enthusiast, or do you have a passion for exploring the enticing wilderness of our planet? Well, in that case, a Tanto knife will be ideal for survival in hostile conditions and environments.
The wide array of Tanto-styled blades come with a rich history and combat heritage. The thick and strengthened metal tips are perfect for drilling in the wilderness. It can be used to pierce into thick rocks and stones as well. The absence of a belly allows it to be a swift cutting tool for thick bushes and obstacles in your path.
On the other hand, the ergonomic handle and design combined with a swift and sharp blade offer a heightened security and defense level against any reptiles, animals, or other deadly beings in close quarters. Therefore, it is also preferred by hunters and outdoor adventurers for their wilderness trips and survival.
Coming back to the core purpose behind creating the blade, it is quite ideal for survival in battlegrounds, fight situations, and hand-to-hand combat scenarios. All it requires is a quick motion to sever the tendons of the enemy. Moreover, with enough pressure, the metal tip can also penetrate the strongest of human-made armors. Thus, it is a good blade for survival in a wide array of scenarios and environments.
While this blade may be ideal for wilderness, it is not suitable for skinning animals or preparing the meal. The lack of a belly results in negligible slicing prowess. This is why the majority of hunters keep a powerful secondary slicing blade with them. The Tanto knife can help with the survival part, and the secondary knife can help prepare the meals, slice the meat, or skin the animal in the wild.
What is the benefit of a Tanto Blade?
There is a reason behind the continuous popularity of Tanto-styled blades. Well, there is more than one reason behind the popularity of this blade. Many benefits go into making the Tanto blade into a powerful tool, from immense strength to chisel tip.
Immense Strength
One of the perks of preferring a Tanto blade rather than traditional blades is the immense strength that this blade brings to the table. The harmonious combination of a flat grind and a high Tanto point enables this blade to convert raw energy into sheer power with less force. This means that the wielder will have to employ a lesser amount of force to deliver a powerful blow than other counterparts in the market.
This immense strength also translates into superior poking, scraping, and piercing abilities for the blade. The wielders may have to repeatedly stab with powerful blows to use other knives to pierce anything rough or hard. However, a Tanto blade will get the job done in fewer stabbings and with lesser force.
Chisel Blade Point
The uniquely designed chisel tip with a thick layer of metal offers a heightened state of durability and power to this blade. The tip contains the highest metal concentration, which allows the users to utilize additional power during stabbing or piercing. Moreover, this higher level of concentrated metal around the tip also offers unparalleled durability compared to other knife options in the market.
It offers a specialized set of abilities in the wilderness as well as close-quarters combat. Along with the pommel on the opposite end, the thick metal tip makes for ergonomic design and a potent combat knife.
Higher Shock Absorption
If you have ever used a blade or a general-purpose knife, you must have noticed the strain on your wrist after continuous use. Well, that is not a problem with any Tanto blade. The pommel, the holding edge of the blade, is designed from steel and is tapered. Additionally, many useful and shock-absorbing materials are mixed in the pommel to offer higher shock absorption for any Tanto-styled knife.
This shock absorption quality allows the wielders to connect the blade with any surface several times without hurting the hand. Repeated stabbings do not break the blade and absorb shocks, therefore, allowing for a faster stabbing process.
Ease of Sharpening the Blade
Tanto blades are known for their ease of sharpening. These blades can be quickly sharpened with any stone or sharpening surface. Also, this sharpening process is faster and smoother as compared to other knives.
The lack of a curve or belly makes the process of sharpening an easier one, and the users can quickly sharpen the blade with a ceramic rod and strops. The blade also comes with secondary bevels, and the sharpened blades can last for a while before going blunt.
Classic Japanese Craftsmanship
Tanto blades were born as an inspiration from the classic Japanese blades, such as Katana. Therefore, these blades not only resemble a Katana in terms of shape but also offer a similar set of benefits as a Katana blade.
These blades also contain a sharp and swift barracuda tip for a quicker motion through the air. The blade point is also curve-less and offers a straight edge with the spine of the knife. These are designed to pack the same features as Japanese blades, but differ in terms of size and dimensions.
Related Questions
What is a Reverse Tanto Blade?
This is a relatively younger form of Tanto blades. When it comes to reverse Tanto blades, the front edge sweeps back into the spine rather than forward. Moreover, the front edge is also kept blunt on purpose, and it offers a balanced thickness throughout the spine of the blade.
Are there any drawbacks for Tanto Blades?
Yes, there are. While these blades are perfect for stabbing and piercing, the lack of belly and a curve impacts their slicing or skinning ability. This is why these blades may not be practical for skinning an animal during the hunting season. These blades have a specific set of purposes.
Are there different styles of Tanto Blades?
Yes, there are. The most common styles for Tanto blades are Shinogi, Hira, Kanmuri-Otoshi, Shobu, Unokubi, Moroha, Katakiriha, and Kubikiri. All of these differ in terms of shape, design, sharpness, and utility. When it comes to mounting, there are two distinct types of Tanot blades: Aikuchi and Hamidashi.
What Is The Bottom Line Here?
Tanto blades are ideal and practical due to the associated level of power, looks, and usefulness. These blades can offer more power with a lesser amount of force. Additionally, Tanto blades are durable, perfect for piercing, and ideal for survival in the wilderness.
The sharpening process is also easier and quicker than other knives and blades in the market. Combined with an ergonomic pommel and Japanese style, Tanto blades are ideal for adverse environments and unique purposes.