Aikido Tanto Knives

Let's take a quick look at some of the characteristics and history of the Tanto knife.

The Tanto is basically a Japanese short sword or dagger with a blade of varying length, anywhere from 5 to 12 inches, the traditional length being just under 12 inches(about 30cm). Blades that were bigger (13" to 14" inches) were referred to as ko-wakizashi, or "small short sword."

The original tanto weapon was designed as a single-edged blade with a curved shape, with angled grind from the edge to the tip being heavier and stronger than other blade styles.

It was used on soft targets as well as armor, and was thought to be a favorite weapon of the samurai, as it is extremely effective when used in close quarter fighting, and was a secondary weapon that was kept on him at all times.

Tanto styles and uses differ by blade shape. The best known are listed:

* Kaikan - short tanto with small guards, favored by women.
* Kissaki-moroha-zukuri - having a very long and sharp point (o-kissaki)
* Shobu-zukuri - with a blood groove and ridge line.
* Hira-zukuri - designed for slashing and piercing it has a flat, narrow and thick blade.
* Moroha - the infamous double edged tanto. Quite rare.

When used on the battlefield the main advantage of the tanto was it's ability to to go through the armor of an opponent in close quarter combat. Tantos with long, narrow blades and thick spines were best for this. The point was directed under or through the armor.

Traditionally tantos were carried in a wide cloth belt called an obi. It was positioned with the edge up and the handle turned to the right to facilitate a quick draw.

The tanto was often placed alongside the wakizashi (short sword) In Samurai homes. Samurai women were taught how to use the tanto to defend themselves or, if violated, to end their own lives.

Sharpening a tanto knife is a bit more difficult than sharpening almost any other knife. You have to keep in mind that tanto cutting edges have two separate angles.

The primary grind is the long straight cutting edge. The secondary grind is the smaller part of the blade that curves upward. When you sharpen a tanto knife, you have to adjust the angle accordingly for the two different grind styles.

Here are five of the reasons folks prefer tanto knives over others:

1. A thin yet extremely durable point.

Most knives have thin points. Although great for puncturing and stabbing, the knife can be somewhat vulnerable to breaking or cracking.

Bowie knives, daggers and talon point knives are a few examples of thin pointed knives that will break if misused enough. Tanto knives have a point that is thin enough to puncture or stab, yet is reinforced making it thick enough to withstand abuse.

2. Razor thin cutting edge.

Don't be fooled by the blade design. Tanto knives are made with a thick enough spines to withstand a lot of abuse, yet are hollow ground, which means that the thick spine tapers down to a razor sharp cutting edge.

3. Versatility

Can slice through leather, soft tissue, etc, and puncture armor, car hoods and even flak jackets while still keeping a good sharp tip and blade edge.

4. Awesome to look at.

You can find numerous blade lengths and handles, with a wide variety of stylish looks. There are also some cool looking butterfly tantos on the market.

5. Great for self protection.

Originally used by the samurai class men and women for protection. Today's tanto knife is easy to carry and conceal, making it excellent for self defense.

To Learn About Other Weapons Used In Aikido Visit This Site

Some of the more popular brands of tanto knives currently on the market are Ka-Bar, Smith & Wesson, Paul Chen, and Cold Steel.

Most of today's tantos are of the Americanized style. Similar to the Japanese tanto, the Americanized version has a high point which is in-line with the pivot, the difference being the front edge meets up with the bottom edge at an obtuse angle as opposed to curving to meet it as the Japanese tanto does.

A flat grind is used, resulting in a very thick and extraordinarily strong point. The thick area helps absorb the impact from piercing, as piercing armor was the original use for the tanto.

If there is one negative aspect of the tanto blade design is the cutting surface area is sacrificed to gain tip strength. This great strength and penetration make tanto blade knives excellent for their tactical applications as well as versatility.

Battle Ready or Decorative?

In looking for a quality tanto sword aim for battle ready over decorative wall hangers, the reason being is you will find much higher quality on a battle ready tanto sword compared to one that's mainly for show.

If the blade is not made from at high carbon forged or folded steel then it's most likely just stainless steel. Stainless steel is okay for most knives but just won't do when it comes to a tanto knive that's going to be used in the dojo or on the street.

The Japanese tanto is basically a knife or dagger, therefore it is excellent for use in self-defense. In ancient times samurai women kept a small one in their obi (sash) for protection.

Today's women have a wide variety of folding blade and smaller fixed blade tantos to choose from for use in self-protection. They can be easily carried in a purse or handbag, or just as easily concealed on the body.

The original tanto swords were rarely carried by commoners, in contrast to today, where the larger folding and fixed blade tantos are favorites of military special forces and police units around the world. They can be easily carried on a belt, and deployed rapidly for quick use, as well as functioning extremely well as a utility knife.