It is nice to favor a general-purpose knife, as it is amazingly adaptable. Yet, this does not imply that you will require or use it every time. At times, you will favor using a particular knife that is built for doing just one job especially.

Therefore, if you require a particular knife for stabbing hard items, you will never go wrong with a tanto knife. Originally created for protection piercing, this device is alike to a short and long Japanese sword. In Japanese, ‘tanto’ describes ‘short blade’. It is additionally regarded as a mini katana due to the alike shape.

This guide will assist you to purchase the best tanto knife by analyzing its buying circumstances and going by the reviews of the top 13 tanto knives.

What is a Tanto Knife?

The purpose of the Tanto knife started in Japan. The American knife producer, Cold Steel, was capable to get the idea and base one of their field knife designs on it. A Tanto knife is created just for EDC use. Though, one purpose it excels at is cutting and cleaning a freshly killed game. It can additionally be used as a great survival or self-defense weapon.

What is the Best Use Of Tanto Knife?

A Tanto knife has some great uses. If you buy one, you will necessitate knowing what your purposes and intentions are with it. Here are some great ideas of what you can use a Tanto knife for:

1: Cleaning Freshly Killed Game

The Tanto knife is very sharp you can cut and clean your freshly killed game targets in a small amount of time. There will be times when cleaning has to be done quickly so you can save the quality of the meat and stop it from spoiling.

2: Everyday Carry

It is not new or unique to take a Tanto knife for everyday carry and use. Not just that, but they are further sharp enough to cut through any material. Therefore if you lack to cut a piece of string off or open up an Amazon package, this knife will be good enough for even the simplest or most servile jobs. Though, EDC carry is not restricted to that. Let us take a look at another great use of why carrying a Tanto knife every day is helpful.

3: Self Defense Or Survival

Yes, there might come a time when self-defense terms for the use of a weapon. In this case, we prefer to call these weapons WOO (or weapons of the event). Since you are taking a knife, it is estimated a weapon of luck because you have it on you and will be able to use it at a moment’s warning. You will be able to cut, slash, or stab an enemy to flee from a risky and life-threatening condition.

Styles Of The Tanto Blades

Interestingly, various styles of tanto blades exist. The amount is more than what you may guess. Following are some of the popular and unique styles to know and examine for your requirements:

• Hira: Is the most popular single-edge style highlighting a cross-section in the triangular shape. The slopes stretch from the rear to the edges without getting flat spots. Overall, the design is pretty simple.
• Shinogi: Is the most extensively used short, single-edge blade, but spotting it at the time of purchasing a tanto knife is rare. This is because these knives are just created when longer swords are broken.
• Shobu: Follows the shinobi with the edge curving immediately and waiting constantly to the point.
• Kubikiri (Head Cutter): This is the unique tanto due to its high curvature and the necessity of a sharpened point. Moreover, just the curve’s interior is sharpened. Due to these characteristics, you cannot use this knife for combats.
• Moroha: It is quite a rare double-edge style. In which the blade narrows to a long point and highlights a cross-section showing a diamond shape.
• Kanmuri-Otoshi: Is a unique double-edged form. It appears with a wide and long groove reaching halfway from front to the rear up the blade. The left half of the blade on the second edge is normally unsharpened.

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Best Tanto Pocket Knife Review

Among various options, it can be difficult to pick the best tanto knife for your lifestyle. In this article, we at BestDamascussKnife will give you the guide on the tactical tanto knife. Here is a list of some of the best choices out there to assist you to make a choice.

Here is the list of top 13 best tanto knife: 

• Smith & Wesson SW7 10.6in High Carbon S.S. Fixed Blade Knife
• Kershaw Brawler Folding Pocket Knife (1990) with 3 Inches Black-Oxide Finished
• Cold Steel Recon Tanto Fixed Blade Knife with Sheath
• Smith & Wesson Border Guard SWBG2TS 10in High Carbon S.S. Folding Knife
• Kershaw Blur Tanto Black Serrated Pocket Knife (1670TBLKST)
• QEONIX Cold Steel 9733 80PGTK GI Tanto 7 Inches Carbon
• Cold Steel San Mai Tanto Series Fixed Blade Knife
• Cold Steel Warcraft Tanto Series Fixed Blade Tactical Knife with Sheath
• KA1245-BRK Black Tanto
• Ka-Bar TDI Law Enforcement Tanto Knife
• Asuka 10 0.25 inches Modern Japanese Samurai Tanto 3CR13 Steel Full Tang

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Editor’s Note: We will update this list as more Tanto knives hit the market.

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	Product	Manufacturer	Shop
	Smith & Wesson SW7 10.6in High Carbon S.S. Fixed Blade Knife	Smith & Wesson
	Kershaw Brawler Folding Pocket Knife (1990) with 3 Inches Black-Oxide Finished	Kershaw
	Cold Steel Recon Tanto Fixed Blade Knife with Sheath	Cold Steel
	Smith & Wesson Border Guard SWBG2TS 10in High Carbon S.S. Folding Knife	Smith & Wesson
	Kershaw Blur Tanto Black Serrated Pocket Knife (1670TBLKST)	Kershaw
	QEONIX Cold Steel 9733 80PGTK GI Tanto 7 Inches Carbon	QEONIX
	Cold Steel San Mai Tanto Series Fixed Blade Knife	Cold Steel
	Cold Steel Warcraft Tanto Series Fixed Blade Tactical Knife with Sheath	Cold Steel
	KA1245-BRK Black Tanto	Ka-Bar
	Ka-Bar TDI Law Enforcement Tanto Knife	Ka-Bar
	Asuka 10 0.25 inches Modern Japanese Samurai Tanto 3CR13 Steel Full Tang	Asuka
	Custom made Hand Forged Fixed Blade Steel D2 Tanto Knife	BDKnives
	Japanese Handmade Damascus Steel Tanto Knife	BDKnives

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1: Smith & Wesson SW7 10.6in High Carbon S.S. Fixed Blade Knife

Features

• 2in Tanto Blade
• TPE Handle
• for Outdoor, Tactical, Survival and EDC

PROS

1. Dimensions: The 10.6 inches (26.9 cm) overall length with a blade length of 5.2 inches and a weight of 8.5 ounces
2. Durable: The blade is built of solid 9Cr17MoV high carbon stainless steel with a black, TPE handle
3. Dependable: Fast and secure access with the comfortable ambidextrous, thermoplastic sheath
4. Secure: Have faith that the blade will not slip with the safety of the handguard
5. Guaranteed: This product is included a limited lifetime warranty

CONS

• It has no cons.

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2: Kershaw Brawler Folding Pocket Knife (1990) with 3 Inches Black-Oxide Finished

Features

• High-Performance 8Cr13MoV Steel Blade
• Black Glass-Filled Nylon Handle
• Scales with Reversible 4-Position Pocketclip
• 9 oz

PROS

1. Sport type: Hunting
2. Its amazing looks, the Brawler gives SpeedSafe supported opening,
3. Immediately accessed using the built-in flipper or comfortable thumb stud.
4. The blade is a transformed tanto style with an extra-thick blade tip for robust piercing capabilities.
5.  The blade is DLC coating for non-reflectivity. For strength and diminished weight, the handles are injection-molded, glass-filled nylon. A solid locking liner secures the blade
6. Dimensions : 6 x 1 x 1 inches; 0.8 Ounces

CONS

• It has no cons.

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3: Cold Steel Recon Tanto Fixed Blade Knife with Sheath

 

PROS

1. Its Overall Length is 11 3/4 inches
2. The blade length is 7 inches
3. The blade thickness is 5mm
4. The Steel / Material SK-5 with Black Tuff-Ex Finish
5. Handle – 4 3/4 inches Long Kray-Ex

CONS

• It has no cons.

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4: Smith & Wesson Border Guard SWBG2TS 10in High Carbon S.S. Folding Knife

Features

• 4in Serrated Tanto Blade
• Aluminum Handle
• for Tactical, Survival and EDC

PROS

1. DIMENSIONS: The 10 inches overall length with a blade length of 4.4 inches and a weight of 8.8 ounces
2. DURABLE: The blade is built of solid 7Cr17MoV Black Oxide High Carbon Stainless Steel with a black aluminum handle with Trac-Tec inserts
3. DEPENDABLE: Immediate and secure access with the comfortable pocket clip and ambidextrous thumb knobs making it perfect for everyday carry
4. SECURE: Have faith that the blade will not slip with the protection of the liner lock
5. GUARANTEED: This product is included a Limited Lifetime Warranty
6. Sport type: Hunting

CONS

• It has no cons

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5: Kershaw Blur Tanto Black Serrated Pocket Knife (1670TBLKST)

Features

• 4” DLC-Coated
• 14C28N Steel
• Partially Serrated Blade
• Anodized Aluminum Handle
• SpeedSafe Opening
• Reversible Pocketclip
• 9 OZ

PROS

1. The speedSafe Assisted Opening forms for the easy one-handed safe opening with thumb stud
2. The reversible pocket clip provides for carrying tip up or tip down on the right side using pre-drilled holes
3. The knife blade held in place with a secure liner lock, giving the knife a thin, smooth and fashionable design while keeping the blade safe and the user safe
4. The Trac-Tec inserts provide quality grip and allow secure carry in all conditions, including wet and marine situations
5. It is an excellent EDC knife for anyone in need a good knife, including hunters, fishers, outdoorsmen, and users who enjoy fishing, hunting, hiking, biking, caving, camping and more

CONS

• It has no cons

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6: QEONIX Cold Steel 9733 80PGTK GI Tanto 7 Inches Carbon

 

PROS

1. High Carbon
2. Secure-Ex Sheath
3. It is a tactical knife with large seven-inch Tanto point blade and the Secure-Ex sheath
4. The 1055 carbon steel blade with the hard spring temper and black rust-resistant finish
5. The Integral quillon guard and the polypropylene handle scales
6. This knife can convert into a spear or war club
7. Heavy, balanced feel–throws easily

CONS

• It has no cons.

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7: Cold Steel San Mai Tanto Series Fixed Blade Knife

Features

• Made with Premium San Mai Steel

PROS

1. The blade length is 7 1/2 Inch
2. The knife overall length is 13 1/8 Inch
3. Steel/Material: Vg-10 San Mai
4. Package Dimensions: 1.9 inches ( H ) x 14.6 inches ( L ) x 2.625 inches ( W )

CONS

• It has no cons.

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8: Cold Steel Warcraft Tanto Series Fixed Blade Tactical Knife with Sheath

 

PROS

1. Care Instructions: Hand Wash
2. Type: Knife
3. Steel: U.S. CPM 3-V High Carbon
4. Handle: The 4 3/4 inches Long G-10

CONS

• It has no cons

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9: KA1245-BRK Black Tanto

 

PROS

1. 100 percent Synthetic
2. Imported
3. It is made in the USA
4. The Combat knife with the Asian-influenced Tanto blade shape
5. The thick pointed blade is ideal for penetration

CONS

• It has no cons.

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10: Ka-Bar TDI Law Enforcement Tanto Knife

Features

• Large
• Black

PROS

1. This knife is used by all branches of military and service members
2. It is Excellent for collectors and outdoor services
3. This knife is tested to assure excellence and endurance
4. Its overall length is 7 9/16 inches and blade length is 3 11/16 inches
5. Steel: 1095 AUS 8A
6. Blade Shape: Tanto
7. Grind: Hollow

CONS

• It has no cons.

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11: Asuka 10 0.25 inches Modern Japanese Samurai Tanto 3CR13 Steel Full Tang

 

PROS

1. Features: The Asuka’s Modern Japanese samurai tanto with a full tang 3CR13 steel blade, minimalistic design.
2. Dimensions: Its overall length is 10.7 inches, the blade length is 5 1/2 inches and handle length is 4 3/4 inches
3. Blade: It is a full tang 3CR13 steel blade made in American tanto point style with the Asuka engraving.
4. Handle/ Scabbard: The handle and saya (scabbard) are built with the wood and bring a simplistic feel throughout the tanto.
5. Purpose: This piece makes an excellent gift for any person interested in Japanese culture or knife collecting.

CONS

• It has no cons.

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12: Japanese Fixed Blade Rope Wrapped Steel D2 Tanto Knife 9” | Free Leather Sheath Cover

SPECIFICATION

• Blade Length: 4.5”
• Handle Length: 4.5”
• Overall Length: 9”
• Thickness: 3mm
• Pattern: Steel D2
• Hardness: 58-60 HRC
• Handle Material:
• Blade Material: Steel D2
• Sheath Type: Pure Leather

A Brand New Custom made Hand Forged Steel D2 Full Tang Tanto Knife 9”. The Fixed Blade Steel D2 Tanto knife has an excellent hardness of 58-60 HRC. Hand-Formed to Smart Pattern Steel D2. The Overall Length of this Knife is 9″, the Blade Length is 4. 5″, & the Handle Length is 4.5″. The D2 Steel knife specifically designed to give a high cutting wear resistance & a high harden-ability & great machinability.

Our designs are very sharp. Please open them exactly. The sheath is created out of Pure Leather. We aren’t likely for any damages connected with the creation of our devices. 

Which are folded & welded various period to get wanted as a pattern after shaping all blades are Normalized, Annealed, Profiled, Surface & Bevel Ground, Polished, Etched, Final Buffed, Sharpened, Cleaned, Oiled

CONS

• It has no cons.

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13: Japanese Handmade Damascus Steel Tanto Knife 9″, with Handle Made Steel Guard, Rose Wood

SPECIFICATION

• Blade Length: 4.5”
• Handle Length: 4.5”
• Overall Length: 9”
• Thickness: 3mm
• Pattern: Rain Drop
• Layers: 67 Layers
• Hardness: 58-60 HRC
• Handle Material: Steel Guard, Rose Wood
• Blade Material: Damascus Steel
• Sheath Type: Pure Leather

Custom Handmade Damascus Steel Tanto Knife 9” with Steel Guard, Rose Wood Handle. The Fixed Blade Damascus Steel Tanto knife has a great hardness of 58-60 HRC. Hand-formed to Elegant Pattern Raindrop. The Overall Length of this Knife is 9″, the Blade Length is 4.5″, & the Handle Length is 4.5″. Damascus steel knife specifically designed to give a high cutting wear resistance & a high Harden-Ability. The class is delivered in annealed condition to hold great Machinability.

The sheath is created out of Pure Leather. Our designs are very sharp. Please open them exactly. We aren’t liable for any damages connected with the production of our tools. To circumvent rust on the tool, don’t leave it in the leather sheath for a long time. 

Each knife may slightly watch another than the one shown in the pictures, but Nature, Material used & sharpness of each knife will be the same. Which are welded & folded various times to get needed 67 layers as a pattern after forging all blades are normalized, Profiled, Annealed, Surface Ground, Bevel Ground, Polished, Buffed, Etched, Final Buffed, Sharpened, Cleaned, Oiled & Inspected at least twice along the way before being shipped

CONS

• It has no cons.

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How to Pick The Best Tanto Knife for You

You have just gone by the various kinds of tanto knives. This indicates that you will be getting across several varieties. Although this is significant so that each one can choose a tanto knife as per their requirements, it is additionally the cause for triggering uncertainty, particularly amongst the first-time customers.

If a first-time customer, you just may begin wonder as to which one to buy. Well, for this, you lack to know your demands. Based on them, you can pick the right blade length, blade material, and handle material. Well, all these are buying circumstances that influence your selection.

For example, if you require a very sharp blade, you will not prefer a model whose blade is not that sharp. Therefore, this is how you reach the best tanto knife made for you. Thus, let’s explore the buying factors so that you can compare the most swearing models.

1: Length Of Blade 

At present most tanto blades have a length in between 6″ and 13″. For many, the length may not be an essential factor. However, many knife users choose shorter or longer blades. The selection is straight reliant on the hand relief and productivity.

2: Tip Of Knife

A real tanto will have a strengthened and firm tip such that stabbing becomes the softest participation in a combat or self-defense scenario. The tip should have a triangular shape, as it adds to the support.

3: Material Of Blade 

Picking the best blade material is essential if you require an enduring blade. Even the blade’s power is a direct connection with its build material. Most tantos are created using various stainless-steel forms. To create a resilient option, the following are the blade materials to examine and analyze:

• 440: Is between the most popular kinds of stainless steel used in creating a kind of knives. This tough material is resistant to wear, corrosion, and other wrecking mixtures. It is additionally immune to high impact.
• 4116: It is considered as affordable stainless steel. It carries high carbon content due to which you can expect a durable edge. In brief, the edge will continue sharp for more time than what you may have awaited. There is further chromium combined in it due to which it is somewhat resistant to wear.
• 1095 Cro-Van: This is a kind of stainless steel that is extensively used in manufacturing heavy-duty tools. It is sturdy and enduring due to high-carbon content. You can further assume the edge to retain itself for a longer time. Though, this metal is exposed to fast rusting. For this, the blades are covered with an anti-rust agent.
• D2: This is a kind of steel that has both chromium and carbon in high numbers. Therefore, it is especially strong and does not succumb to corrosion or fade at all. You can even demand a sharp edge for long periods. This steel further has vanadium and molybdenum to assure extra stability.
• Damascus: Is a combination of several plates of steel rather than being a kind of steel. It is chiefly created by stacking several sheets of steel, heat-treating the stack, and folding it to make more layers. Frequently, it will be high-carbon and low-carbon steel sheets so that the resulting knife can assure strength as well as versatility.

4: Handle Material

Just like the blade, it is important to pick a suitable handle. When it becomes to tanto knives, you will require a handle that does not become weak upon too much use or force, resists shock, fits your hand, and assures a pleasant grip.

For taking this kind of handle, you should pay consideration to its build material. While there are several modern materials, there are three handle materials to think for tanto knives.

These days, you can quickly spot plastic handles. Of the various plastics available, polypropylene appears to be a tough handle material. To be precise, it is a thermoplastic polymer that is recognized for its toughness as well as versatility. This polymer further holds its shape intact and is also well-insulated.

Then, you have Kraton G, which is a polymer structurally. It is the next-generation of polymers that is valued for its resistance to high temperatures and ultraviolet rays. By construction, it is significantly stable due to which it is an outstanding material for knife handles.

You will additionally find handles of walnut wood, which is enduring. Such handles mix well along with the Damascus steel blades.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easy to sharpen a tanto?

Well, it depends! Various specialists say that it is difficult to sharpen it. Though, if you are out, a stone is enough to sharpen it. The difficulty is to keep a constant angle across the stroke if there is a need for basic sharpening skills, and two edges make it a bit tough to sharpen a tanto blade. If the skills are sharpened, it is not that hard to sharpen this blade.

What is a reverse tanto blade?

A reverse tanto indicates the angled tip is on the top side or spine. The edge is curved and has some belly.

Conclusion

You can get these knives in either single or double-sided variants. Just like the authentic short tanto swords, the latest tantos emphasize strong tips due to which they shine at stabbing or piercing thoroughly. So, tanto blades are already in several tactical and EDC knives. They are further useful for self-defense and martial arts. You should buy a tanto knife that appears to be enduring and sharp.

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	Product	Manufacturer	Shop
	Smith & Wesson SW7 10.6in High Carbon S.S. Fixed Blade Knife	Smith & Wesson
	Kershaw Brawler Folding Pocket Knife (1990) with 3 Inches Black-Oxide Finished	Kershaw
	Cold Steel Recon Tanto Fixed Blade Knife with Sheath	Cold Steel
	Smith & Wesson Border Guard SWBG2TS 10in High Carbon S.S. Folding Knife	Smith & Wesson
	Kershaw Blur Tanto Black Serrated Pocket Knife (1670TBLKST)	Kershaw
	QEONIX Cold Steel 9733 80PGTK GI Tanto 7 Inches Carbon	QEONIX
	Cold Steel San Mai Tanto Series Fixed Blade Knife	Cold Steel
	Cold Steel Warcraft Tanto Series Fixed Blade Tactical Knife with Sheath	Cold Steel
	KA1245-BRK Black Tanto	Ka-Bar
	Ka-Bar TDI Law Enforcement Tanto Knife	Ka-Bar
	Asuka 10 0.25 inches Modern Japanese Samurai Tanto 3CR13 Steel Full Tang	Asuka
	Custom made Hand Forged Fixed Blade Steel D2 Tanto Knife	BDKnives
	Japanese Handmade Damascus Steel Tanto Knife	BDKnives

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Disclaimer

“All brand names and images are Registered Trademarks of their respective companies. All manufacturers names, numbers, symbols and descriptions are used for reference purposes only, and it is not implied that any part listed is the product of these manufacturers or approved by any of these manufacturers.”

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