Tanto is a short, single or double-edged sword, ranging from 6 to 12 inches. It was traditionally used by samurai in close fighting. For a sharp blade and sturdy spine, tamahagane steel was folded and polished. Our tanto swords are exquisite and thoughtfully crafted. We provide:
- Excellent Quality: To achieve the highest quality, we hand-finish and polish our tanto swords with true traditional techniques.
- Time-Tested Assets: Our tantos have an exquisite blade made of Damascus and high-carbon steel.
- Battle Readiness: Every tanto is ready for practice, martial arts, or competition.
Beautiful Design
Because of its compact design, the tanto sword is well suited for ceremonial use and close combat. It was a samurai's preferred weapon, typically hidden as a second or third option. That rich history shines through in our tanto swords, providing collectors and martial artists with historical accuracy and superior craftsmanship.
Choosing Your Tanto Sword
A tanto is the perfect addition to your collection. Think about its craftsmanship and purpose when purchasing one.
A strong design and finely-forged blade are a must-have for a collector's display tanto. Tantos also include unique fittings like tsubas or kashiras.
A martial arts training tanto should be well-balanced and have a hard-wearing blade. An unsharpened training tanto is recommended for safety purposes.
Whether you’re seeking a practice weapon or an addition to your collection, consider the following aspects:
- Blade length
- Blade material
- Tang construction
- Design elements
The blade material should be carbon steel or folded steel as this is usually associated with traditional Japanese blades. A full tang construction will give your blade additional strength and stability. Choose according to your preference and use, taking the weight and size into consideration as well.
Here at Samurai Sword Store, we are more than happy to assist you if you're purchasing your first tanto or need assistance in deciding.
Why Our Tanto Swords Stand Out
Collectors and martial artists are drawn to our tantos due to their historical significance, forging techniques, display status, and portability. At Samurai Sword Store, we are keen on craftsmanship. Each of our tantos is unique. We provide:
- Blades Made of Folded T10 and Damascus Steel: These premium materials are folded to form an exquisite natural pattern and a sharp edge that maximizes durability.
- Full Tang Construction: The steel of the blade runs the full length of the handle.
Damascus steel and full tang construction are features found in traditional Japanese swordsmanship. The full tang provides maximum strength when wielding the tanto. It also gives the wielder a tighter grip, which means better balance and enhanced control. The increased length of the steel ensures greater shock dissipation during impact, making our tantos easy to maneuver.
FAQs on Tanto Swords
What is a Tanto?
Tanto is represented by the kanji characters 短刀. Their literal translation is "short sword."
What is the Purpose of a Tanto?
Samurai traditionally carried a tanto dagger as a second weapon for swift attacks and personal protection. It was also used by women for personal protection. Furthermore, tantos were subsequently used in ceremonies like seppuku. Today, they are valued as ceremonial and display swords.
What is a Tanto vs Wakizashi?
The tanto and wakizashi are secondary samurai weapons. The wakizashi measures 12 - 24 inches, while the tanto is shorter at 6 - 12 inches. The wakizashi’s blade is somewhat curved, whereas tantos are thicker, straight, and more pointed. Tantos were frequently employed as ritual or utility knives and as secondary weapons. Also, they could be hidden because they were smaller than wakizashi.
Note that the wakizashi was often worn as a daisho pair with a katana. Compared to a tanto, which is shorter and more powerful in close quarters, it offered a wider area of attack.
Browse our wakizashi selection if you like a mid-length sword with greater reach.
Why Did Samurai Wear Tantos?
This is because of their symbolic value and size. Tanto weapons could be concealed easily. Additionally, the tanto became a trusted substitute for a katana or a wakizashi. Its attractive fittings also represented honor and standing.
Is a Tanto a Katana?
A tanto is not a katana. Both, however, are Japanese swords that were used by samurai. A katana, measuring 60 - 80 cm (23.62 - 31.50 inches), is curved and long and is typically used in open combat. A tanto, being straight and short, is used for close combat defense.
If you’re in search of a full-length sword, you can discover your part of heritage through our collection of tachi swords and Japanese swords.
What is an Example of a Tanto?
The Handmade Japanese Double-Edge Tanto in our collection is a great example of a tanto. It’s manually crafted from folded steel and comes with a full tang design to provide additional strength and durability.
Add a Tanto to Your Collection
Each tanto sword at Samurai Sword Store is handcrafted with meticulous attention to detail, providing extraordinary artistry. Our craftsmen are committed to creating tantos that respect the past while exceeding expectations in terms of quality and design.
Appreciate the craftsmanship and legacy of the tanto by exploring the entire collection.
