Does a "true" reverse tanto exist?

Boombats

Boombats

Joined
Mar 21, 2010
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I see knives called reverse tantos, but they're really just modified sheepsfoots or Wharncliffes. In other words, I've never seen one that has a sharpened kissaki (tip). My idea of a revrse tanto would be a longer primary edge, unsharpened spine, and a reverse kissaki that is sharp, which would be useful for various fighting styles using icepick or pikal grips. The geometry of the point might get a little weird, but it could be done.
 
I can't think of any. It might be because it would make the knife double-edged, which has legal implications in some jurisdictions (since it'd be sharpened on both sides of the tip, it'd be considered double-edged); the partially-sharpened "top" of the blade would essentially be weird variation on a bayonet grind.
 
The reverse tanto blade shape was originally designed and named by Warren Osborne, so the Benchmade 940 and the other Osborne designed Benchmades would be "true" reverse tantos.

Sounds like you're describing something closer to a Razel blade? Or maybe like the modified tanto on some Southern Grind Bad Monkeys.
 
Basically, a Yojimbo 2 with a sharpened top edge.
 
They do exist.

I’ve been making versions of them for years.

This particular client wanted all edges to be sharp, but I've made them as you described as well.

I also have a Seax design with a sharpened top that fits the reverse tanto profile.

Most people are obviously buying them purely for defensive use.

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johnathan_mitchell_custom_knife_6934_reverse_L.jpg
 
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Great submissions so far folks, thanks! I knew there had to be something out there but I didn't know what to look for besides "reverse tanto" which was just yielding the other knives I described.
 
Hi everyone,

I am relatively new to knives and knifemaking, and I stumbled upon this thread while researching different knife profiles and designs. My question is how does the reverse tanto profile differ from the seax profile?
 
In my opinion on a reverse tanto spine and blade would be parallel. The blade no wider than the handle same width the entire length. Then the tip would be very close to 60 degree angle.

The Seax is not bound by any of those parameters

A true reverse tanto would be a dangerous design. Everytime you picked it up you’d probably try to use it backwards.
 
kubikiri

JAPANESE SWORDS - UNUSUAL TYPES OF TANTO

Japanese swordsmith information for a kubikiri tanto signed by Unjo and Unji. An unusual type of Japanese sword. Other types of unusual tanto including fan tanto, pistol tanto, hachiwara and ken
www.japaneseswordindex.com
Kubikiri (head cutter)
 
YangBlades said:
Hi everyone,

I am relatively new to knives and knifemaking, and I stumbled upon this thread while researching different knife profiles and designs. My question is how does the reverse tanto profile differ from the seax profile?
Click to expand...
One sells better to samurai enthusiasts, the other to viking fans. ;)
 
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