Help with buying first tanto

There are a lot of really nice and affordable custom knives with Tanto blades. I would prefer some of the customs I've seen lately much more than the production models, and they're not significantly higher priced than some of the models mentioned here.
 
I'll second the Cold Steel Recon suggestion, and also throw the SOG Trident and Vulcan folders out there for consideration as well. I myself am a tanto fan and have been very happy with SOG's take on the design, owning both of the aforementioned models as well as a fixed blade Tsunami. I also have the Kiku folder on my radar at the moment.
 
the new benchmade stryker 909 is available, i just ordered one for myself.

the benchmade presidio tanto version is nice too, i own and carry one of those. its a real solid folder with nice geometry.

for something cheaper but still strong and reliable the cold steel voyager tanto 4 inch is superb.
 
Now im thinking between the utilitac or m16, Recon is just a little too big for me lol.
 
See it you can handle a SOG TRIDENT TANTO or Vulcan tanto before you rule them out altogether. Even the flash tanto is tough cheap (less than 60) and sharp. Owned multiples of each, great edc
 
I did consider the SOGs, but there is one thing i don't really like about them, the pocket clip just looks ugly to me. Sorry im way too picky lol
 
Ended up going with a M16-10kz as I am quite interested to see how the Autolawks system works. Thanks for all the input :)
 
Cold Steel has tantos in many of its folder models, in several sizes in fact. They all have the Tri-Ad lock, which is IMO the strongest lock on the market today. They are inexpensive and very well made, in Taiwan. They all have AUS8A steel which is nothing special but has never failed me or let me down. I highly recommend a Recon 1, or even a Voyager, which can be had for as little as $45 for a 4" stonewashed blade.
 
 
Had an M21 and absolutely despised the Autolawks. Almost tossed it, but after I removed the silly thing It became fun to flip. Wound up giving it to a knifeless buddy and he still carries it.
 
If you haven't carried a tanto before, get ready. It's a pain in the ass to sharpen and it doesn't cut very well. The best use I got out of one was popping holes into kilos of coke and putting it into a field test kit. Other than that, drop points have served me much better. The handle, both ergos and material it's made of, has been pretty much the most important aspect, followed by toughness and ease of sharpening.
 
in really like the crkt m16 also. You said that the recon 1 is too big but coldtseel makes a mini recon 1 (3 in blade) which i assume is as good as the recon 1 but smaller
 
Im liking this M16 so far, fit and finish is terrible but it is to be expected. It sure is fun to flip open though lol. Emerson should be in my mailbox tommorow :D
 
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