How wide are traditional tantos?

[Crayola]

Hello folks! I was wondering how wide a traditional tanto is. You know, from edge to spine? Thanks!

 

[Robert Marotz]

Varies a lot...depends on the length tanto you're going to do and how you want it to look.

What kind of look are you going for? Short/long, sleek/strong?

Let's say you are dealing with a short blade, maybe 7 inches. If you want a sleeker looking piece, probably go for 7/8" motohaba (width at machi) or just a bit narrower. Remember though, that the width is measured at the machi/shoulder at the base of the blade, and that it is probable that the blade has gradual profile taper all along its length. So the "width" is not going to be constant throughout the length of the piece.

If you want a good healthy width, you probably wanna go for about 1" wide at the same length.

I wouldn't suggest going much wider than 1" for that length, and preferably not more than 1.25" for longer pieces (11-12 inches)

So what kind of shape are you going for? Or just curious?

 

[Crayola]

Thanks Robert! I tried getting you in chat, but you were sleeping.

I have a 1/4" piee of 5160 that I was trying to figure out what to do with. But, it is too wide, so I'll wait until I get some 1" wide stock to make a tanto. Thanks for your help.

I think this piece will be a bowie with tsuka-ito wrap!

 

[3/16th's]

Go for it crayola! One thing I do if I want to add some contouring to the handle is contact cement some 10oz. leather on both sides of the tang (underneath my carbon fiber). The leather is easy to shape and when soaked in Cyanoacrylate or Wood Hardener, becomes hard and waterproof.

Hugh

PS; Check your e-mail, I sent you some pic's!