I'm not normally a big Tanto fan, but....

[mwmccormick]

The more I look at the TNK Umnumzaan Tanto blade, the more appealing it is becoming.
Not so much with the 21, but the 'zaan Tanto keeps looking more appetizing.

I have a NICA Tanto arriving next week, but it probaby won't be carried as it is the 1 of 200 models. It also isn't the 'zaan's badass grinds.

I would love to see some pics from proud owners!

 

[RiverRat84]

I think if I were to get a tanto it'd probably be the Zaan. Just kind of fits with that knife more than the others.

I haven't ever had a whole lot of interest in a tanto, but it's surprising what a few pictures will do to ones perspective

 

[DallasSTB]

You're going to make me fire up the the desktop PC now and post some pic's, aren't you? I'll just say that, as a firm "non-tanto" CR fan, the Tanto Zaan is my new best friend. Total surprise.

 

[mwmccormick]

You're going to make me fire up the the desktop PC now and post some pic's, aren't you. I'll just say that, as a firm "non-tanto" CR fan, my Tanto Zaan is my new best friend. Total surprise.

Well, if you have a moment....

I suppose I should be advised as to the sharpening of the Tanto front edge for lack of a better word. I know there is a correct term, it just escapes me atm.
I am a Wicked Edge user. The edge appears to be convexed, and I am also going to guess that it is probably going to end up cutting more stuff than the long, flat edge and will need to be maintained much more often. I'm thinking stropping in the short term, but eventually the edge will have to be reset and I wonder how challenging that will be on the WE. I require my sebs to be shaving sharp the majority of the time.

 

[d.r.h.]

I suppose I should be advised as to the sharpening of the Tanto front edge for lack of a better word. I am a Wicked Edge user.

Should not be a problem. You just sharpen as two sections .... not one continuous motion. Clay made this video on sharpening a tanto.

 

[Hans17]

Well, if you have a moment....

I suppose I should be advised as to the sharpening of the Tanto front edge for lack of a better word. I know there is a correct term, it just escapes me atm.
I am a Wicked Edge user. The edge appears to be convexed, and I am also going to guess that it is probably going to end up cutting more stuff than the long, flat edge and will need to be maintained much more often. I'm thinking stropping in the short term, but eventually the edge will have to be reset and I wonder how challenging that will be on the WE. I require my sebs to be shaving sharp the majority of the time.

Getting me WE soon, whats the highest grit you go up to on it?

 

[d.r.h.]

Getting me WE soon, whats the highest grit you go up to on it?

Options are pretty limitless. His diamond stones range from 50 to 1000. However, he also has ceramics as well as Chosera waterstones. Also .... a strops and compounds as well as blank paddles to which you can add your own medium. (Which is why I say options are pretty limitless) I got a number of blanks to use with various strops/stropping compounds and lapping tape. All the info is on the WE site.

 

[mwmccormick]

I want the 1200/1600 ceramics but they sell out fast. I need the strop blanks as well to play with.

I've seen the video regarding the Tanto method, I was just concerned with my ability to keep that sexy convex intact.

 

[DallasSTB]

Ok, here you go. I picked this one up about a month ago here on the exchange. It blows me away how much I like it. The tanto is actually the "dynamic tip" version that was offered by True North a couple of years ago, so it's a little different from the current version.

You can see the deeper convex grind on the tip better here -

As d.r.h. mentions above, you sharpen the tip in a separately from the cutting edge. I believe the WE sharpener uses more of stropping motion, so you'd have to reset the knife in the holder for each edge. I use a sharpmaker on the straight section and strop the tip.

If you're on the fence, I'd say go for it. This is one fantastic knife.

 

[mwmccormick]

I've fallen off the fence and am in seek mode. Anyone know of a generic tanto with a similar convexed front? I would like to practice on something like that instead of learning with the real deal. I'd hate to have to hang my head in shame and send it back to CRK to fix, lol.
Normally I'm not too concerened with these matters, I just love the appearance of that blade so much I want to take precautions not to screw it up when it comes to that. Of course I still need to buy one first, which will be very soon, funds permitting

 

[jwaj]

I've gotten away from tanto blades but that does look great on the Zaan.

 

[simplespeed]

Iv never been a tanto guy and actually hate tanto blades. But that is one awesome knife right there.

 

[beau007]

Here are some pics of my Tom Mayo modified Umnumzaan tanto:



The handles (Mayo holes) and the hardware (satin finish) were modified, but the edge is original.

 

[RiverRat84]

Ok, here you go. I picked this one up about a month ago here on the exchange. It blows me away how much I like it. The tanto is actually the "dynamic tip" version that was offered by True North a couple of years ago, so it's a little different from the current version.

You can see the deeper convex grind on the tip better here -

As d.r.h. mentions above, you sharpen the tip in a separately from the cutting edge. I believe the WE sharpener uses more of stropping motion, so you'd have to reset the knife in the holder for each edge. I use a sharpmaker on the straight section and strop the tip.

If you're on the fence, I'd say go for it. This is one fantastic knife.

Here are some pics of my Tom Mayo modified Umnumzaan tanto:

View attachment 296453View attachment 296454View attachment 296455View attachment 296456

The handles (Mayo holes) and the hardware (satin finish) were modified, but the edge is original.

Devils advocates, both of you!

 

[Steel_Addiction]

I too dislike tanto edges, yet...the tanto Zaan strikes me as both asthetically pleasing and EDCable.

I have always wanted to try a tanto Zaan out...someday.

 

[The Ground Truth]

Wow, I really love the tanto zaan. Its just so clean!

 

[unwisefool]

You should get it. I got mine when they first came out and it is one of the best knives I've ever owned. The blade shape is actually quite useful as well.