It seems that I've been wrong about tantos

I'm not a fan of the american tanto aesthetic but they are a lot more useful than people realize.
 
Thanks for all the great suggestions.
I've made a short tanto wish list to order in the next couple of months. The BM Axis Stryker will be one of the first, together with a ZT 610st which a local shop has for a great price.
 
I like the ZT 0700 for a nice solid work knife. And for a smaller knife, I like the Kershaw Zing Tanto. Both are worth a look.
 
A lot of people don't realize that an Americanized tanto is still a knife. If it is sharp it will cut, if it is thin behind the edge it will cut well. The problem is when a tanto is used in a folder... It defeats the purpose of the tanto blade shape. The purpose is increased penetration and tip strength, both things that should rarely be called into question for a folder. The only real advantage to them in a folder is being easy to sharpen because there is no curve to follow, just two flat edges.
 
Here's a Mini Barrage and a Warn Mini Barrage. There really isn't that much difference IMO.

 
jkwithawave said:
ZT 0700 is a fantastic tanto. Super smooth action, solid ZT lockup. Each edge has the slightest curve to it. The only tanto I would carry. Until the new ZT/Emerson comes out that is.
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+1 for the 0700

Was my first ZT, the thumb stud is like the blur but it's not assisted, opens like butter. Great knife.
 
Think of it as a big kiridashi!

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The Chris Reeve Umnumzaan tanto is one of my favorite and most used knives I own. I would suggest checking it out.
 
dkb45 said:
A lot of people don't realize that an Americanized tanto is still a knife. If it is sharp it will cut, if it is thin behind the edge it will cut well. The problem is when a tanto is used in a folder... It defeats the purpose of the tanto blade shape. The purpose is increased penetration and tip strength, both things that should rarely be called into question for a folder. The only real advantage to them in a folder is being easy to sharpen because there is no curve to follow, just two flat edges.
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Having a precise tip is a major advantage for a smaller knife, in addition to two cutting edges. I think American tantos get too much credit for actual tip strength, but not enough for cutting ability. It's like having the cutting power of a recurve while being incredibly easy to sharpen at the same time.
 
I think the tanto's reputation for not being good at slicing come from the thick fixed blades that were popular.
 
Welcome to the tanto club my friend. I used my Severtech edge in the aircraft mechanic game for over 10 years. Great scraper and it's A2 so it cuts metal also. I always carried a pocket tool also so hade a small standard blade if needed.
 
Franciscomv said:
I've always thought tantos were not practical (Americanised tantos, that is). Up until now I'd never owned one that I felt like EDCing, my muay thai coach gave me a Fox Folgore for my birthday but it's huge and heavy.

Anyway, fast forward to a week or so ago. I bought a Spyderco Double Bevel, just to add something different to my collection. I've been carrying on and off since I got it and I've got to admit the tanto blade works just fine for most of the stuff I use a pocket knife for. Actually, the secondary edge near the tip came in handy for a lot of detail work.
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Very nice Spydie.
The Fox Folgore on the other hand.........ohh, dear...!

As for other tantos, Ive always liked the smooth understated and elegant lines of the smaller Al Mar tantos. You might look into those. But take heed; they are the exact opposite of the Folgore. In fact, they couldnt be further apart.

I have a handful of Cold Steel tantos myself. As you say, the shape is excellent for some types of work and doesnt really work for other tasks.
 
Franciscomv said:
Thanks for all the great suggestions.
I've made a short tanto wish list to order in the next couple of months. The BM Axis Stryker will be one of the first, together with a ZT 610st which a local shop has for a great price.
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Don't walk, run to grab that ZT 0610ST! A pretty rare and wonderful beast it is!
 
If you like kiridashi and warncliffe blades, you should enjoy an angular style tanto.
 
mrdabble said:
+1 for the 0700

Was my first ZT, the thumb stud is like the blur but it's not assisted, opens like butter. Great knife.
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+2 The ZT0700 has not left my pocket since I got it. I pair it with my ZT 0350OR

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