Japanese style blades

If I was looking for a self-defence blade or fighting knife, I wouldn't buy one of those kwaiken or something like the Hissatu that lacks any guard to speak of. No guard? Not for me.

Main reasons for lacking guard:

1. snag-free and slim for concealment
2. was intended for utility
3. aesthetics
 
Hi All,

I should have been more clear in my original post. I am interested in obtaining a japanese style knife. The knife that I was using at the time of the accident was a classic Mora #2. At the time I was cleaning a rather large catfish, trying to pry the head from the spine. Obviously, I was not paying attention and got a little too aggressive.

Did I mention that the Mora stock is quite smooth and that catfish tend to be a tad slimy....

I can laugh now at my stupidity, even though every day is a reminder... especially cold and damp days. What chills me is how quick it happened, and while doing something so stupid... It truly only takes a split second to change your life.

Ok, so. I carry a Delica and Endura for work LEO. Every once in a while I carry an Ontario Rat. I've been reading and watching a lot, especially Doug Marcaida's stuff. I really like his view on the Karambit.

But, I've always been interested in classic Japanese style defensive blades... It's just I don't have the confidence in my grip to feel that I would really benefit from them.

Regards
 
Thanks for the explanation. That was a terrible accident and I never would have expected that since I've been cleaning fish for about 50 years nearly all with knives that had no guard. In any case as for your
interest in "Japanese styled knives", there are obviously US brand ones like Cold Steel's classic Tanto.
Then there are "Japanese Styled" knives made by a great number of American custom makers. Then there are knives made in Japan and are not sold here, but can be ordered. Just for photos sake;
Kogatana by Takeshi Saji.
Img1513_zpsea1iatlb.jpg

Another by Saji.
Img815_zps9qoxupsv.jpg

Bosen Enku-To by G.Sakai
5000724_zpsimbdnujm.jpg
 
i found the crkt burnley obaki a fun japanese style knife
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NpIHiL2JFnc
the cord wrap makes it a little less slippery than a classic #2 mora.
the good part is that its handle is pretty short enough
that it practically sits well within the palm of my hand grip.
and hence a natural stop is created
as nothing quite juts out from the butt end of the knife
that would allow a loosely gripped knife to slip right thru
in an accident resulting the knife's edge gashing into one's palm or fingers.
if anything, it looks pretty or tacky enough to warrant
a closer look if you're keen on knives like these.
 
Since you're interested into tantos I'm not sure if this will be to your interest but traditionally hunters over in Japan uses a ken-nata (you can get much smaller ones than the ones below):

11223694_10153553091081083_186743379164278774_n.jpg


11391262_10153320794186083_261750204186188162_n.jpg


Good luck finding the one you like :)
 
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Yes the Ken-Nata (or Soe-nata) is another option. Kanetsune, Toyokuni and Takeshi Saiji are all well known for them.
 
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