small traditional tanto makers?

[Hickey]

Hi ya there, im new to the forums and im asking too many questions but I was wondering...know of anybody that makes kinda small kinda upscale tantos? (nothing more than a 3 1/2 inch blade cuz I live in MA). Thanks for any direction you could point me!

 

[tallwingedgoat]

You mean like a traditional Japanese tanto? I don't know if they were ever made that short. But Don Fogg or Walley Hayes would be my pick for a fully mounted tanto.

Here's one by Randal Graham:

<img src = "http://north.nsis.com/~randal.graham/imageLNE.JPG">

 

[Recluse]

Les Robertson has one for sale that is exactly that size and certainly upscale. Follow this link:
http://www.robertsoncustomcutlery.com/polzpj.htm

 

[Hickey]

I guess tantos in the traditional style was what I should have said, I know they dont traditionaly make them with blades that short. Thanks for the link.

 

[tallwingedgoat]

Two art tanto made by one of the best in the business, Scott Slobodian.

I know he'll make them as small as 4". Mr. Slobodian also make minitures. So in theory what you want shouldn't be a problem.

http://www.slobodianswords.com/

<img src = "http://www.slobodianswords.com/Lg%20New%20Web%20scans/Tanto%209">



[This message has been edited by tallwingedgoat (edited 05-21-2000).]

 

[Dr.Lathe]

This is my Tanto Neck Knife!

It has a 3.5" blade and can be done in other blade finishes and handle materials.
My website has more information and reviews of this knife.
Neil

------------------
Website just updated!
Blackwood Knives
http://www.geocities.com/Eureka/Meeting/5520/index.html

 

[copfish]

Geez, somthing else to buy...

 

[HJK]

I can vouch for both Neil Blackwood and Wally Hayes' work. There are many superb makers out there that will make you precisely what you are looking for. Someone mentioned Fogg, for example. But it's really up to you to decide what you want, how much you want to spend and how long you want to wait? Do you want a forged blade? Do you want it done in a traditional Japanese way? Do you want an Americanized tanto shape? One of the great things about the state of the art now is the amazing range of options available. I suspect you are looking for a readily available japanese style but not necessarily authentic tanto. And I suspect that like most of us the sooner you can get one in your hands the better. Both Neil Blackwood and Wally Hayes could make something up relatively quickly, I think, but you'd have to speak to them directly, of course. Neil just made me a superb neck knife in talonite about the size you're looking for. He's a great guy. As for Wally Hayes, he is an ABS master smith, president of the CKG and he can forge one in the completely traditional way or make an O1 more simply, but he may be busy making swords for fanatics or tacticals for LEO's. If Les Robertson has something that rings your bell, and that little tanto sounds great[I didn't see a picture of it unsheathed] contact him. He is also great to deal with, and he certainly knows what he's talking about. That's my $.02[Canadian].

[This message has been edited by HJK (edited 05-21-2000).]