Tanto? Inspired pokey-ness

Length/width/thicknes and metal type will help up.

The shape looks very good. I am assuming it is a westernized aikuchi-ish construction with handle scales, no tsuba ( guard) and a plunge line ( instead of a grind fully back onto the nakago ( tang).

I am having some difficulty figuring out the line between the plunge and the handle. It that a habaki?
 
Ahh, yes details! Sorry, I was watching a movie and posting last night... Not a good combo!

It's 3/16 1080+ from AKS, and about 8 3/8" long by just under an inch wide (like 31/32 - 64/65).

I'm intending to do a epoxy impregnated handle wrap with a very thin wooden scale, maybe with some ray skin on top, if I can find a little chunk cheap.

I was also thinking in place of the ray skin, maybe something like this:

http://www.alphaknifesupply.com/Pictures/TextureTech/4138-s.jpg

The line between the handle and the plunge is intended to be a triple Turks head knot. To secure it in a kydex sheath. It's intended use is as a backup weapon on my duty belt. Or perhaps an IWB carry type back up.
 
That makes sense now.
Make sure you make the machi (shoulders) the right depth that will narrows the nakago enough so the wrap won't end up too proud of the blade. In the same way, just a piece of same-gawa on each side of the nakago is often enough. At the most a thin ( 1/16") splint of wood under the rayskin is needed. Shoot for a fairly thin handle on a tanto. Fat handles are the worst detraction of many otherwise great tanto.

Send me a PM about the same'-gawa ( rayskin)
 
Last edited:
Awesome, thanks for the advice! I'll send you a pm shortly!
This whole knife is meant to be very thin in general, something that will remain hidden unless is needed.
 
Thanks! I'll be posting some pics after I finish it... Hopefully I don't jack it up too badly!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top