Tanto vs Drop Point/bowie

I

i_am_ninja

Joined
Nov 28, 2008
Messages
103
I always hear about how tantos are designed to stab, and drop points for cutting surface, but does anyone actually know it tanto can be used well for outdoor tasks? Becuase I cant see how tantos would be that bad.
 
Can it be used for outdoor tasks? Yes, of course.
Is it purpose designed for that function? No.

For me there's 2 issues with the tanto design as an "everyday" blade profile.

First is that the secondary point/curve gets in the way as often as it helps out. For careful cutting, you have to treat that curve as if it was the tip of a "normal" blade, or you end up cutting everything too deep

Second is that because of the unusual geometry, proper sharpening can be a PIA. Almost like you're sharpening 2 blades, the main and the secondary, if that makes any sense.
 
Different knives for different tasks - that's why the shapes are different. What outdoor tasks are you talking about? As an all round outdoor knife there are lots of better designs than the tantoI would not choose a tanto to cape out a trophy, but a large tanto would be a suitable substitute for a pig-sticker. For batoning I would prefer a wider blade with a thicker spine. Really depends on the uses you have in mind. Have a look at the BRKT and RAT offerings for outdoor use.
 
There are 2 kinds of "Tantos"

A real Japanese Tanto tip resembles a drop point and is a utility knife.

Then there is the "American" Tanto, which has the reinforced tip for poking things like oil barrels and car doors.

A Japanese tanto would work very well in the outdoors while Americanized tantos would be harder to utilize for skinning chores and tasks such as carving that need a more rounded blade profile. -It can still be done, but there are better knife shapes.
 
For skinning, the American tanto would not be the best choice. Still, it has its redeeming qualities. No one should plan on using an outdoor knife as a prybar, but if you need something in an emergency, the American tanto can really shine. It you have to baton with it, it can provide extra strength.

Also, for self defense a tanto is an excellent choice. It can penetrate very effectively. For skinning, a folding knife will do that very effectively.

I initially despised the American tanto, but I've done a huge about face over the past couple of years. When it gets down to it, a knife is a knife, and some may be a bit better than others for certain tasks, but most will do a wide variety of chores.
 
Cut to the Chase. Contact Phill Hartsfield or Pohan Leu with your questions.
 
To me, experimenting with different designs is a large part of the fun of the hobby. Therefore, I say get a moderately priced tanto and find out for yourself if it is the design for you. If you don't like it, you have an excuse to buy another knife and buying new knives is another fun part of the hobby. Two years ago I bought a mini cqc 7 thinking I would use it for a week or 2 and then put it in the collection drawer. The more I used the thing, the more I liked it and to my surprise, it has been my main EDC ever since.
 
With the forum handle of "I Am Ninja", you really ought to have a tanto in your collection!;)

+1 to what Pvicenzi said!:thumbup:

Regards,
3G
 
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