Tantos, all hype?

3

3wolves

Joined
Dec 28, 2007
Messages
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I know that every one says tantos can punch through a car door and have the strongest tip in the knife world but if you rounded off the part where the blade starts to rise into a tip, wouldnt you have an equally strong tip with a more usefull blade? I doubt a tanto would be more usefull than a drop point even for a tactical-grab a sentry from behind and slit his neck-deanimation. A deeper belly would give more slicing surface than a tanto. Is there any practical purpose for tantos or is it all hype? The only thing I find them usefull for is scrapping paint off of a surface.
 
3wolves---The traditional chisel shaped tip of the Yoroi toshi was designed to pucnch/stab a wound channel larger than the following blade's cross section. The tip, combined with a contoured spine for less drag, allows a blade to puncture and be easier withdrawn. Most "Tantos" are Americanized and are not true to the originals. The curved point was actually the most common. Your observations that you mentioned, are correct.
 
Tantos, all hype?

Pretty much
 
Some of us like them. They can be useful. I don't think poking holes in car doors is a real use, though, despite what "every one says" or some manufacturer advertises. The augmented tip is more useful for prying or twisting than punching directly into a target, which any reasonably strong blade can do. Like a wharnecliff, they give you a long straight edge to work with and the forward edge makes a good scraper.
 
As a helicopter mechanic I find a tanto more useful in maintaining the aircraft than other shapes. I keep my blade razor sharp and use it for trimming tape for paint, cutting rubberized sealant off fiberglass and aluminum, etc. I am often asked if it can be borrowed. Ya gotta say yes to your comrades.
 
I'm w/ you Saku, the blade was designed to penetrate a Samurai's armour by what was, IMHO, the best bladesmiths/fighters of the era. Chances are, other designs were used and discarded. the Samurais weapons and agility to use them tweeked over generations.
--J

Love all
Trust few
Hurt none
 
knarfeng said:
Tantos, all hype?

Pretty much
Click to expand...



--J said:
I'm w/ you Saku, the blade was designed to penetrate a Samurai's armour by what was, IMHO, the best bladesmiths/fighters of the era. Chances are, other designs were used and discarded. the Samurais weapons and agility to use them tweeked over generations.
--J

Love all
Trust few
Hurt none
Click to expand...

I rest my case
 
IMO, if you want a scraper, buy a scraper. As far as a practical knife blade goes, a Tanto ain't it.
 
great "modified tanto" design... meant for a "lowriding" style of carry, but works well for food prep in the kitchen too :thumbup:

Chad's description here: http://www.clbdesign.info/content/view/10/86/

mptblack041.jpg


R.J. Martin's Rampage is hitting the stores any day now....
pic from this website: http://www.heinnie.com/8b97p4268600/Knives/Boker-Plus/Boker-Plus-Rampage/p-92-298-2594/

rampageheinniehaynes.jpg
 
3 Wolves, you are sorrily mistaken if you think tantos are gimmicky. Get to see real, original japanese edged weapons and be ready to be amazed.

I am not a fan of american tantos but I am a big fan of japanese tantos! I got to fondle a 17th century wakizashi on a private collection and since then it has not been just about the functionatility. Trying to find an antique japanese katana or wakizashi myself.
 
A folder like the BM722 works just fine as an EDC. The only exception might be if you use your EDC for skinning game.
Other than that, my BM722 does all of my EDC chores with ease.
 
PatriotDan said:
3 Wolves, you are sorrily mistaken if you think tantos are gimmicky. Get to see real, original japanese edged weapons and be ready to be amazed.

I am not a fan of american tantos but I am a big fan of japanese tantos! I got to fondle a 17th century wakizashi on a private collection and since then it has not been just about the functionatility. Trying to find an antique japanese katana or wakizashi myself.
Click to expand...


I wasn't talking of the samurai sword tantos, Just the dark ops kind.
 
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