What is a good tanto?

C

coyotekid

Joined
Jan 2, 2004
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8
Hi everyone,

I'm new to this forum, and I need your help. I'm really interested in getting a high-quality tanto folder. So far, I've considered the Benchmade 722 as well as the Emerson CQC-7 with the wave feature.

I really like the looks of the wave, is it as good as it's made out to be?

Also, are there any other good tanto folders out there? I'd like to stay under about $200. This will be my primary EDC, so it will definitely get used for all kinds of things. In other words, it's got to be tough!

Thanks!
 
The Wvae feature works great. I don't want to start a flame war or anything, but I would think twice about buying an Emerson knife. I love the designs and ergos of his knives, but think QC might not be up to par. I bought a Commander and it has developed lock issues, and I don't trust it 100% now. It is a 2000 model, so the newer knives might have fixed the problems. This is just my experience, others have nothing but good things to say about their knives. Another thing that I would take into consideration is the chisel edge. Personally I don't really like it that much, and would much rather have a normal edge, but that is just my opinion.

As for other folders to consider I would say look at the Buck/Strider folder. It is about as strong as a folder can be, but is not really a fine slicer by any means. You will need to conisder what you want this knife for to make a good decision. A folder that is as tough as can be won't cut as efficiently as others.

Why do you want a tanto? If you want it as an EDC to do all kinds of things I have found other blade shapes to be more useful. Don't get me wrong, I have a Buck/Strider tanto, and use it ocasionally. I have just found that for most of the things I tend to need a knife for other blades are better. Tanto's have there place, it really all depends on what you will be doing most with the knife. I tend to pull out my tanto when I need an unbreakable tip, otherwise I use one of my other knives. HTH.
 
All the way with ErikD in regards with Emerson. Bought a kerambit and a CQC7 the other day, and I completely disappointed with them. Locks are weak (blade can be shaken horizontally) when locks are engaged. May be it was just me, but I've heard the same thing from other forumite. The Benchade/Emerson CQC7 (the one being discountinued) is a great knife. Locks up solidly, no blade play whatsoever even after I abused the knife for a while; including flicking the knife open. I know it's bad to flick a folder, but I think it's a good measure to see whether the folder is worthy to be trusted or not. How can I trusta folder with weak lock ?

However, there also many forumites who are very pleased with their Emerson knives.

So, the best way is to check them first handly, and if you're satisfied with them, then go for it. The wave feature is unbeatable, I love it !!
 
For an EDC tanto, I suggest the Benchmade Stryker (Striker?). It is an Elishewitz design with one of the most comfy handles I have seen. I carry a Buck/Strider tanto, but ti is a horse of a different color, for sure. The "point" area doesn't have an edge to it like the other tanto knives you mentioned. The B/S point is meant for scraping/poking/scoring/penetrating.

I could go on and on, but long story short, check out the Stryker from Benchmade!
 
Beluga,

I am not so sure that handeling the knife first will really make that much difference. When I first got my Commander the lockup was great, no blade play in any direction. I have not used it much at all, and certainly have not used it hard at all. One day I was just playing with it and noticed that it had developed the slippage.:mad: Honestly though I still love the design and feel of the knife so much I am seriously considering buying another one, with the hopes that they have gotten the problem worked out with the redesign of the knife for 2002. But I have been hesitant, as it is not a cheap knife, and if I end up getting another dud I would have wasted the money. I think that says something about how I truly feel about them.

BTW, they have great customer service. I emailed them about my problems and they gave me some tips of things I could try myself. They even said I should take the knife apart myself. If that didn't work out they encouraged me to send them the knife for repair. I might do that, but have done some modifications that they might not approve of, so haven't done that yet.
 
Emersons are not as mechanically sound as other production knife companies.

I would skip the stryker too, it has a poor lock as well (poor for a benchmade).

as a general rule i try to steer clear of titanium liner lock knives, the only good production liner lock with ti liners that i have found is the microtech LCC.

i have larger hands and the Benchmade 722's handle is not long enough for them, so i would get your hands on one before you buy.

i dont know of any production tanto folders that i would buy. Except for a Microtech Socom/Socom Elite (out of production).
 
With apologies to any Native American forumites, but I just can't help saying that "the only good tanto, is a dead tanto". :)

The justification for tanto blades is that they more reliably cut arteries when used to stab people. This is not one of my primary requirements for my EDC. In addition I wouldn't use stabbing as my primary defense technique for a blade that is under 6" in length. I want a defensive folding knife optimized for slashing. A tanto point is not very good for slashing. For slashing you want a blade with a lot of belly (curved cutting edge in front of the point). I want a wide blade that is pretty straight backed with that belly near the tip. It is utilitarian and slashes optimally for defense.
 
Originally posted by Crayola
For an EDC tanto, I suggest the Benchmade Stryker (Striker). It is an Elishewitz design with one of the most comfy handles I have seen.
Click to expand...

Ditto that!

NsB
 
Check out Cold Steel Voyager in standard size, or the very, very nice and reasonably priced CRK&T M16 "Special Forces" tac-folder with westernized tanto blade and all-black blade / grip coating.

Of the two I'd opt for the CRK&T model

GW
 
Another couple that you might want to consider are the SOG Vision and the Buck Strider. I have owned one of the older style Buck Strider tantos and it was a tank. It had some problems, but these were supposedly taken care of in the latest version. I have only handled the SOG Vision once, but it seemed like a well made knife.
 
I just got a great deal on a Buck/Strider tanto and I must say, it is one well built knife. "Tank" describes it best. I don't think it would be my first choice as a EDC because it's soooo thick, but if you need a hard use knife it's great.

If your not looking for a hard use knife (tip strength not so much an issue) then I would look at more standard blade profiles. I don't find the tanto to be a very versatile knife, but good at what it's inteded for.
 
The benchmade 722 is the one you want. I own it and it is a very high quality knife. I also like and own the emerson BUT v-grind (better than chisl), fast opening, ZERO bladeplay, sharp, axis-lock. This friggn knife is damn near perfect! Only changes I'd make would be: Could be a TAD bit larger overall, and more grip along outer edge of slabs.
Get the 722 - you'll be glad you did.
 
Cold Steel makes a bunch of folding tantos in the Voyager series. I've used mine with perfect satisfaction for half a dozen years.
 
BM Stryker but from what I know, the full size is being phased out. A MT SOCOM on the open market would be a great choice but are steadly rising in price.

Dayuhan
 
I've decided on the 722 from Benchmade. I tried New Graham, but they're sold out and can't get any more for a while.

Where else should I try that has them in stock?
 
Good choice the 722 rocks,its my personal favorite..From personal patronage I highly recommend Roger at Knifeworks.com. Good service and prices.
 
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