what is the benefit of a SNG tanto blade over a drop point?

colubrid

colubrid

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Nov 26, 2005
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I have an opportuinity to get my first Strider. The only thing I don't like is the particular knife i am thinking of getting has a Tanto blade. Since i don't really know what benefits the Tanto has over the drop point (it seems like it would be harder to sharpen as well) I thought I would ask here before going ahead with the deal.

Does anyone prefer the Tanto SNG over the drop point and why?
Is it just a better self defense blade?
What about cutting boxes, plastic, paper, cutting fruit and vegetibles ect..?
 
I own a tanto SnG. I personally like the look of the tanto. It's great for piercing. I find them easier to sharpen since there is no belly. I also believe they are more suted for self defense but that is my personal opinion. Either way, the SnG is a great knife. You will be happy with either.
 
In my opinion, Strider tanto has no benefits in piercing soft materials because of it's thickness. Tanto has a thicker stronger tip that's good for prying or piercing metal.
 
I should have specified... it's great for piercing... sherman tanks:D
 
i prefer the looks of the drop point myself and its a lot more useful blade shape too imho.

but the tantos are ok too if thats what ya like.
 
The Americanized tanto point is said to have been more suited for self defense, however I must remind you that during those times when you must resort to defending yourself with a blade, any kind of blade shape is acceptable. Even a broken knife can sometimes save your life when used properly.

A Japanese traditional tanto looks closer to a drop point than to an Americanized tanto point, its design has been very useful in a self defense/utilitarian situation for more than 1 thousand years.

I too sometimes wonder the benefits of a tanto point. Unless you are in a very extreme condition that requires excesive piercing ability, I'm guessing a properly done drop point will do.

Just my 0.02
 
colubrid said:
Since i don't really know what benefits the Tanto has over the drop point (it seems like it would be harder to sharpen as well) I thought I would ask here before going ahead with the deal.
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IMO the "modern" or "american" tanto blade offeres no real advantages over the drop point for self defence, and is in general less suitable for EDC chores. The heavier point of the tanto does make it more durable, and perhaps better at penetrating hard targets, but that isn't really a huge factor in most civilian self-defence senarios.

Now, its not really a bad blade shape, and it is more "tacticool" than the more sedate drop-point, so if that appeals to you then no reason not to go for it. ;)
 
One thing I like about the tanto is that it is easy to cut with the corner where the two edges meet. I have both an SMF tanto and an SnG drop point. I see no real difference in most cutting chores. The only advice I can offer is that I would try it out if I could and then decide.
 
Grind said:
One thing I like about the tanto is that it is easy to cut with the corner where the two edges meet. I have both an SMF tanto and an SnG drop point. I see no real difference in most cutting chores. The only advice I can offer is that I would try it out if I could and then decide.
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Okay I guess i am just going to try it and see if it ends up on my hip or on the classfieds.
 
I prefer the drop point shape myself. Tanto's (especially the american version) look very "tacticool" and that's a look I try to stay away from. I find sharpening the forward edge harder then sharpening the belly. Getting the corner sharp is a little tricky as well.

Either way, the SnG is a nice knife. I plan on picking on up to match my SMF soon. :)
 
I bought the SnG droppoint. A droppoint blade has uninterrupted length of edge making a sweep cut, such as in dressing game or slicing meats. It also gives a single edge to sharpen - on pass down the edge goes from choil to tip. No messy second setup to sharpen an edge shorter than a razor blade.

Some claim the tanto tip inherently has more strength because it's a shorter wedge with more material and thickness, and also imply it's better for self defense. Long time knife users claim anyone doing that should have their methods closely examined for a realistic view of life. While stabbing and prying is a deeply imbedded part of the knife culture - it's also the dumbest act of abuse to blade and wielder. More grief is reported here, and in our collective experience, because of broken tips and the overhyped expectation that a certain blade shape imbues the carrier with mythological powers of self defense.

Droppoints are better all around cutters - that's what you really do daily. Don't short yourself buying the commonly available tanto SnG when the high demand droppoint is obviously the better deal.
 
American tanto point in my mind is a compromise between standard belly edge and straight / sheepsfoot / wharncliffe edge. The edge is almost straight until the 2nd point, then straight to the 1st point. Think of a sheepsfoot, then add a triangular section with a sharp edge to get a high point, and you got yourself an American Tanto.

It slashes and cuts like a utility knife due to the 2nd point, yet it still presents a sharp edge for stabbing. like a utility knife, it's not particularly suitable for dressing game and food prep. Just think of it as a utility knife with 2 points instead of 1. That's what I use it for.
 
For what it's worth, I had the same choice about a year ago. I wanted a lefty drop point SNG but only the tanto was available. I gave in and picked up the tanto. Used it for a short time and decided to have a knifemaker I know make a drop point out of it. The shape of the tanto blade just wasn't useful to me in an edc blade.
 
I've two AR's one drop and one tanto. Striders Tanto points aren't that sharp if you ask me. I'll take a dropped point any day over a tanto. Now CS or EKI tanto's are a different story. Not as thick so I can get them hair shaving sharp. keepem sharp
 
I own a Strider GB. Personally I wanted the Tanto/GB vs the Drop-point/AR for the tougher tip and for scraping. Strider's tantos are not as sharp as other companies due to the angle of the bevel.
 
Definitely go with the drop-point. Much more useful for all around cutting chores.

A while back I wanted a small Strider WP fixed blade with a drop point. But, I couldn't find one, so I bought the tanto instead. It turns out that the small secondary edge from the point to the main edge is NOT sharpened on Striders.
I actually like that section of the blade to be sharpened to do fine work.
To make a long story short, I sold that knife and got some other knives instead.

I love my Strider PT and Buck-Strider folders (the 'lite' version compared to the 'real' SnG).

My two cents: definitely get the drop-point!!!

Regards,
Mike
 
the small secondary edge from the point to the main edge is NOT sharpened on Striders
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WHOA, that's crazy!
How can they sell a knife like that? Will strider sharpen it if sent in?
 
One thing: the smaller portion of the tanto blade (the one near the tip) is very useful for making long, pulling cuts through thick substances, say cardboard. However, if this isn't sharpened on a Strider, than I wouldn't go for it.
 
My WP tanto is not very sharp on the small edge. However the small edge on my SMF is just as sharp as the primary edge.
 
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