What is the point (of a tanto point)

As much as I love the look of a tanto blade, it's my understanding that most cutting happens at the belly of a more traditionally shaped blade. I really like the tanto look but probably wouldn't buy one unless I were a Ninja.
 
Angular Tanto points show up on Japanese kitchen knives meant for eel prep in the kitchen.
 
Kwon Kwang said:
It's primarily for martial use - the secondary point makes for a highly effective snap cut, pierces while cutting during a slashing stroke, and the primary tip is very strong due to spinal reinforcement. It's also very good at piercing.

Here's a test video from Andrew Demko and friend, employees of Cold Steel, who popularized and arguably invented the American Tanto. It's a three-parter, and is very extensive.

[video=youtube;bYozOCQM7CI]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYozOCQM7CI[/video]

Knowing what I know now, I feel that most tanto tips that aren't from Cold Steel are pretty pointless since they often have swedges and weird tacticool crap to appeal to the uneducated. I won't buy a tanto point knife that isn't from Cold Steel.
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Cool video and good info. I like Americanized (Cold Steel) Tantos. For a while my outdoor/all around fixed blade was a Cold Steel tanto. It is useful to have an edge at a different angle from your hand. This is helpful in scraping and push cuts. It is also useful to have the yokote. It can be used as a precision cutting point at a different angle than a normal tip can give. I have used Cold Steel tantos for skinning things, preparing food, opening packages, etc etc.

Two side notes: It looks just fun to work for Cold Steel. Also, if you get the chance to compare snap cuts with an Americanized tanto and any other blade shape, it is amazing.
 
HFinn said:
I get the impression you like tanto blades. Very nice.

All right. It is either the new Code 4 tanto or the Voyager large tanto. Leaning towards the Code 4 because of slimness and overall looks. Any points for Voyager that I should take into consideration before I pull the trigger? Voyager is larger and therefore less pocketable, but slightly cheaper.
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I bought the Large Tanto Voyager as a hard use/work knife. It is great. For around 45 dollars (less than a tank of gas or a night out) you get a knife with great grippy FRN type handles (won't wear down or break) aluminum liners (strengthen the pivot etc) great ergonomics (it fits my hand perfectly in forward and reverse grips and I have stupid big hands) the triad lock (will not break or get play, and no matter what you hear my Voyager has a smoother action and is easier to close than more expensive lock backs) and a shining 4 inch example of the great usefulness of the Americanized tanto blade in AUS8 (no matter what the internet experts say, Cold Steel's aus8 rocks. I have truly put it through abuse and it has stayed sharp). Oh, and it is not that bad at all to carry. It is surprisingly easy to carry.

I don't have a Code 4, but I do not regret for one second buying my Large Voyager Tanto. Go for it!
 
My Voyager Tanto tips are good for prying out dried tree sap for outdoor fire stating.
 
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Being a woodworker, I have found the tanto a very useful blade design. The tip is perfect for cleaning up rabbits( it's an open dado) . It has other great utility functions. I've often carried my Recon 1 tanto for work. Self defense wise that secondary tip is wicked for snap cuts and slashing. So; it's a very useful blade!
 
Ordered the Code 4. I will do some testing (cutting normal materials like cardboard, rope, foodstuff etc, might also do some more "martial cutting. And dont worry, I have done some cutting with knives and swords so I expect to keep all my fingers and limbs intact :) ) and tell the results. Anyway I liked the shape and size most of all my choises.

By the way, I found a CRKT Heiho just by chance and since it did not cost too much I bought it. Nice knife with simple lines. I like the neutrally shaped handle. The lock is solid enough, but I am a bit worried of the flipping motion caused by the assisted opening. I think it can cause the liner lock to overtravel. I have tried to get the torsion bar out but cant find a fitting hex key. I might open the screws holding the spacer, take just the spacer and torsion bar out and open the screw with pliers.
 
Took the Heiho apart, all that was required was to take one scale and liner off. That way I could take off the spacer and find out, that the set screw holding the torsion bar was a torx. Got the bar off and put the knife back together. I think it is a much better knife now :) So while waiting for the Code 4 I have a smaller tanto folder to play with.
 
Got the Code 4 Tanto. First impressions are very positive. The handle is slick, but the finger grooves give a good grip. The blade is more massive than I thought it would be, but the hollow grind lightens it. Overall it is light for its size and well finished. This is the first Cold Steel knife I have experienced that I have no troubles with the clip. I carried it inside my waistband for a while and soon I barely noticed it, no doupt because of the slim handle. Drawing is easier than other CS knives. The color of the handle and the shiny blade give it a touch of class. Blade is very sharp out of box.

Lock-up is of course very solid, nothing else could be expected of Triad-lock. Closing the knife requires a firm push on the lever. I did some slight cutting with the blade and personally I find it just as good as any knife with more belly. It is easy to use the secondary point to make effortless, precise cuts. And the secondary point gives a devastating snap cut.

The jimping could be more pronounced, these dont give much more traction. And of course the metal handle will be hot or cold in extreme temperatures. These are minor things for me, at least now.

I will strop the blade slightly and then do some more cutting when I have the time.
 
HFinn said:
Got the Code 4 Tanto. First impressions are very positive. The handle is slick, but the finger grooves give a good grip. The blade is more massive than I thought it would be, but the hollow grind lightens it. Overall it is light for its size and well finished. This is the first Cold Steel knife I have experienced that I have no troubles with the clip. I carried it inside my waistband for a while and soon I barely noticed it, no doupt because of the slim handle. Drawing is easier than other CS knives. The color of the handle and the shiny blade give it a touch of class. Blade is very sharp out of box.

Lock-up is of course very solid, nothing else could be expected of Triad-lock. Closing the knife requires a firm push on the lever. I did some slight cutting with the blade and personally I find it just as good as any knife with more belly. It is easy to use the secondary point to make effortless, precise cuts. And the secondary point gives a devastating snap cut.

The jimping could be more pronounced, these dont give much more traction. And of course the metal handle will be hot or cold in extreme temperatures. These are minor things for me, at least now.

I will strop the blade slightly and then do some more cutting when I have the time.
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Would be great if you could post a couple of pics when you get a chance. i have not handled the Code 4 yet, but based on the numbers the blade / handle ratio make it seems like a large handle compared to the blade length...
Looking forward to see how you like it!
 
I think a properly designed tanto is stronger in the tip than most other types but don't understand the purpose of the blade.

Why would you be trying to penetrate steel or something like that with a knife?

If you are in a situation where you need to use a knfe for selfdefense, you are bleeped. You are further bleeped if you are in a sitaution where for some stupid reason you need a tanto blade to penetrate a hard object...lol.
 
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