Where to get a good small fixed blade Tanto?

EDDAKA

EDDAKA

Joined
Oct 24, 2009
Messages
408
Hey guys,

Been looking at smaller tanto's as of late (7 inches or under.)

I know of several knife makers like Phil Hartsfield that make something along the lines of what I want. However they are also way over my price range.

(Number 35 or 40 http://www.phillhartsfield.com/14THSET.html)

Anybody got anything?
 
If you were to go custom try R.J. Martin or Mike Snody, they both put out really nice small Japanese style tantos. Both will have a decent wait time though.
 
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99f250 said:
If your not wanting to spend alot check out cold steel
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I don't know if this is still in production, but it is a nice little knife.
DSC02283.jpg


Andy
 
Andy, is that a CS Mini Tanto in AUS8? AFAIK it's out of production. I have one and it's nice.
 
Maybe I'm reading the OP wrong, but I'm reading it as what's a good "small" tanto, as in 7" OAL, not, 7" blade, as that wouldn't really be a small knife.

The 1st knife that comes to mind is one of Livesay's Woos (Executive with micarta scales or the reg. one with cord wrapped handle).
 
Try a CRKT (smallest size is a hair over 3") First Strike. Here is mine with a sheath I made in 05.
l_a33cf9ed63744c438c4d0b36a3c177f2.jpg


CR2703.jpg
 
Tantos are cool looking and I've had a few, but I just can't imagine how "good" and "tanto" belong in the same sentence... The point where the edges meet gets rounded if you actually use it and aren't an incredible sharpener. Just my experience. I'd buy a RAT RC-3 and be done with it!
 
Graham knives is all you need to know. The guys that make the razel knives. I have one of their small tantos and it's awesome. It's made from 154cm and it's not too expensive. I got it at blade 2 years ago about $200. Good luck.
 
Leu Custom said:
depends on your definition of "high up there" :D
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Like Phil hartsfield.

Your smaller knives are under $250 for a 1/8 thick blade!

Phil Hartsfield charges upwards of $600+ for his.

I look forward to owning a Leu knife :)
 
EDDAKA said:
Like Phil hartsfield.

Your smaller knives are under $250 for a 1/8 thick blade!

Phil Hartsfield charges upwards of $600+ for his.

I look forward to owning a Leu knife :)
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Ah well yes. You are paying for the name of Phill Hartsfield (two LL's), his son is the one with only one L (Phil). You are paying for the warranty from
hell basically. He'll stand behind anything and i do mean ANYTHING you do to it. I have even heard he'll replace (and don't quote me on this), an intentionally brokened blade !!!! But a lot of it is his 67 years as a maker you're paying for too. :D like buying Armani with an edge ! :eek: Not everyone's cup of tea, but for those who are willing to pay, they love them !

Back in the late 80's...a kozuka was like $200 bucks from Phill ! You missed the boat ! I have one of his kwaikens from 1988 and it cost $200.00 back then !
 
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