Recommendation? which Tanto to buy?

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Jan 12, 2018
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hi all,

I accidentally saw a Cold Steel Tanto blade photo on Internet and really want to purchase one. But I don't know which one is a better choice as I am complete new to this blade world. I buy the blade mainly for collection and maybe I will take it to hiking for self defense.

After some research, I would like to buy a Master Tanto(6") from Japan as I like its leather shield much more than the plastic one in the newest version.

1. Is Master Tanto a good choice? how is it when comparing with Kobun and Tanto lite? Seems Kobun is much lighter and cheaper... or any other recommendations (Magnum Tanto II)?

2. where can I buy a new Master Tanto (from Japan) and its leather shield? how is it compare with the current Taiwan version?

Thanks a lot!
 
Master Tanto is a good choice I think. I do like Magnum II also with a little longer blade. I have and love them all. From the mini to the XII and the Kobun's and the Oyabuns and the Lite.The Lite & Kobun are nice also, not as nice a steel but for collecting/self defense they will do the trick much cheaper. You might think about buying one to see how you like the style, for the price you can't go wrong.
The Japan made Tanto's w/leather sheaths have not been made in decades and are very pricey(especially NIB)due to collectors wanting them.
From what I have seen the Taiwan models are of the highest quality and great steels, pricing is excellent if you do your homework.
 
For that length blade, and if its mainly for collectibility, can't do much better than the Japanese Master Tanto, but unfortunately you would need to find one on the secondary market (Exchange here on BF, eBay, etc), as they have been discontinued as nephron mentioned. With the introduction of the Taiwan San Mai models, it seems that the prices of the Japanese models have come down a bit on the secondary market, but they can still be pretty pricey.
 
I own a Taiwanese made Magnum Tanto II in 3v and can tell you that Cold steel’s Taiwanese Tantos are superb. With Cold Steel’s new san mai Master Tantos, there is absolutely no reason to spend so much more trying to track down a Japanese Master Tanto unless you are specifically after the ultimate collector’s piece.
 
I have almost all of the tantos except for the XII and the original magnum (closest in size to the modern IX). still looking to get those at some point. i also do not have any of the oyabuns or the lite however. out of what i have, for the purposes you are describing, i would agree with others on here and say the 6" master tanto is ideal. however, i generally lean towards the Magnum Tanto II (7.5 inch) as being the ideal tanto. i also second that the new taiwanese tantos are excellent in fit, finish, and overall quality. also for the taiwan ones, from a completely technical standpoint, whether you get the 3V or the san mai, both steels are upgrades from older japanese tantos. however, for collectibility, Japanese are the way to go
 
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