Why tantos?

I carried a tanto pointed liner lock for two years. I like the secondary edge and secondary point. As a tool, is not all that bad. I just say that, as a fighting knife the tanto point is completely overrated.
Moreover, it's not a tanto point. It's something that doesn't exist in japanese blades but in very rare, very antique blades.
All in all, I much prefer the blade shape of the knife I'm carrying now.

Not to mention when "tactical" and "tanto point" are used to sell utter crap as the Puma TAC-1 you can see here:
http://www.outdoormania.com/belt.htm

The blade is OBVIOUSLY chisel ground in such a way that the knife is completely FLAT on the other side...(the wrong one for right handed users, obviously!):barf:

Have a look at the Defender too, and look at what price they sell this industrial knife...:eek:
 
I carry a CS XLG Tanto Voyager as my large folder backed up by an SAK or if im in need of a heavy duty tool then my LM Wave.

My response applies to to a double grind tanto like my CS. I don't care for the single grind as a cutting tool in any style.

CUTTING TOOL: I love the secondary tanto point when marking wood, cutting cardboard or when the need is for a highly controlled cut.
The secondary edge is great for scraping although I prefer to keep this edge absolutely razor sharp when compared to the primary edge. It's like having two cutting tools in one.

CAMP/KITCHEN TOOL: the same applies plus the width of the blade is such that it makes for a great spreader, unlike a clip point which narrows at the tip. Plus the 5" blade ensures that I dont get the pivot gunked up.

DEFFENSIVE TOOL: The secondary point is simply devastating with snap cuts as you have deeper penetration of the affected area. With a thrust, the width of the point and blade affect a larger area providing for quicker incapacitation.

The only thing that I have found the Tanto unsuited for is dressing out large game such as deer. The secondary point is so devastating that it makes quite a mess.

Thanks,
 
In the following text, the term "Tanto" describes what is referred to as the "Americanized Tanto".

I agree with the Tanto fans that it looks kinda cool, but IMO if you need a straight edge, take a Wharncliffe shaped blade. It has a more delicate point, too.
Not that I thing the Wharncliffe design is superior to more common utility type shapes, but I´d still prefer it over a Tanto as a user.

The Tanto sure provides a strong tip, but I prefer a Busse-like blade shape when it comes to "prybar-knives".
 
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