I'd like to gain a greater understanding of the tanto blade shape. So in addition to what I'll dig up on the interweb:
What are your thoughts on the tanto?
Who is a fan?
What are it's practical uses?
Where does it excel and suck?
Thanks all who reply!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: N2KNVS,

It's not my cup of tea. I believe it improves tip strength. That is my understanding.

It's nothing more than a gimmick to cash in on the Japanese ninja, Samurai, bushido whatever mistique.
There are no advantages and the "Americanized" tanto is not even shaped like the real Japanese tanto, but some people like it, it looks dangerous and "Tactical" so, to each his own.

well to cash in,no some like it..
i like the tanto blade on my stryker lt made it popular and came out with smaller knives in the tanto,then alot followed him,my 910 are razor sharp with a sharp tip,it is a pry knife with a lot of heft on the tip..

I use the rounded tip of my knives blades for 80 percent of tasks. Tanto's are useless for me.

That makes me wonder what a real Japanese tanto looks like.
So no real advantages stated so far.

I like Tanto bladed knives. Basically the tip's designed for piercing things...I would NOT use any of these for prying, use a crowbar please.

Here's a pic of a bob Lum knife, and this gent, RIP, developed the "American Tanto..."

Generally there's enough blade to do utility chores, and the transition point between the two edges is really good for deep slicing.

Here's a pic for you to enjoy, and Nope I don't own it...wish I did:

Don't have time to find pics, but my understanding of the traditional Japanese tanto shape was that instead of the sharp transition between the two cutting surfaces it curves up into the point, with no sharp transition. I believe it was originally intended to provide a reinforced tip for stabbing through armor. Nowadays it's more for style. Overall they suck for utility but for defensive purposes they're probably fine. My preference would be something like a wharncliffe or spyderco civilian though, I'd rather slash than stab. But that's all hypothetical, If I ever have to cut somebody it's as a seriously last ditch survival move. Personally, I like the looks of a tanto, but just the looks.

quote:

Originally posted by TDOGG:
It's not my cup of tea. I believe it improves tip strength. That is my understanding.

quote:

Originally posted by archer:
It's nothing more than a gimmick to cash in on the Japanese ninja, Samurai, bushido whatever mistique.
There are no advantages and the "Americanized" tanto is not even shaped like the real Japanese tanto, but some people like it, it looks dangerous and "Tactical" so, to each his own.

+1 to both. I have just never cared much for the tanto.

The Elishewitz design 910 got me hooked on BM. I am a fan of all type of blade shape including the tanto.

Joe, I had a chance to pick up the Spydie/Lum C46 at a good price but didn't jump on it...kicking myself now.