Japanese Tanto Blade

Among all Japanese swords, there is one that stands out for its size: the tanto. This small, knife-like Japanese sword, measuring less than 30 cm, is unobtrusive, very sturdy and easy to handle. Check out our selection of sharp and dull Japanese tanto and complete your collection.

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All about the traditional Japanese Tanto

The tanto (短刀) is a small Japanese sword measuring no more than 11.8 inches that first appeared during the Heian era. Its single-edged blade can be slightly curved or straight, depending on the model. Like the samurai’s katana sword, it is worn mainly by warriors and their wives, hidden away for self-defense, and is known as a Kaiken.

The size and lightness of the ancient Japanese tanto made it a formidable weapon, most often placed under the obi (kimono belt) or underneath the kimono for greater discretion.

Its frame is similar to that of a katana or a Wakizashi, with a Saya, a guard, a menuki, a habaki and all the other components found in these other Japanese swords.

How is a Tanto used?

The Tanto was used in confined spaces and was most often worn on a daily basis for all eventualities. But its best-known use was for the practice of Seppuku, better known in the West as Hara-Kiri.

This fatal suicide ritual, which disappeared under the Meiji era in 1868, was reserved for samurai, or the aristocratic caste of feudal Japan, and involved cutting open one’s abdomen.

The art of handling Tanto is called tanto-jutsu, and many techniques are taught to samurai, including its use as a throwing weapon by throwing it like a shuriken.

The different types of Japanese Tanto

There are several types of traditional Japanese tanto, with different shapes and uses. Here at KatanaEmpire, we offer you a wide range of different types of small Japanese swords.

Hira-Zukuri Tanto

The special property of the hira-zukuri tanto is its flat blade, which can be straight or curved. It is inspired by the shape of the tachi, the ancestor of the katana.

Kaiken Tanto

The kaiken is a smaller-than-average handmade Japanese tanto. This gives it greater discretion.

Yoroi Toshi Tanto

With its heavier weight than standard tantos and thicker blade, the yoroi toshi is a piercing weapon, perfect for stabbing.

Kiriha-Zukuri Tanto

The kiriha-zukuri tanto also has a flat or triangular blade, but this one is more often curved. The blade has an edge to facilitate cutting.

Aiguchi

There are tantōs without a guard, named Aiguchi after this type of mount. Similar in size, this dagger has no guard (tsuba). In particular, it has no Sageo.