GLS Tactical

Tanto Knife

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When cutting through food, a tanto knife, which is a sort of folding knife, unfolds to reveal a short, razor-sharp blade measuring between 10 and 28 inches in length. The word tango, which means “cutting without pressure or torque,” is whence this technique got its name. These knives are ideal for peeling vegetables, slicing through fruits and vegetables, and even generating a fine dice with just the proper amount of seasoning to give it flavor.

The very best tanto knives will feature a tip that is the right size for your hand as well as a grip that is comfortable to hold while also being simple to open and shut. They should also have an appealing appearance that allows you to carry them in your pocket among other items such as your phone and your keys.

When shopping for a new tanto knife, there are several factors to consider before making a final purchase. The following list includes some of the best tanto knives on the market for daily use as well as some top models for carving and specialty purposes.

What To Consider When Choosing The Best Tanto Knife

When shopping for a new tanto knife, there are many factors to consider. The following section looks at these in detail.

Blade Material and Length

The two most common materials from which kitchen knives and other types of blades are made are carbon steel and stainless steel.

  • Carbon steel has long been considered one of the strongest metals around, and it’s also very sharp when freshly cut. However, this strength is quickly dulled by any type of cutting or chopping action, so it must be maintained with regular oiling. While modern technology means that blades can now be coated with a layer of hardening treatment, they still need to be regularly cleaned and lubricated.
  • Stainless steel blades do not require maintenance like carbon steel blades do. They’re less prone to rust and easier to clean. Stainless steel blades tend to have a sharper edge than carbon steel blades but will wear down more easily. If you plan on using your knife frequently, it might be worth buying a pair of high-quality stainless steel blades rather than just relying on what comes with your knife set.

Handle Materials

There are three main categories when it comes to handles: wood, plastic, and metal.

  • Wood handles feature a natural finish that mimics the look of leather. Wood absorbs shock better than plastic, making them safer over time, though they can crack if dropped on a hard surface. Wood also feels smooth and comfortable while gripping, but it’s expensive, difficult to maintain, and likely to break if dropped on a hard surface.
  • Plastic handles are inexpensive, easy to clean, durable, and resistant to impact damage. Plastic handles don’t feel as nice as wooden or metallic ones, but they’re lighter, cheaper, and often ergonomically designed. Most plastics won’t absorb much shock, making them safer over time.
  • Metal handles use various alloys to create a sturdy, shockproof handle that resists cracking and breaking. These handles usually come in multiple colors and patterns. Metal handles tend to be heavier, bulkier, and sometimes uncomfortable due to their shape, but they’re affordable, reliable, and durable.

Length

A standard length for a chef’s knife is 32 inches; however, there are variations within those parameters. Japanese sushi chefs prefer longer knives because they can maneuver them through rice rolls without getting too close to the table. On the other hand, European chefs typically chop up food faster than Americans do, so short knives suit them well. It’s important to find out how far your arm can reach before having to adjust your grip.

Weight and Balance

If you’d rather not hold the knife yourself, then weight and balance may be an issue. Although lightweight knives are great for convenience, they lack stability and control. Heavier knives provide better leverage and are more stable, especially when working with tougher foods. This makes them safer to use. Of course, they’re harder to manage, particularly when slicing delicate items such as fish or vegetables.

Versatility

One benefit of choosing a tanto knife is that it fits into several different cooking scenarios. For example, a steak knife is used for cutting meat, a bread knife for slicing bread, and a vegetable knife for cutting vegetables. However, traditional Japanese knives were never meant for precision work. Their purpose was to efficiently cut through tough material.

Todays’ versions of the classic Japanese hatchet (or tomahawk) knife are thinner and more precise for tasks such as gutting a fish or removing the head of a deer. These hunting knives aren’t suitable for cutting soft cheeses or fruits.

Style

Finally, let’s talk about the way you present yourself. When it comes to knives, there are infinite ways to skin a cat; nevertheless, some people have a preference for one end of the spectrum while others have a preference for the other. There are a variety of choices available as well for modern enthusiasts of the vintage appearance.

Types Of Tanto Knives

Tanto knives are designed for specific purposes, so it’s important to know what you’re getting into. Here is a breakdown of the most common types of tanto blades.

Drop Point

The drop point blade was originally developed in Japan as a farming and agricultural tool. It features one or more curved cutting edges on its leading edge (the part closest to the tip) that closely overlap with each other to maximize piercing ability while minimizing overall width. The drop point has become synonymous with “utility” because of its general purpose design and relative ease of use compared to other knife shapes. This shape also makes it very versatile; it can cut various kinds of materials including wood, plastic, leather, and cloth.

However, due to its popularity, this kind of blade is highly susceptible to breaking under heavy loads, especially when used for self-defense scenarios where the user may be landing blows repeatedly against an aggressor.

Clip Point

A clip point blade is similar to the drop point but instead of overlapping cutting edges, it uses single points. These sharp points allow for easier penetration through tough materials like clothing or skin. They are generally safer to stab with than regular drop point blades since they don’t have any jagged edges around your hand should you accidentally stick yourself. However, these blades aren’t as durable as the previous two options.

If you plan on using them for self-defense purposes, we recommend looking at some kind of protective equipment such as a sheath or guard.

Wharncliffe

This is another option worth considering if you need a reliable defensive weapon. It combines aspects from both the drop point and the Wharncliffe pattern which were popularized by Bob Loveless during his time working for Case in the early 1900s. Both designs emphasize stabbing capability over whittling down a larger piece of wood. The result is a wide blade that’s relatively light and easy to carry anywhere. It’s not too bulky either, making it ideal for concealed carry situations.

Recurve

Also known as the Damascus pattern after the city where it was first made, the recurve blade takes traditional Japanese kukri leaf blades and reworks their design to create something new. Instead of the typical hooked cutting edges found on a kukri, the recurve has a straight back edge all the way up until the very tip.

How We Chose Our Top Picks

To begin, we looked for knives that met the requirements of having a fixed blade, being made of durable stainless steel, and having ergonomics that were satisfactory. The next step was for us to limit our search to those that had a reasonable balance and weight.

Finally, we excluded any knife that had partial tangs or thin rat-tail tangs because they don’t provide as much security when you’re chopping vegetables at home. The list of top picks was then compiled based on feedback from users who tested the tanto knives and read publications for best reviews. Once we had our top picks, we contacted manufacturers directly to get more information about each knife.

We also spoke with representatives from two well-known online retailers – Amazon and eBay – to find out what it’s like buying kitchenware products through their websites.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tanto Knives

What is the best type of knife for self-defense?

The one you train with.

How thick should a folding knife be for self-defense?

This depends entirely on what activities you plan to use it in. For example, if you’re primarily going around the house or garage, then a thin blade might suffice. But, if you need something that can penetrate things like leather gloves or body armor, then go with something thicker. Just make sure to check your local regulations before doing so.

Are tanto knives and switchblades legal?

In most states, these are both classed as illegal weapons, meaning they cannot be used for normal day-to-day tasks. However, there are many exceptions to this rule, so always double-check your state laws.