Is the Tanto Better Than Other Daggers?

Tanto is a traditional Japanese dagger that was wielded by the Samurais of medieval or pre-modern Japan. A typical Tanto is no longer than 12 inches and has a very slightly curved edge and a straight back. Although some consider it to be a sword, but due to it being carried by Samurais as a side weapon to their Katana or Tachi, it is better described as a dagger. Staying with its users at all times, it acted like a pistol to the modern-day soldier. Even when a Samurai was required to place their Katana outside while entering a sensitive building, they did not remove their Tanto. 

The Tanto is properly categorized as a knife. The blade can be single or double-edged. It was originally designed as a stabbing weapon but is also a very effective slicer. Becoming more ornate and impractical over the years, the Tanto has lost its original shape and effectiveness, but still is the best class of short length blades.

Below are some reasons as to why the Tanto is the best dagger:

Material

The Tanto is famously made from Tamahagane steel. A rich blend of very pure iron sand, only found in some specific areas of Japan, and a very minute percentage of carbon; making it a perfect metal to forge the hardest and most flexible weapons in the world. The extensive process of making this steel coupled with the extensive process of forging it into shape by endless folding, hammering and heating make a resilient blade that can withstand very heavy blows. Typical daggers don’t stand a chance against the Tanto in this comparison.

Body

Different from the conventional curved and more ornate daggers, the Tanto has a straight and sleek design that makes it perfect for thrusting into any kind of material. Not only a seamless stabbing weapon, but it also boasts a sharp edge that makes it excellent for slashing. Compared to daggers from Arabia or other parts of the world, the Tanto is the most lightweight dagger of all. Almost feeling like nothing when worn on a belt, it provides the wielder perfect mobility and comfort. The handle and blade of the Tanto are kept as sleek and simple in design as possible in order to make for less weight and easy control. The handle is kept long so that it can be held by two hands at a time which gives it a special property of being used as a makeshift sword, especially when one has to fend off an incoming swing, both hands are needed to push the opponent’s blade away. 

Ease of Sharpening

Tanto blades are easy to sharpen and most of these blades have alternative bevels. A Tanto with a straight blade can easily be sharpened using a stone, while a ceramic rod and stropping can be used for slightly curved blades.

Although there is a long list of traits unique to the Tanto, it is too long to be discussed in this blog. All these advantages over knives and dagger designs give the Tanto the upper hand.