Tanto: pros and cons

BlazenGem

BlazenGem

Gold Member
Joined
Oct 19, 2007
Messages
1,252
I was always curious what are some advantages and disadvantages of the tanto blade shape in a folding knife and a fixed blade.

Whatcha think?
 
I've heard that the tanto blade is mainly meant for stabbing because it has a very strong point but since it has no belly it isn't as good as others at slicing. It's also great at selling knives.
 
If I remember correctly the shape allowed the blade to be easily removed after piercing armor. Tanto's are IMO a little harder to sharpen because you have two bevels to worrie about but its not really that big a deal. The thought that they can stab better is a myth, most of the time a tanto creates more resistance when piercing because the whole height of the blade has to push through.

Overall I like them and carry a BM 760 daily, it has yet to fail me in a cutting task. Most of the time we are use to having a belly on a knife that allows you to rock the knife to cut through things and with the tanto there is no belly. Like anything you just need to get use to how it cuts.
 
The american tanto shape is great for cutting carpet, insulation, plastic sheeting, and so on. When I actually have spare time I will occasionally restore and re-upholster old furniture for fun and they are great for cutting various materials when laid out flat. They cut straight lines very well, and the acute point is great for the initial piercing of thicker materials when necessary. It's far from a useless blade shape, however, I would personally never EDC one.
 
knifenut1013 said:
If I remember correctly the shape allowed the blade to be easily removed after piercing armor. Tanto's are IMO a little harder to sharpen because you have two bevels to worrie about but its not really that big a deal. The thought that they can stab better is a myth, most of the time a tanto creates more resistance when piercing because the whole height of the blade has to push through.

Overall I like them and carry a BM 760 daily, it has yet to fail me in a cutting task. Most of the time we are use to having a belly on a knife that allows you to rock the knife to cut through things and with the tanto there is no belly. Like anything you just need to get use to how it cuts.
Click to expand...

Thanks for clearing that up fo me. I wasn't sure if it was true as I had only just read it somewhere.
 
No love for Tanto, kemosabe?

Just something about it that drves me away. The horrid Buck 850 Bravo, a turkey of the first order, was my attempt at getting ready for a 'Tanto' - the Wedge be Wrong - for me. Then I bought a BM 760BK LTi. Wow... and it has a Tanto - a real Lum one. I like it, gasp! It is a slicer - fortunately, on both bevels. Not likely to be fun to resharpen... may remember Tom Krein then for a regrind... Seriously, the 760 grows on you. Now - it's supposed to be better for 'stabbing'?? A nail is fine for that, too - or a spike - a RR spike. Naw, knives are cutting tools. If I need a puncture provider - from a safe distance - I have something ideal for that. Okay, it's a bit louder...

Check out a 760...

Stainz
 
I am very found of the Tanto design when I am at work. It is excellent for flat surface scraping and puncturing . I also cut thick corrugated cardboard on a daily basis so I like a combo blade. When I am not at work I can be very content with a PE clip or drop point model.

DSC06404.jpg

DSC02121.jpg
 
Cons:
They're a bit harder to sharpen, intimidating to sheeple, the lack of belly may make it harder for use on a cutting board.

Pros:
More stronger tip, the tip can be used a bit like a chisel on wood, there's a secondary tip/point to be used.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top