Recommendation? Traditional-style tanto of good quality?

D

Doc1911

Joined
Jun 25, 2000
Messages
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I searched the Forum and could not find an answer to my question. I'm looking for a decent quality traditional (Japanese) style tanto, for no other reason than I like the way they look. I do not want a modern interpretation, and certainly no chisel-tip "Americanized" blades. It seems like there are dozens of websites selling what they claim are quality tantos, but I know there is a ton of cheap junk out there.

Any recommendations for a quality-made tanto in the traditional Japanese style? It need not be authentic Japanese (I probably couldn't afford that), but I'm happy to pay a fair price for a quality product.

Thanks!
 
Like this? Set you back >$700

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https://siamblades.com/collections/siam-knives/products/japanese-golden-leaf-tanto
 
I've always been impressed with the Hanwei / Paul Chen range in the low to middle price range. Cold Steel tested one of their cheaper($125 - 150) models, and while it didn't come out on top, it did do well considering how tough the tests were. Their more expensive models are even better made -

Part I -
.

Part II -
.

Part III -

It's a 3 part video, clocking in at about 30 minutes total.
 
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It's been a long time since I've seen a new Bugei in person, but their katanas / wakizashi / tantos always seemed well made and beautiful to me.

-Tyson
 
killgar said:
A few-
https://knifecenter.com/item/CS88BT/cold-steel-88bt-warrior-series-o-tanto-carbon-steel-blade

https://knifecenter.com/item/CS88T/cold-steel-88t-emperor-series-o-tanto-carbon-steel-blade

https://knifecenter.com/item/CISC40...fixed-10-dnh7-plain-blade-silk-wrapped-handle

I haven't owned any of those so I can't vouch for their quality.
Click to expand...

Always meant to get one of those warrior series Cold Steel tantos.

Just about pulled the trigger on one once, but a guy had a deal on a Glock I wanted.

So now I'm pulling the trigger of the Glock instead. Maybe someday on the tanto though.
 
doesn't have to cost an arm, try cas iberia's
sh2254.jpg

practical tanto (hanwei paul chen)
sh2423.jpg

raptor tanto (hanwei paul chen).
for me the gold standard would be anything
from the legendary phil hartsfield of old.
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I always used to be a big fan of Cold Steel, all tantos of course :^D
But now ?
Ask me again in Dec 2021 ...
 
I've also heard good things about Ronin Katana products as well. They have a tanto for under $100.
 
I've always wondered what they do with the meat after these tests (including Forged In Fire). Have a barbecue for the shop crew?

tltt said:
I've always been impressed with the Hanwei / Paul Chen range in the low to middle price range. Cold Steel tested one of their cheaper($125 - 150) models, and while it didn't come out on top, it did do well considering how tough the tests were. Their more expensive models are even better made -

Part I -
.

Part II -
.

Part III -

It's a 3 part video, clocking in at about 30 minutes total.
Click to expand...
've
 
Search island blacksmith. They have lots of videos of their traditional methods. Most pieces are about 2k and up...
 
Not all traditionally made japanese blades are quality either. In fact, I'd take one of my chinese blades over any of my Nihonto for cutting. Modern steel is far superior.

But anyways, if you're looking for a blade made out of Tamahagane, you're going to pay for it. You can get folded steel clay tempered blades on ebay for a decent price. The blades are decent, but the fittings are always going to be garbage. There used to be a chinese smith named Simon Lee who sold very, very nice blades with Tamahagane. His blades even fooled experienced Nihonto collectors. Unfortunately he sold off his name/business(as far as I know) and the blades are no longer of great quality.

Paul chen makes decent blades(although I'm not a fan of the trademarks frosty hamon that tends to exaggerate the real hamon) and I've heard good things about Huawei(they'll make you a custom sword) you can always just get a complete blade and saya(much cheaper with chinese seller) and purchase genuine fittings of your choice and have someone make you a tsuka. Will look much better.
 
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