What Are Some Amazing Facts About Japanese Tanto?

The Tanto is a Japanese knife/dagger that resembles a short sword. The typical length of the Tanto was 11.93 inches. The blade’s length ranged from 5 to 12 inches. Larger blades, approximately 13 to 14 inches, were known as ko-wakizashi, which translates to “little short sword.” O-Tanto or Sunobi Tanto were the names given to Tantos that were not the conventional size.

The Tanto was a sword with a curving form and a single-edged blade. It was considered to be a warrior’s concealed sword, meant for softer prey. In close combat, it was highly effective for piercing armor. It could also access places that a katana couldn’t. So, samurais wore Tanto and Katana together for their missions. The big and little sword helped them keep their enemies at a distance. 

Here are the top amazing facts you should know about this Japanese Tanto sword.

The Evolution

Mostly during the Heian Period (795-1192 A.D.), the Tanto first emerged as a commoner’s blade. During the Kamakura Period (1192-1333 A.D.), it was used as a weapon. The Tanto was not only a blade but also a piece of artistic achievement. It was lavishly adorned in the most popular hira-tsukuri and Uchi-sori designs.

Tantos grew more than 15.75 inches during the Nambokucho era (1336-1392 A.D.). The blades got thinner and wider as time went on. As a result, the Tanto became even more lethal. Various genres emerged, and the form of the object shifted. The Tanto had narrowed again during the Muromachi Period (1336–1573 A.D.).

Following Japanese unity, the Edo era (1603-1867 A.D.) began with a period of great calm. The sword’s quality had improved at this point. During this period, skilled smiths began to develop Tantos, and there were various Tanto-making techniques in the market. 

Even though just a few Tantos were produced, they were of high quality. The edge (Hamon) of the heat-treated dagger became more curved and gorgeous. Today, we see the Tanto from the Edo Period.

Core Characteristics

The Tanto dagger features a flat edge and a high tip. This produces an incredibly powerful tip ideal for piercing through thick materials, such as hardened steel. The Tanto blade’s thick point has a lot of metal at the apex. Therefore, it can easily withstand the impact of repeated stabbing, which would shatter most other blades.

Instead of forming a curvature, the Tanto blade’s forward edge joins the bottom edge at an inclination. As a result, there is no belly on the Tanto blade. In return for a sharper tip, the belly is eliminated. However, the incredibly powerful point enables it to be utilized in difficult situations when penetrating hard materials is necessary.

Concealed Weapon

The average length of a Tanto blade was approximately 12 inches. So, it was the ideal weapon for hiding. Samurais hid this blade around their thigh or inside their belts. When Katana or Wakizashi gave up, samurais used this weapon to defeat the opponent. 

Moreover, since it could pierce armor, warriors often used it in conjunction with Katana on the battlefield. Samurais surprised their opponents with their Tanto blade, and this gave them an edge over their rivals.