Tanto

The Tanto is the smallest of the Japanese Swords. Its blade measures about 12 inches and is very slightly curved compared to the Katana or the Wakizashi. This small sword was usually worn in the Obi belt of the Kimono and allowed an unmatched discretion and lightness.

Some samurai could wear it inside their Kimono to make it totally invisible to the enemy, it could then be used as a defense in an urgent situation or to stab an enemy discreetly.

Tanto is also known for the practice of Seppuku which is the samurai suicide ritual where the samurai would make a horizontal cut above his navel to forgive a non-honorable act or not to follow his master's order which he demanded immoral.

The Tanto sword! It’s the legendary Tachi’s equally deadly sidearm of the medieval Japanese warrior class! Long before the katana and wakizashi became the Samurai’s favorite sword combo, the Tanto served its purpose (and surprisingly well!).The Tanto is a beautiful work of art and a tantalizing piece of Japanese culture, history, and folklore! And if you’re into collecting authentic Japanese swords, you’ll find our Tanto sword collection more than adequate to satisfy your thirst for genuine Nihonto!

Historical Significance: The Evolution of the Tanto

The history of Tanto swords predates the katana. It’s worth pointing out that, while the katana is more “popular” than the tanto or even the wakizashi, the katana began in the Kamakura Period, evolving from the Heian Period long sword called tachi. Meanwhile, the tanto has been around since the Heian Period, although not artistically pleasing.

We must reiterate that “tanto” refers to the blade’s shape, not necessarily the blade itself (unlike the katana). Its unique form makes it perfect for stabbing or piercing, not cutting. Unsurprisingly, it’s the weapon of choice for samurai engaged in close-quarters battle (where the katana’s length would be a liability).

Heian Period tanto samurai swords were rudimentary at best. That changed during the Kamakura Period, with the kanmuri-otoshi, uchi-sori, and hira becoming the most sought-after tantos. They featured a temperline similar to the mighty tachi.

Unfortunately, the Momoyama Period saw the tanto and tachi’s decline and the rise of the katana and wakizashi as a samurai’s favorite battle combo. Still, tanto Japanese swords found relevance in official ceremonies, which persisted through the late Edo Period.

Craftsmanship and Design: The Making of a Masterpiece

How to make a Tanto sword is a topic only licensed katana-kaji (expert and licensed Japanese swordsmiths) can describe like a storyteller mesmerizing an audience. They follow age-old methods to create these exquisite blades, something that no modern sword-making processes can match. 

Only the finest materials

Everything begins with rare ironsand (satetsu), mined and collected in select ironsand-rich riversides. Smelters process satetsu in traditional kilns to produce tamahagane steel, the backbone of Japanese swordmaking. This high-carbon steel gives tanto blades their remarkable sharpness and durability.

Traditional tanto swordmakers use high-quality magnolia wood for handles and wrap them in exquisite ray skin for a secure grip. High-end tanto features intricate engravings and fittings made of gold, silver, and copper. 

A forging process unlike any other

Forging a tanto is like creating a katana. It requires meticulous attention to steel folding (hundreds of times to remove impurities and enhance blade strength) and clay tempering (to give the tanto its signature hamon). 

Only then can tanto swordmakers start polishing and sharpening the blade while other artisans work on the mounting, fittings, and embellishments.  

Modern Appreciation: The Tanto in Contemporary Culture

The origins of the tanto might be rooted in medieval Japan, but this sword (or dagger) continues to captivate 21st-century individuals. Unsurprisingly, our tanto sword collection epitomizes modern appreciation of this famous tachi sidekick.

Collectors and Enthusiasts

Antique tanto blades can fetch thousands of dollars at auctions, especially those crafted by legendary swordsmiths and with NBTHK certification. Many enthusiasts invest in these blades because they are unimaginable works of art and have a deep history.

Martial Arts and Training

Traditional Japanese martial arts, like Kenjutsu and Aikido, feature elements requiring practitioners to master the art of wielding a tanto. They call it Tanto-jutsu.

Representation in Pop Culture

Tanto blades feature prominently in modern pop culture. Don’t believe us? You can see these short swords in chanbara, jidaigeki, and yakuza-themed films. Leonardo, Master Splinter, and April O’Neill of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are also wielders of the tanto. The “Ghost of Tsushima” and “Hitman: Absolution” lead video games featuring this sword.

Tanto vs. Other Japanese Swords: A Comparative Analysis

Many consider the Tanto a smaller version of the Katana. That’s not an entirely accurate description, though. Here’s how the tanto fares in a side-by-side comparison with its more popular siblings – the katana and wakizashi.

Maintenance and Care: Preserving the Tanto’s Legacy

If you buy from our tanto sword collection, we recommend the following maintenance and care practices to help you preserve your sword’s condition.

Cleaning and Polishing

• Apply choji oil on the blade to fight rust and corrosion. If you don’t have choji, you can use mineral oil or carnellia oil (tsubaki oil).

• Wipe the blade gently with a soft cotton cloth to remove fingerprints and moisture while preserving the blade’s sheen.

• Never touch the blade with bare hands because your fingers have natural oils that can cause blade oxidation.

Storage Recommendations

• Always store your tanto in a dry place (preferably temperature- and humidity-controlled) to prevent rusting.

• Keep the tanto in its traditional shirasaya or scabbard to prevent unnecessary exposure to air and moisture.

• Inspect your tanto at least once monthly to check for signs of rust or damage. Address them promptly if you notice issues.