Question for Sal and Eric

[Doc Dan]

When I was far younger I was into tanto knives. That was in the 1980's I'd guess. As I grew more experienced, I realized tanto tacticool was not for me. I want practical. That is not to knock what others want. They just aren't for me any longer.

[ladybug93]

When I was far younger I was into tanto knives. That was in the 1980's I'd guess. As I grew more experienced, I realized tanto tacticool was not for me. I want practical. That is not to knock what others want. They just aren't for me any longer.

this is basically how i feel about it too. i keep my tanto in my vehicle as a urban survival tool. it's not something i would carry daily and it's not something i'd want in the woods, but pretty much every blade shape has it's place.

[JoshLikesSekiCityKnives]

When I was far younger I was into tanto knives. That was in the 1980's I'd guess. As I grew more experienced, I realized tanto tacticool was not for me. I want practical. That is not to knock what others want. They just aren't for me any longer.

Surprised you would see the tanto as tacti cool. Considering the many centuries it goes back. I always considered knives like my M16 spear point more tacti cool due to the handle style.
I feel there is a big misunderstanding about tanto knives as there are many styles of tips and some with various degrees of belly and slicing capabilities.

[ZrowsN1s]

There are utility/marking knives (kiridashi) with this angled front edge concept. It is quite useful.

If you wanted to open a box with a wharncliffe, you'd drag the tip. If you wanted to cut the box into pieces you'd use the rest of the flat blade to cut. With the Americanized tanto you get the flat of the wharncliffe, then you also get a tip that allows you to drag a small flat section of edge across material. You can put your index finger on the spine and 'draw' a line with the edge. You can also have two edge geometries on one knife. I have a small tanto where the tip is 12dps and the bottom edge is 15, I tend to use the tip a lot on that knife which is why it's sharpened that way. Then I have the thicker edge for heavier cutting that might put notches in the thinner edge. I also have a tanto with a very acute lower edge and a very obtuse tip, with most of the cutting done with the bottom edge, and the tip meant for piercing material like tin or wood that generally isn't great for thin edges.

I have a few different styles of tanto. Flat on both edges, curved on both edges, flat bottom edge and curved front edge. I like them all, but lean towards the flat on both edges.

[Scandi Grind]

I tend to agree that Tanto characteristics seem to favor a tactical slant. It was never better utility for me. When I bought an Izula and used it for a while in place of my Tanto pocket knife, it pretty much convinced me to avoid Tantos as an EDC. I really love the look of the Civivi Elementum with a Tanto though... I try to avoid looking at it for fear of being tempted.

[JoshLikesSekiCityKnives]

Take that tanto money; fold it in two and put it in your pocket.

Then when you see the next sprint or exclusive with that blade shape you'll have cash in hand.

You got that right.

[JoshLikesSekiCityKnives]

i hate to be that guy (not really) but if you want a tanto folder, you can't beat the cold steel voyager tanto xl. 5.5" american tanto held steady by a triad lock... it's amazing. it's over $200 cheaper than the silly bhq lum tanto linked here and easily twice the knife.

i think sometimes we want spyderco to be something they're not. and, from what i've seen of their tanto attempts, tantos just don't seem to be what spyderco is about.

that's not meant to be a negative on spyderco in the least. they do what they do really well and they're my favorite manufacturer for it. i just got my tanto blade fix elsewhere.

Gonna take the high road on this. I will just say this much. I prefer the designs, better handle materials, better resale value, customer service, ergonomics, blade steels, marketing strategy, and ethics of Spyderco over Cold Steel. And I love their tanto designs.
The Spyderco tanto design has appealed to me for many years and to be honest I am a bit of a tanto fanboy. I never grew up from the 1980's Soldier.Of Fortune mercenary trend I guess
I also would like to see more of a traditional tanto offering in a folder by Spyderco. If Spyderco decide to make another one or I find one at a price of $250 or less. I will buy one.
I done listed my reasons earlier in my post and no need to rehash all that. But I feel like tanto designs are often unfairly labeled as poor slicer when that depends on many factors such as sharpness, belly, edge type, steel type, etc.

[JoshLikesSekiCityKnives]

There are utility/marking knives (kiridashi) with this angled front edge concept. It is quite useful.

If you wanted to open a box with a wharncliffe, you'd drag the tip. If you wanted to cut the box into pieces you'd use the rest of the flat blade to cut. With the Americanized tanto you get the flat of the wharncliffe, then you also get a tip that allows you to drag a small flat section of edge across material. You can put your index finger on the spine and 'draw' a line with the edge. You can also have two edge geometries on one knife. I have a small tanto where the tip is 12dps and the bottom edge is 15, I tend to use the tip a lot on that knife which is why it's sharpened that way. Then I have the thicker edge for heavier cutting that might put notches in the thinner edge. I also have a tanto with a very acute lower edge and a very obtuse tip, with most of the cutting done with the bottom edge, and the tip meant for piercing material like tin or wood that generally isn't great for thin edges.

I have a few different styles of tanto. Flat on both edges, curved on both edges, flat bottom edge and curved front edge. I like them all, but lean towards the flat on both edges.

You bring up some wonderful points.

[JoshLikesSekiCityKnives]

Hi Josh,

In the early days, we couldn't get much play with the "Americanized" Tanto. Our customers were just not interested in that blade style.

Across the years, the customer base for Spyderco knives grew and it was the newer customers that had interest in the Tanto tips. That's why we made some. If the demand continues, we'll probably make more. I don't know about a Salt version? I'll watch the thread.

sal

FYI, a True Tanto does not have an "Americanized" Tanto tip. On a Tanto, the edge starts as the tip and is a normal edge. The Tanto is used for Seppuku or Hara-Kiri. The larger blades, Katana & Wakizashi blades sported the armor piercing tip. It was Bob Lum that created the "Americanized" Tanto on his custom knives. Lynn Thompson bought one of his Americanized Tanto's, actually, he traded a Casull Revolver for the knife and then went into production on the concept.

sal

Thank you so much for replying and giving me a lesson on tanto history and how Bob Lum created the first Americanized tanto. Which I always mistaken for Lynn. I would love a traditional or Americanized tanto from your business.
I will tell you this much Sal. If you decide to do a tanto folder run. I will buy one directly from your website.. Just no burnt orange handles.

[JoshLikesSekiCityKnives]

I tend to agree that Tanto characteristics seem to favor a tactical slant. It was never better utility for me. When I bought an Izula and used it for a while in place of my Tanto pocket knife, it pretty much convinced me to avoid Tantos as an EDC. I really love the look of the Civivi Elementum with a Tanto though... I try to avoid looking at it for fear of being tempted.

Temptation is a wonderful thing.

[JoshLikesSekiCityKnives]

There is always this! The finger ring could always be moved to the top side of the handle like the Swick.

That is a cool concept. I do have the Cold Steel battle ring. I would love to see this in production some day.

[ladybug93]

Gonna take the high road on this.

not sure what this is supposed to mean, but okay. i'm clearly a spyderco fan. i too like spyderco better than cold steel. i just think the tanto is something cold steel does better. same with ridiculously large folders. like i said, it's not a knock on spyderco.

if you like the spyderco tantos, more power to you. you won't have to fight me for one.

[JoshLikesSekiCityKnives]

Gonna take the high road on this.

not sure what this is supposed to mean, but okay. i'm clearly a spyderco fan. i too like spyderco better than cold steel. i just think the tanto is something cold steel does better. same with ridiculously large folders. like i said, it's not a knock on spyderco.

if you like the spyderco tantos, more power to you. you won't have to fight me for one.

I said high road because sometimes text communication can be tricky at best. And at worst cause hard feelings. So I was trying to be respectful of others and realize that my opinions do not speak for everyone or sound self righteous. I apologize if that came out wrong.
To be honest. I just really like the Spyderco version of a tanto in the photo I shared. Notice the slight belly good to improve slicing. I think it's sexy. But I would prefer a back lock or stronger lock than a liner lock.
I own a limited Edition Cold Steel Oyabun which is numbered 656 in box and signed by Lynn thompson. Strictly to collect. And I love that knife. But it is not a user. It's a heirloom to hand down when I die.
I had a Voyage that tore my pants pocket due to the aggressive handle and strong clip.
I presently own a Nemesis MPR 3T and it's nice. But I really have my heart set on a Spyderco/Lum style.

[wrdwrght]

Each kind of cutting edge has its quirks, some more than others. And some people are more tolerant than others of any kind of edge.

I now have 4 Bob Lums (Ti PE, Ti CE, black G10, and gray G10 sprint) and a Tanto PM2.

Just as I have not reached a total accommodation with the Spyderedge’s snaginess (yes, it’s fine, even essential, for grip-and-rip cuts that I sometimes want), I have yet come to love the Tanto edge, even as I love both Bob Lum’s and Eric Glesser’s designs and executions.

My problem with the Tanto edge is the surprise falling-off of resistance in the material being cut when the edge suddenly sweeps up.

A full-bellied edge gives a more graceful signal that the tip is about to leave the material (whereas a hawkbill edge doesn’t want to let go unless increasing force is applied).

It has just occurred to me that a Tanto actually wants to avoid getting stuck in the material that it’s cutting, you know, like a person. As I’m no Samerai, I’m still looking for materials that truly want the Tanto’s capability. In a folder, there may be none. What remains will be things to puncture… sheet-metal, tires, Chinese spy-balloons.

[MFlovejp]

I had a big strong tango folder for a while and, while I did like it, it still had a couple of things that ultimately led me to pass it along.

First, it was like having two edges on the same knife and while the top chisel edge was useful for some things, the two edges didn’t really work together in slicing or draw cuts so well. Nor for whittling for that matter.

Second, the tanto shape for whatever reason has long been associated with the “tactical” crowd and been touted as the ultimate stabbing weapon and for various reasons that just wasn’t my style after say my early 20’s. I still think tantos are cool I just don’t own them anymore. To each their own though.

[JoshLikesSekiCityKnives]

I had a big strong tango folder for a while and, while I did like it, it still had a couple of things that ultimately led me to pass it along.

First, it was like having two edges on the same knife and while the top chisel edge was useful for some things, the two edges didn’t really work together in slicing or draw cuts so well. Nor for whittling for that matter.

Second, the tanto shape for whatever reason has long been associated with the “tactical” crowd and been touted as the ultimate stabbing weapon and for various reasons that just wasn’t my style after say my early 20’s. I still think tantos are cool I just don’t own them anymore. To each their own though.

I need to grow up lol. 49 now and still wanna be a mercenary just like my childhood. I blame Rambo and the A-Team
As far as.stabbing is concerned. I would consider the double edge spear point the best for that.
I never had a problem with whittling tent pegs or cutting branches with a tanto. Food prep on a cutting board is not very efficient.

[ladybug93]

Gonna take the high road on this.

not sure what this is supposed to mean, but okay. i'm clearly a spyderco fan. i too like spyderco better than cold steel. i just think the tanto is something cold steel does better. same with ridiculously large folders. like i said, it's not a knock on spyderco.

if you like the spyderco tantos, more power to you. you won't have to fight me for one.

I said high road because sometimes text communication can be tricky at best. And at worst cause hard feelings. So I was trying to be respectful of others and realize that my opinions do not speak for everyone or sound self righteous. I apologize if that came out wrong.
To be honest. I just really like the Spyderco version of a tanto in the photo I shared. Notice the slight belly good to improve slicing. I think it's sexy. But I would prefer a back lock or stronger lock than a liner lock.
I own a limited Edition Cold Steel Oyabun which is numbered 656 in box and signed by Lynn thompson. Strictly to collect. And I love that knife. But it is not a user. It's a heirloom to hand down when I die.
I had a Voyage that tore my pants pocket due to the aggressive handle and strong clip.
I presently own a Nemesis MPR 3T and it's nice. But I really have my heart set on a Spyderco/Lum style.

no worries. i just wasn't sure. to be fair, i was interested in that bhq lum tanto until i saw the price. i love od scales and coated blades, but not for $290. that price is asinine.

[WyoJon]

Tantos are not a very practical slicing knife design. The design was made for stabbing for combat knives.


Maybe kinda like why we dont have "bowie" blade shaped spyderco versions

My tanto slices well. Some people just don't know how to sharpen. And blame the knife instead. I bet if I sharpen a tanto and I squeeze on the blade. I will probably need stitches. Tantos are capable of both slicing and stabbing.
Ninjas and Samurai of old did not seem to have issue with either.
On second thought. I got 5 stitches in my right front shin when I accidentally over cut a bag of mulch and chunked out my shin to the bone. Thanks to a tanto. And my own stupidity.
I don't know what self professed "expert" on YouTube started the rumour that Tantos can't slice. Maybe I should try to explain that to Rockstead. But I trust over 600 years of Japanese knife development from 1570 AD over some hotshot wannabe YouTube or blade forum knife "expert"

The tanto point of the shorter japanese knife was made for stabbing. The curved edge of swords was made for slicing.


Any sharp knife will slice. The tanto edge was designed to be stouter for stabbing, its less efficient for slicing because the way the tip tapers, gives much less contact when rounding the point on the blade than the belly in a leaf shaped blade making contact consistantly to the tip. Hence why that point was used for stabbing, not slicing.

[JoshLikesSekiCityKnives]

Tantos are not a very practical slicing knife design. The design was made for stabbing for combat knives.


Maybe kinda like why we dont have "bowie" blade shaped spyderco versions

My tanto slices well. Some people just don't know how to sharpen. And blame the knife instead. I bet if I sharpen a tanto and I squeeze on the blade. I will probably need stitches. Tantos are capable of both slicing and stabbing.
Ninjas and Samurai of old did not seem to have issue with either.
On second thought. I got 5 stitches in my right front shin when I accidentally over cut a bag of mulch and chunked out my shin to the bone. Thanks to a tanto. And my own stupidity.
I don't know what self professed "expert" on YouTube started the rumour that Tantos can't slice. Maybe I should try to explain that to Rockstead. But I trust over 600 years of Japanese knife development from 1570 AD over some hotshot wannabe YouTube or blade forum knife "expert"

The tanto point of the shorter japanese knife was made for stabbing. The curved edge of swords was made for slicing.


Any sharp knife will slice. The tanto edge was designed to be stouter for stabbing, its less efficient for slicing because the way the tip tapers, gives much less contact when rounding the point on the blade than the belly in a leaf shaped blade making contact consistantly to the tip. Hence why that point was used for stabbing, not slicing.

I am not debating the tip of the tanto and it's primary use. But there are many different types of blade and edge geometries that allow for tanto designs to be good slicers. As well as piercers. I like tanto tips due to being more resilient to snapping. Especially when dropped from a pocket or ladder onto the pavement. And I honestly think they look cool A.F.
I have nothing to prove and my post you paraphrased still stands true in my opinion. Not trying to convert anyone. I just asked Sal and Eric a question on the possibility of producing a tanto folder sometime in the future.
If Spyderco decide to release a tanto in their Golden,Seki City, or Chinese Byrd line. I will buy one or 2. If not. I will go without, find an alternative, or buy one from a pawn shop, Ebay, or online retailer. I can't speak for anyone else.

[JoshLikesSekiCityKnives]

Gonna take the high road on this.

not sure what this is supposed to mean, but okay. i'm clearly a spyderco fan. i too like spyderco better than cold steel. i just think the tanto is something cold steel does better. same with ridiculously large folders. like i said, it's not a knock on spyderco.

if you like the spyderco tantos, more power to you. you won't have to fight me for one.

I said high road because sometimes text communication can be tricky at best. And at worst cause hard feelings. So I was trying to be respectful of others and realize that my opinions do not speak for everyone or sound self righteous. I apologize if that came out wrong.
To be honest. I just really like the Spyderco version of a tanto in the photo I shared. Notice the slight belly good to improve slicing. I think it's sexy. But I would prefer a back lock or stronger lock than a liner lock.
I own a limited Edition Cold Steel Oyabun which is numbered 656 in box and signed by Lynn thompson. Strictly to collect. And I love that knife. But it is not a user. It's a heirloom to hand down when I die.
I had a Voyage that tore my pants pocket due to the aggressive handle and strong clip.
I presently own a Nemesis MPR 3T and it's nice. But I really have my heart set on a Spyderco/Lum style.

no worries. i just wasn't sure. to be fair, i was interested in that bhq lum tanto until i saw the price. i love od scales and coated blades, but not for $290. that price is asinine.

I do agree that price of $290 is a bit too steep for my taste. I can vaguely remember seeing these go for around $171 to $191 a few years ago. I wish I had purchased one at that time. Perhaps some day I will find one for a fair price.