A blade can be defined simply as the specific portion of a tool, machine, or weapon that has an edge designed to puncture and/or cut, slash, stab, slice, thrust, chop, or scrape the surface of various materials. Blades may be crafted out of a flaking stone such as flint, ceramic, metal (usually steel), or other similar hard and durable materials.

The stone blade is considered one of man’s earliest inventions, and it is credited for the fundamental change in human existence. Though humans quickly how to smelt iron, stone was used even earlier (probably as far back as 6000 years ago when man was created). The blade also provided man with a very functional tool to use for shaping other beneficial tools.

Various designs and types of blades have since been developed for various utility purposes such as craftwork, food preparation (cutting, slicing, and chopping), outdoor sports, and many others, other than as a combat weapon for which it has been used for millions of years. One of the more popular among the modern blade designs is the Tanto style blade.

What are Tanto Blades

The Tanto blade was invented, developed, and popularized in the late 1970s and early 1980s by the company Cold Steel, inspired by the famed Japanese craftsmanship and design. The blade is known for its great power and strength, quality pommel, and useful points. These elements all combine to contribute to the Tanto style blade’s overall functionality and durability.

Tanto Blade Advantages

• Strength – Its strength is perhaps the most prominent advantage of a tanto blade purpose over other types of blades. Each Tanto knife is designed with a high tanto point, as well as a flat grind. This particular design structure makes for a very powerful tool that has the capability to puncture even very hard materials. The reinforced blade also makes it possible to use the knife for puncturing objects continuously without encountering problems such as snapping of the blade. Its quality also does not easily deteriorate with wear and tear even with frequent use.
• Chisel Blade Point – The Tanto Style blade point has a style similar to that of a chisel that gives the blade more power and durability compared to other types of blade points. To achieve this, a good percentage of the total metal component is concentrated near the blade’s point. Although this particular blade design is generally not considered as ideal and practical for use in the wilderness, it is a great design for defensive weapons. The chisel tanto point on one end is a good complement to the pommel on the opposite end and makes for a very potent overall knife design.
• Japanese Design – The blade is inspired by the design of Japanese blades, and is similar to, but not exactly the same as the shape of the Katana blade that has the kamasu kissaki or the barracuda tip. The Tanto blade purpose comes with a blade point that is aligned perfectly with its spine. The influence of ancient Japanese design and craftsmanship also lends a somewhat aesthetic historical appeal to the modern Tanto Style blade.
• Pommel – The Tanto’s pommel is made from steel, and is tapered. By using a small number of materials, it is specifically designed to provide the capability to absorb the impact coming from heavy strikes. As a result, even a seemingly minor blow from the pommel can have the same powerful effect of a blunt weapon when used against an aggressor or attacker.
• Sharpening – Tanto blades are easy to sharpen and most of these blades have secondary bevels just like most other knife designs. A tanto with a straight blade can easily be sharpened on a stone, while a ceramic rod and stropping can be used for slightly curved blades.

Conclusion

Tanto blade knives are great for power, looks, and usefulness. There are many knives that you can buy online that have tanto blade points. Some survival knives, tactical knives, and fighting knives have tanto points.