Tanto

The traditional tantō

In Japanese sword terms, a tantō is a blade shorter than one shaku (about 30.3 cm). Tantō were made by the same smiths, with the same methods, as longer swords, and were worn by samurai as a companion blade. They came in many shapes: straight-backed, slightly curved, single- and double-edged. Many traditional tantō have a point much like a small sword, not the angular modern "tanto point".

The modern tanto point

The tanto point found on many modern folding and tactical knives is a Western design, made popular in the United States in the early 1980s. Its spine runs straight to the tip, and the edge turns up at a sharp angle near the front, creating a short second edge. The result is a thick, strong point that resists snapping when stabbing or prying.

The trade-off is slicing: with almost no belly, a tanto point is poor at rocking cuts and fine work. It's a choice for a tough utility or display knife rather than a kitchen or carving knife.

Tanto vs drop point

Is a tanto legal in the UK?

A tanto-style knife is legal to own and buy if you're 18 or over, and needs a good reason to carry in public like any fixed blade or lock knife. Since 1 August 2025, "ninja swords" are banned: straight blades of 14 to 24 inches with two cutting edges, a blunt spine and a tanto or reverse-tanto point. An ordinary tanto knife is not covered. See UK knife law.

Making a tanto

The angular point demands neat, symmetrical grinding where the two edges meet, which makes it a good test of control at the grinder. Some forges offer Japanese-inspired blades, including tanto, on their courses.