The ability to handle knives has always been appreciated among all peoples. The mastery of their creation was valued no less. But perhaps only in Japan, the blades were made in compliance with religious rituals. The tanto knife, which is the weapon of the samurai, was considered a short sword and was created by masters in compliance with all traditions and tenets of the faith. This blade had a strictly defined shape; various drawings were applied to it during the creation process. It was believed that they are the embodiment of the prayers of the masters. Thanks to this, the Japanese tanto knife, like the samurai sword, kattana, was called the “kami” (divine) receptacle. The blacksmith was required to honestly fulfill his duties and observe religiosity during its manufacture.
History of creation and purpose
According to the understanding of the samurai of Japanese schools, katana, tanto and wakizashi are one and the same blade, only of different lengths. That is, its European name “knife” or “dagger” is incorrect. The tanto knife first appeared in the Heian era. During the Kamakura period, these short swords received their further development, their production was very high-quality, and decoration appeared on them. Subsequently, the popularity declined so much that they generally stopped ordering to masters. After the Tokugawa shogunate was overthrown, the Meiji dynasty emperors revived the ancient art of creating the tanto.
Traditionally, the Japanese tanto knife was used by samurai to finish off their enemies or ritually commit suicide. However, doctors and merchants were also allowed to wear it. They could use them only to protect their life or property. It should be said that the traditions prescribed a specific goal for each weapon, with each sword or knife, only certain actions could be performed.
What is a tanto knife
The name consists of two words “tan” and “that”, which in translation means “short sword”. The knife is a one-sided blade with a length of 25 to 40 centimeters. Sometimes it is double-edged. It is made without stiffener. The specimens with the presence of such were called Morokha - Zukuri, trihedral blades - Heroidosi.
Traditionally, the tanto knife was made of sponge iron, had a removable handle that attached to the shank. For fastening, a mekuga pin was used. Also, the knife had a round removable guard - tsuba. These knives are characterized by the presence of a line separating the metal - jamon. Also, this knife made of wood was used for training in martial arts.
Is it possible to make tanto on my own?
Many are able to make cold steel on their own. Often it turns out to be much better than those samples that are produced in factories. To make a tanto knife with your own hands, to recreate the original is unlikely to succeed. First of all, if only for the reason that it is necessary to possess blacksmithing skills. Moreover, Japanese masters who make swords and other edged weapons passed on secrets from generation to generation, without revealing them to others under any circumstances. Hence the conclusion - to achieve the same quality of the metal will not work. Even today, the Japanese tanto knife in the homeland has the right to produce only about 300 masters who have received a license.
If you really want to have such a blade, there are two ways out. The first is to make a tanto knife with your own hands from wood. With the right sharpening and selected material, this is a very formidable weapon, although it does not belong to the class of cold steel. If there is any doubt about this, you should read David Morrell's book, The Fifth Profession. There is a well-described battle with wooden swords. The second way is to buy a knife in the tanto style. There are plenty of manufacturers of such blades today, which one to choose depends on the financial capabilities of the buyer.
Tanto meaning for Japan
These blades, like any edged weapon created in Japan, are considered a national treasure. Each knife made by a master with a license is subject to mandatory certification. In the case of discoveries of ancient tantos, they are studied and also certified. But those knives that are made of serial steel during the Second World War should be destroyed. That is, only handmade tantos can be recognized as the property of the nation. In the imperial family, a knife is used for a wedding ceremony.