The smallest of the samurai swords, the tanto, is still used to this day in some martial arts such as aikido, modern arnis, jujutsu, and genbukan ninpo taijutsu. These short Japanese swords are also collected by enthusiasts around the world. For the martial arts practitioner and the sword collector, we have tanto that range from the entry level to the deluxe. Many of our items are entirely functional; feature high carbon steel blades that are fully hand forged, folded, heat treated, and sharpened; and include a display stand.
Some of our tanto swords can be disassembled and reassembled so you can see how they are constructed. Our practical replicas of the ancient blade of the samurai are built to hold up in the dojo. Throughout Japan’s history, the production of tanto has waxed and waned. However, with their popularity these days, it is certain that they are here to stay.
The tanto sword is a knife or dagger that was carried by the samurai of pre-industrial Japan. It is the shortest of the samurai swords, with a blade length of 15 to 30 cm (6 to 12 inches). It was more of a backup weapon than a working knife, primarily intended for stabbing. The blade could be single- or double-edged and was capable of slashing as well.
When the tanto first appeared in the Heian era, it was solely a weapon that lacked any aesthetic quality. The early Kamakura period saw the development of more artistic tanto swords, however. It was also during this era that Yoshimitsu, the best tanto maker in the history of Japan, was active, and various blade styles became popular.
The hira style was well-liked because of its simplicity; the blade had neither shinogi (ridgeline) nor mune (back ridge). By the middle of the period, tanto sword manufacture increased, and the kanmuri-otoshi style became common in Kyoto and Yamato. Blades made in this fashion had a mune that was beveled like a halberd. Later in the era, tanto swords became longer and wider. Blades featured straight temper lines and irregular, undulating temper patterns. In addition, the Hachiman faith influenced tanto making, and this was evident in hilt carvings.
Production of tanto hit its peak in the Muromachi period due to incessant warfare. As a result, these Japanese swords had to be mass produced, but the quality of the blades was affected negatively. There were still some high standard, custom made tanto; however, most tanto swords of that time were of poor quality. Towards the end of the period, it became normal for blades to be narrow and have shallow sori (curvature).
During the Nambokucho era, blades became longer, slimmer near the tang, and broader between the ha (cutting edge) and the mune.
The time from the Momoyama to the early Edo eras, also known as the Shinto ("New Sword") period, saw a decline in the art of tanto sword making for two main reasons. First, the unification of Japan brought about 250 years of relative peace to the country. Second, the katana and the wakizashi began to replace the tachi and the tanto. The few tanto swords that were made during the Momoyama era were replicas of works from the Nambokucho and Kamakura periods.
Before World War II, there was a resurgence in the production of tanto as tachi and tanto were worn again, particularly by members of the Imperial Court. However, a later restriction on sword making led to the decline of tanto swords once more.
