What is the purpose of a tanto blade?

Since the point is generally in-line with the spine of the blade, it imparts tremendous strength in piercing situations.

It appeals to me out of sheer nostalgia (and looks) more than anything else, as I don’t plan on stabbing anyone (or any car doors.)

I agree with Chicago X, stabbing and deep penetration………

Like Trooplewis said, it was originally designed to pierce the wooden, leather, and scale mail armor the feudal Japanese soldiers wore.

I have some that are still useful for non armor piercing activities, and some that aren’t.

I’ve got a Cold Steel Voyager that I rounded off the transition between the two edges with a stone, and now it functions pretty much like a drop point.

A tanto point dramatically strengthens the point of a blade and a sufficiently thick blade can be used as a chisel or scraper .

Well, since the question has already been answered, I’l just say a hardy “howdy do” to LaterDudes and move on.

I thought the main purpose were the cool looks. Just like stealth fighters. :smiley:

True, they are very cool looking. Personally, the ones I own were purchased just for the so called “second type of cool” (I can’t believe I just used that phrase, that guy is a pompous tool most of the time), and while they may excel in certain situations I pray none of us ever have to face, there are much better EDC choices.

What does "second type of cool" mean and which guy is a tool? :D

I think he is referring to fatnnuncy on Youtube.... I personally aim for the 9th type of hot.

^ My wife claims to be the 9th type of hot!

Vectrex is correct, the phrase is used by the referenced YouTuber. In that parlance, 1st type of cool is an item’s ability to perform in its intended role. Second type of cool is when you dig something based primarily on form, or aesthetics, regardless of how well it functions. Sorry if the reference was a little too obtuse… I guess that guy isn’t as famous as he thinks.

LaterDudes sums it up concisely with, “To some guys they just look cool, that is reason enough.”

I own lots of knives that I don’t carry, but own only because of looks; usually earth tone colors and coated blades. Some I covet despite the fact that I would never recommend them to anybody based on function, quality, or durability. It’s just that I giggle like a school girl just to gaze upon them. “OHWHEHEHEH!” Jeeze, I can’t even do a good imitation of Bieber fan when it’s not live and in person. Total fail, Cone! Total fail.

Yes, I have a problem and it is NOT flashlights.

My poor wife!

OK, good to know. The only tanto blade I have is one that was on the SRM 604 and I could never figure out why it would ever be preferred over a drop-point.

I guess the answer is (for a small knife of this size) that it’s just for looks.

holy crappers, 400+ USD for a folding knife, wow!

Don’t forget, it’s also just a design that the Japanese came up with … all cultures are different, so original weapon blade designs from Europe, England, China all differed.

I agree though - the tanto design has always looked cool.

ROFL!!! I’ve enjoyed a few of his vids. I think his winter camping vids helped inspire me to get back into winter camping a couple of years ago, and it’s been nothing but camping ever since. But holy crap he loves to listen to himself talk! :slight_smile: His videos can get pretty rediculous, but I just about fell out of my chair laughing when I clicked the link and saw the 49+ minute duration and the little folder sitting on the table. I have no idea how Mrs. Nutnfancy puts up with him. I think we’re gonna read about her snapping some day, and killing him in his sleep. Ha! Bet he didn’t plan for THAT! :smiley:

I must admit it, I dig Nutn, guilty pleasure I suppose. As a CCW permit holder, I’m into guns, knives, and flashlights. Nutnfancy helps me to focus in on gear that I can incorporate into my EDC system. I like his philosophy videos too. He’s been an acquired taste but I suspect that a lot of guys here could get into his channel, of course he is not for everyone, no one is.

As a nod to the flashlight forum, some of you might enjoy his flashlight review page,

Cheers!

I might’ve laughed, but I watched the vid :wink:

edit …all 49+ minutes of it

Well, I’m no TNP hater, I watch virtually all his review and philosophy videos. I just think he crosses the line sometimes with the E-begging, the selling of chachkies, and the the phony altruism (“I’m doing it all for you guys”). Like all human beings, he operates from a vested self interest. I’m perfectly fine with that. When he starts to pretend otherwise, however, I have to chuckle.

Like everything else on the web, you need to take it with a grain of salt. Like he says, he is just one data point.

Are you saying your first love is knives? Are you on any knife forums? Your being to hard on yourself. When you did ‘OHWHEHEHEH!’ I could actually see Justin B in my mind >) Oh, & what is the 9th hot?
Keith

Didn’t the Lone Ranger always have a tanto with him?

Amen, Bro!