The ability to handle edged weapons has always been valued among all peoples. The craftsmanship 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 a samurai weapon, was considered a short sword and was created by masters in compliance with all traditions and postulates of faith. This blade had a strictly defined shape; various drawings were applied to it in the process of creation. It was believed that they are the embodiment of the prayers of the masters. Due to this, the Japanese tanto knife, like the samurai sword, kattanu, was called the receptacle of "kami" (divine). From the blacksmith, in its manufacture, it was required to honestly fulfill their duties and observe religiosity.
History of creation and purpose
According to the understanding of the samurai of Japanese schools, katana, tanto and wakizashi are 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 theirfurther development, their production was of very high quality, decoration appeared on them. Subsequently, their popularity declined so much that they were no longer ordered to masters at all. After the overthrow of the Tokugawa shogunate, the Meiji emperors revived the ancient art of making tanto.
Traditionally, the Japanese tanto knife was used by samurai to finish off their enemies or ritual suicide. However, doctors and merchants were also allowed to wear it. They could only use them to protect their lives or property. It should be said that the traditions prescribed a specific purpose for each weapon, each sword or knife could only perform certain actions.
What is a tanto knife
The name consists of two words "tan" and "to", which means "short sword". The knife is a one-sided blade with a length of 25 to 40 centimeters. Sometimes it's double-edged. Manufactured without stiffeners. Instances with the presence of such were called moroha - zukuri, trihedral blades - eroidoshi.
Traditionally, the tanto knife was made of sponge iron, had a removable handle that was attached to the shank. For fastening, a mekugi hairpin 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. This knife made of wood was also used for training in martial arts.
Is it possible to make a tantoon your own?
Many people know how to make bladed weapons on their own. Often it turns out to be much better than those samples that are produced in factories. It is unlikely that it will be possible to make a tanto knife with your own hands, to recreate the original. First of all, if only for the reason that it is necessary to have blacksmithing skills. Moreover, the Japanese craftsmen who made swords and other edged weapons passed the 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 their homeland has the right to make only about 300 masters who have received a license.
If you really want to have such a blade, there are two ways. 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 cold class. If you have any doubts about this, you should read David Morrell's book The Fifth Profession. There is a well-described fight with wooden swords. The second way out is to buy a tanto style knife. There are plenty of manufacturers of such blades today, which one to choose depends on the financial capabilities of the buyer.
The meaning of tanto 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 finding ancient tanto, they are studied and also certified. But those knives that are made ofserial steel during the Second World War must be destroyed. That is, only handmade tantos can be recognized as the heritage of the nation. In the imperial family, the knife is used for the wedding ceremony.
