HISTORY.  The Tanto is one of the traditionally made Japanese swords, but used as a knife.  They were worn by the samurai class of feudal Japan dating back to the 9th century.  The tantō was designed primarily as a stabbing weapon, but the edge can be used for slashing as well. Tantō are generally forged in hira-zukuri style (without ridge line), meaning that their sides have no ridge line and are nearly flat.

This Tanto has been dated to the early 1800s. This Tanto exhibits all the standard traits of that time. About an 8” cutting surface (Tanto’s run between 6”-12”), sides are flat and the design of the blade is built primarily for stabbing.. The grip is textured to prevent slipping in the owners hand. The scabbard has a connection point and appears to be made out of lacquered that is in amazing condiction considering it roughly 200 years old and most likely been in a few fights. Great piece of history!

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