What is a tantō?
Q: What is a tantō?
A: A tantō is a Japanese short sword or dagger with a single-edged blade and curved shape. It was designed for soft targets and was thought to be a hidden weapon of the samurai.
Q: When did the tantō first appear?
A: The tantō first appeared during the Heian Period (795-1192 A.D.).
Q: What are some of the different styles of tantōs?
A: Some of the different styles of tantōs include hira-tsukuri, uchi-sori, o-tantō, sunobi tanto, ko-wakizashi, hira-zukuri, shobu-zukuri, moroha, kissaki-moroha zukuri and kaikan.
Q: How were traditional tantōs sized?
A: Traditional Tantos had an overall length of 11.93 in (1 shaku) and blades ranging from 5in to 12in (12 1/2 cm to 30 cm). Blades that were bigger than 13 to 14 inches were called ko-wakizashi meaning "small short sword."
Q: How did the size and shape of the tanto change over time?
A: During the Nambokucho period (1336–1392 A.D.), tanto's became longer than 15.75 inches (37 cm), blades became thinner and broader making them even more dangerous. During Muromachi Period (1336–1573 A.D.) they become narrower again while their quality improved due to professional smiths appearing at this time. At the beginning of Edo period (1603–1867 A.D.) heat treated blades edges became more waved making them more beautiful in appearance as well as being effective weapons..
Q: How was it carried by samurai warriors?
A: The tanto was usually carried in a wide cloth belt (obi) with its edge up and handle turned towards right side when worn by samurai warriors .
Q: What type of ritual suicide could be performed using a tanto?
A: It is considered that different types of tanto's were used for ritual suicides such as seppuku or hara kiri where women samurai would cut their own throat while men samurai would use wakizashi swords for disembowelment
