The Japanese Tanto: Characteristics and Uses

The Japanese Tanto was a famous weapon wielded by the Japanese warriors, also known as samurai, as the last source of self-defense. These Tanto knives have been a part of the Japanese culture since the 'Heian period,' dating back to the 10th century. rnThe tanto knives consist of a small blade and a hilt commonly used for self-defense. However, the weapon has evolved into several aesthetic designs over time.rnIn this article, we will walk you through the different characteristics and uses the blade has in the Japanese culture. The characteristics of the Tanto:rnThe Tanto was initially made for stabbing the enemy, however, it has also been used to slash the enemy.rnThe blade can be forged into several styles, and can be made to resemble a Katana, another weapon used by the ancient samurais, or can even be made to match the styles of the Hira Sakurai. These types of blades are usually carried by the Samarai as their last line of defense. During the 15th century, these Tanto knives saw a magnificent rise in its production as Japan saw a huge social uprising. The Uses of the Tanto: The tanto blades were mostly used in many martial arts schools to practice Tantojutsu, a classic form of martial arts. The Kraken, smaller size of the regular Tanto, was also used by the Japanese women for self-defense. The women hid them inside their obi whenever they feared the risk of danger.rnTanto was also used for many armor-piercing jobs known has yoroi tushie. Conclusion The Tanto is an ancient Japanese weapon that was used by several ancient Japanese warriors. To preserve Japanese tradition the Tanto is still being produced in Japan.