Tanto Collection

Buying a Tantō

When people talk about martial arts weapons, most immediately think of the Japanese sword used by samurai and ninja—the famous katana. However, there are many other deadly tools historically used by these masters of warfare and subterfuge, such as the tantō.

What is a tantō?

A tantō is a short, bladed weapon that closely resembles a traditional Western dagger. It can have one or two cutting edges, and the blade length typically ranges from 15 to 30 centimetres. For this reason, inexperienced eyes often mistake it for a miniature samurai sword or a small katana. In reality, it is not a reduced katana, but a distinct weapon in its own right, historically used by both samurai and ninja.

The aesthetic of the katana (Japanese sword) and that of the tantō is very similar, almost identical. However, in the case of this dagger-like weapon, both the handle design (tsuka) and the blade tend to be simpler than those of its “larger sister”.

What a tantō is used for

Today, many people use the tantō as a decorative item, almost like a miniature katana. Historically, however, it was worn in the obi (belt), and even today it is still used in certain martial arts disciplines.

In the past, the tantō could be concealed within the obi, beyond tactical or ceremonial considerations. In practice, the ninja or samurai often carried the wakizashi as a secondary weapon—a shorter version of the katana.

They could also use the kodachi, a shorter variant of the tachi. Even so, many samurai preferred the tantō due to its greater agility and ease of handling, making it an ideal complement for close-quarters combat.

In medieval Japan and in later periods, the tantō was also widely used as a ceremonial object. It even came to replace the wakizashi or kodachi during the ritual known as harakiri or seppuku, the ceremonial suicide performed by disgraced samurai in order to restore their honour.

Types of tantō

Interestingly, there are several types of tantō, although technically they are different weapons designed for specific purposes. For example, the standard tantō features a guard, the aikuchi has no guard, and the hamidashi is fitted with a small guard.

It is also useful to know which martial arts make use of the tantō. If you are looking to buy a small Japanese weapon, the tantō is used in advanced training programmes of disciplines such as: Aikidō, Judo, Jujutsu, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Aiki jujutsu, Jissen Kobudo Jinenkan (Jinen Ryū Tantojutsu), Bujinkan Budō Taijutsu, Genbukan Ninpo Taijutsu, Koryū Bujutsu, Ninjutsu, Shorinji Kempo, Karate (only in certain styles and specific variations).

You now know much more about the tantō, its uses, and its unique characteristics. Remember: if you wish to purchase a Japanese sword, a katana, or any other martial arts weapon, you can rely on us.