All About Pocket Knives

Do all tanto folders have the chisel grind?
Is there a tanto folder that can pierce a car door like the fixed blade tantos can?
(I'm still trying to choose my first tanto.)

I think most tantos are chisel ground but I've seen a handful that werent ( don't ask about the makers, I can't remember LOL)

Most Nihonto or traditional Japanese tanto are Hirazakuri and have no defined kissaki(tip).There is unokubi-zakuri,styled after a naginata,a Japanese pole arm(or nagamaki)which has a false back edge running partway down the mune(spine)
Greg.

WOW! I read it 3 times and still didn't understand a word you said I gotta learn more sword talk

If you are looking for a folding knife, most likely you will find an "Americanized" tanto blade shape like the one Ernie Emerson and other companies often feature.....
.....it is shaped differently than the traditional Japanese Tanto, described above by Greg. Maybe he will post a picture as well? There are also a lot of "Modified" Tanto shapes from Benchmade, CRKT, Cold Steel and others.



Ernie Emerson and others have penetrated car doors...but, I believe it was more of a test of the strength of the linerlock in combination with that profile, than just the the tanto alone as a penetrator. Though the shape is touted for it's piercing ability.

Just what I've heard.

Bill

EDITED...For clarity.

I saved this article years ago, I found it incredibly interesting to read, and I think it might explain a bit about what Greg was explainin' It's worth a read, if you have the time (Pictures too! )

http://swordforum.com/swords/nihonto/americanized.html

Very Informative! Thanks.

Some famous tantos,Masamune,Sadakuni

You might like the Benchmade model 910. I think it's designed by Elishiwitz(sp?). It has G-10 handles and D2 steel blade. It is NOT chisel ground. It is a liner lock. Very strong knife. I believe it may have been discontinued, but could probably be found on eBay. I like it best of the tantos I have handled.
Jerry

Thanks for all your posts, guys.
It's essential reading for tanto fans and I really feel better informed now.
Dudleythetogi's scond picture (Sadakuni?) is my favourite tanto pattern which is difficult to find on current production knives, especially in these drop-point, clip-point days.
I was never a fan of the popular angled point or the chisel grind so I'm grateful for the article.

I just dug out a production folder that has a more traditional Tanto shape, and is not a chisel grind. It is an asymetrical grind (slightly higher on one side than the other) with recurve, and uses a "flipper" to open the knife and act as a guard as well.
Forgot all about this CRKT Lightfoot M-1. Borrowed picture.....
Bill

El Lobo wrote:...Forgot all about this CRKT Lightfoot ...

Very nice knife, El Lobo. I never thought of checking CRKT.
What about this classical looking Convergence. I don't go for the combo edges, but at clearance half-price what could I do?