Knife tanto - the property of Japan

The ability to handle cold steel is alwayswas valued among all peoples. The mastery of their creation was valued no less. But, perhaps, only in Japan, the blades were made with observance of religious rituals. The tanto knife, which is a samurai weapon, was considered a short sword and was created by masters with observance of all traditions and postulates of faith. This blade had a strictly defined shape, various drawings were applied to it during the creation process. It was believed that they are the embodiment of the prayers of the masters. Thanks to this, the Japanese tanto knife, like the samurai sword, kattanu, was called the receptacle of "kami" (divine). From the blacksmith, at the time of its manufacture, it was required to perform honest duties and observe religiousness.

History of creation and purpose

According to the understanding of the samurai of Japanese schools,katana, tanto and wakizashi - this is the same blade, only of different lengths. That is, its European name "knife" or "dagger" is wrong. For the first time, the tanto knife appeared in the Heian era. In the Kamakura period, these short swords were further developed, their production was of a very high quality, they were decorated artfully. Subsequently, popularity has decreased so much that they are no longer ordered to order masters. After the overthrow of the Tokugawa shogunate, the Meiji dynasty emperors revived the ancient art of creating tanto.

Traditionally, the Japanese tanto knife was usedsamurai to finish off their enemies or ritual suicide. However, his wearing was also allowed for doctors and merchants. They could use them only to protect their lives or property. It should be said that the traditions prescribed a specific goal for each weapon, each sword or knife could only perform certain actions.

What is a tanto knife?

The name consists of two words "tan" and "that", which intranslation means "short sword". Knife is a one-sided blade with a length of 25 to 40 centimeters. Sometimes it is double-edged. It is produced without a stiffener. The copies with the presence of such were called morocha-dzukuri, trihedral arches-eroidosi.

Traditionally, the tanto knife was made from spongyiron, had a removable handle that joined the shank. The fixation was made with a mecogee pin. Also, the knife had a round removable guard - tsuba. These knives are characterized by the presence of a line separating the metal - jamon. Also for training in martial arts this knife, made of wood, was used.

Can I make tanto myself?

Many are able to make their ownsteel arms. Often it is much better than the samples that are produced in factories. To make a tanto knife with your own hands, to recreate the original is unlikely to work. First of all, at least for the reason that it is necessary to possess blacksmith skills. Moreover, Japanese craftsmen making swords and other cold weapons, secrets passed from generation to generation, without disclosing them to others under any circumstances. Hence the conclusion - to achieve the same quality of the metal does not work. Even today, the Japanese tanto knife in the homeland has the right to manufacture only about 300 masters who received a license.

If you really want to have such a blade, there istwo outputs. The first is to make a tanto knife with your own hands made of wood. With the correct sharpening and selected material, this is a very formidable weapon, although not belonging to the class of cold. If there is any doubt about this, it's worth reading David Morrell's book The Fifth Profession. There is a good description of the battle with wooden swords. The second option is to buy a knife in the style of tanto. Producers of such blades today are plenty, which one to choose - depends on the financial capabilities of the buyer.

The meaning of tanto for Japan

These blades, like any cold steel created byin Japan, are considered a national treasure. Each knife, made by a master with a license, is subject to mandatory certification. In the case of finding ancient tanto, they are examined and also certified. But those knives, which are made of serial steel during the Second World War, must be destroyed. That is, the property of the nation can be recognized only handmade tanto. In the imperial family the knife is used for the wedding ceremony.