I took inspiration for my latest knife from the Japanese Tanto, meaning "short sword". The style traditionally had a blade length between 150 and 300 mm, often with a slight curve and always with a firm scabbard (sheath). Originally used by the Samurai as a stabbing weapon for close contact defense, the Tanto later evolved to become more ornate as other swords gradually gained popularity on the battlefield. Eventually the Tanto found favour among women due to it's small size and was often worn as an accompaniment to ceremonial dress.
I chose to make a small Tanto out of an old file that was worn and damaged, which I repurposed for the blade. I first had to remove the hardness by heating it in the forge and allowing it to cool slowly, after which it was easier to cut and shape before re-hardening. I kept the blade shape very simple because this knife is all about the external appearance.
The handle and scabbard are cut from a single piece of English Oak. The handle was simple enough with a hidden tang, but for the scabbard I first had to cut it on the centre line down its length. Then I used my router to cut a blade-shaped recess in each half, just a little over half the thickness of the blade. Next step was to line the inside of both recesses with soft leather to prevent scratches on the blade. When I glued the two halves back together there was a leather-lined slot just big enough to fit the blade snugly.
The guard is made of 6mm brass (0.23") with a thin aluminium spacer behind it, matching the aluminium cover surrounding the blade slot. At the end of the scabbard and the handle there is a thin decorative plate of brass. After assembling, shaping and polishing all the parts I applied lemon oil polish to the Oak to protect it and enhance the natural appearance of the wood with a rich shine.
Dimensions are
Overall size : 227mm x 24mm x 18mm (8.9" x 0.9" x 0.7")
Blade : 117mm x 15mm x 3mm (4.6" x 0.6" x 0.1")
Handle : 99mm (3.9")
Enjoy the photos!
No doubt about it, Brother, you do good work. I found your selection of blade grind interesting. I had to look it up. You have produced the old style or original tanto knife or short sword as you stated. State-side, what we refer to a tanto knife is the newer version where the blade is pointed and ends in a triangle. Its main use is for stabbing through things. I never found it interesting or useful enough to own. I'll stick with what you have produced. A more utilitarian knife. Well done!
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