Discover the Tanto — The Samurai’s Blade of Precision and Power
Welcome to the Tanto collection at Katana-USA.com, your trusted source for authentic Japanese blades. Whether you’re a collector, practitioner, or simply fascinated by traditional Japanese weapons, our expertly crafted tanto swords offer the perfect blend of form, function, and historical significance.
This is more than just a knife—it’s a piece of samurai heritage reborn.
🔎 What Is a Tanto?
The tanto is a traditional Japanese short blade, typically between 15 to 30 cm (6 to 12 inches) in length. Originally developed during the Heian period, the tanto was used by the samurai class as a close-quarters weapon and emergency backup. It was often carried in the belt, ready to be drawn quickly for self-defense, precise strikes, or even ritual use.
Though smaller than a wakizashi or katana, the tanto is known for its deadly cutting power, thrusting efficiency, and compact design, making it both elegant and effective.
🛠️ How Are Our Tanto Forged?
At Katana-USA.com, each tanto is hand-forged by experienced craftsmen using traditional Japanese methods. Every blade is:
Full tang, for strength, balance, and durability
Clay-tempered, with a visible hamon line, offering a hardened edge and flexible spine
Sharpened and polished by hand, ready for cutting or display
We offer a range of high-performance steel options, including:
1095 or 1060 high carbon steel, great for cutting performance
Damascus steel, admired for its unique, swirling aesthetic
Each tanto is a real weapon—not a replica—and is built to be battle-ready.
🎨 Can I Customize My Tanto?
Absolutely. Our tanto customization service allows you to create a blade that reflects your personal style or practice needs. You can customize:
Blade type, length, and steel
Hamon pattern and polish style
Tsuka (handle) wrapping and ray skin
Saya (scabbard) color and lacquer style
Tsuba (guard) and other fittings
Engravings, symbols, or kanji inscriptions
Once you place a custom order, our team will guide you through the process and send progress updates while your tanto is being forged.
📦 What Comes With My Tanto?
Each tanto from Katana-USA.com includes:
A hand-forged, sharpened blade
Optional: a decorative wooden box. A protective cloth cover or sword bag
certificate of authenticity, or cleaning kit
We ensure secure, tracked shipping with protective packaging to prevent any damage during delivery.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is the tanto a real weapon? Yes. All our tantos are functional, full-tang blades made for real use. They can be used in martial arts, cutting tests (Tameshigiri), or displayed as authentic collectibles.
Is the tanto legal to own in the U.S.? In most states, yes. However, we always recommend checking your local laws or restrictions on blade length and ownership before purchasing.
Is the blade sharpened? Yes. Unless otherwise requested, our tantos come sharpened and ready for use. If you need an unsharpened version for training or display, just let us know.
How long does it take to receive my tanto?
In-stock tantos ship within 3–10 days
Custom orders are forged in 15–30 days
Shipping time ranges from 7–21 business days, depending on your location
What is your return policy? If your product arrives damaged or defective, we offer returns and replacements. See our Return Policy for full details.
🌍 Why Choose Katana-USA.com?
✅ Authentic hand-forging by seasoned smiths
✅ Battle-ready blades, not display-only replicas
✅ Fully customizable options for collectors and martial artists
✅ Responsive customer service from real sword experts
✅ Secure global shipping with tracking and careful packaging
⚔️ Honor the Legacy of the Samurai with a Tanto of Your Own
The tanto may be small, but it carries centuries of samurai spirit, precision craftsmanship, and cultural depth. Whether you're seeking a weapon for training, a one-of-a-kind display piece, or a gift with real meaning, a hand-forged tanto from Katana-usa.com is a powerful choice.
Browse our collection now and find the perfect tanto to suit your style and story.
