Pop Japan

Tanto is a traditionally-made Japanese short sword worn by the samurai class of feudal Japan, dating back as far as in the Heian era, where it was mainly used as a weapon.

Over the years, the weapon evolved into something more ornate and has now been used in the traditional martial arts, tantojutsu.

It was originally designed as a stabbing weapon, its edge can also be used for slashing techniques. Tantōs are generally forged in hira-zukuri style, meaning that their sides have no ridge line, and are nearly flat, unlike the shinogi-zukuri structure of a katana.

Interested? Watch the video to learn more about how this weapon is being assembled. 

Tags: tanto, short sword, tantojutsu, traditional made, samurai class, feudal japan, heian era, traditional martial arts, stabbing weapon, slashing techniques, hira zukuri style, shinogi sukuri structure, katana