Damascus Tanto Knife with Rosewood Saya and Red Cord Wrap

A tanto is the short blade of the Japanese pattern, with a straight or nearly straight edge rather than the long curve of a katana. This one is hand forged Damascus over a high carbon core, an 11 inch blade at 16.5 inches overall, with a deep red cord handle and an oiled rosewood saya. It is forged and finished by hand in High Point, North Carolina, for buyers who want this pattern in a small size.

Specification

The blade

The steel is Damascus, pattern welded over a high carbon core and etched so the light and dark layers run the length of the blade. At 11 inches it is single edged and the edge runs close to straight, which is what sets a tanto apart. Instead of sweeping up in a curve, the edge turns and runs to the point in a straight line, so the tip reads as an angle. That is shape, nothing else. The core is carbon, so the blade darkens with use and rusts if left wet.

The fittings

The guard is the tsuba, the disc between blade and handle, small here and cut from brass. At the base sits the habaki, the brass collar that wedges into the mouth of the scabbard. The tang runs the full length of the handle, held by a mekugi, a bamboo peg pushed through the side. Tap it out and the handle lifts away.

The handle

The handle is the tsuka, 5.5 inches, a one hand length. White rayskin goes on first and deep red cord runs over it, crossed one turn against the next so small diamonds of rayskin show through. The wrap is pulled tight by hand, so it sits differently on every piece. A polished brass end cap closes the butt.

The scabbard

The scabbard is the saya, and it is wood, as this pattern asks for. This one is rosewood, oiled rather than lacquered, so the grain stays in view. Brass fittings sit at the mouth and the tip. The habaki wedges into the mouth, and a deep red silk sageo is tied at the throat. Do not store the blade shut in the saya for months, since wood holds moisture.

Who it suits

This is what people buy who want the Japanese pattern without giving up a wall.

• Collectors after a short blade in this pattern
• Buyers who like a Damascus pattern up close
• Someone filling a set beside a katana

What comes in the box

• The Damascus tanto
• The rosewood saya and sageo cord
• A care card
• A free engraving quote

Every piece is different

Each one is forged, ground and finished by hand, so runs stay small. The Damascus pattern, the rosewood grain and the spacing of the wrap all change from the photographs.

Looking after it

Wipe the blade dry after handling and never put it away wet. The gray patina Damascus takes on is normal and protects the steel. Oil it lightly before storage and keep the rosewood away from heat. The handle comes off at the peg for cleaning. More in our knife care and sharpening page.

Put a name on it

Laser engraving is 20 dollars per piece, added on this page. Around 30 characters fits on the blade or handle, and clean line art engraves best. A proof image goes out before the laser runs, and it adds 3 to 5 business days. See the engraving page.

Questions buyers ask

What is a tanto? The short blade of the Japanese pattern, with a straight or nearly straight edge rather than a curve.

What does the angular tip mean? The edge turns and runs to the point in a straight line rather than curving up to it, so the tip reads as an angle.

Can the handle be taken off? Yes. A bamboo peg holds the tang, so tapping it out frees it.

Will my piece look like the photo? Not exactly. The Damascus pattern and the rosewood grain differ on every one.

Will this steel rust? It can, since there is carbon under the pattern. Dry it after handling and oil before storage.

Is it legal to own? Sword and long blade laws vary by state, city and country, so check your local rules before ordering.

For the same steel at full length see our Damascus katana, and for the companion blade in clay tempered carbon the 1095 wakizashi. More sits in Damascus steel, in katana swords, and in Damascus swords.