trashemann
Member
I have been thinking about making a tanto blade but unsure on the grind process as whether or not to grind the tip first then the flat or vice-versa. Would appreciate any info.
Tanto grinding
- Thread starter trashemann
- Start date
TacticallySharp
KNIFE MAKER
The two I have done I did the long first, then the tip. Hand sanded, polished it the same way. It worked. Haven't tried anything else.
rhinoknives
Well-Known Member
If you are talking about a REAL traditional Tanto I would confer with my friend Bubba-San, who posts here.
If you are talking about the Tactical Tanto tip of the last 30 something years reffered to as "The American Tanto tip I use to make a few because people would buy them. I would Leave my length oversized by a good 1/2 to an 1" and do my flat(s) or hollow(s) first and then trim in the tip to the exact angle I wanted on the first one or two until I established what I wanted and then I new how much meat to leave on the tip to get them to be consistent.
As I progressed in knife making and really used the Americanized Tanto tip knives I and others made I discovered that the tip really doesn't have any inherent extra strength and the bottom of the angle of the tip takes most of wear in a draw cut, instead of it being spread along the curve of a traditional which meant if I wanted do more than stab or use it as a box cutter/opener the tip was ready limited in its practicality in my experience.
Make a few and use them and decide for yourself.:3:
If you are talking about the Tactical Tanto tip of the last 30 something years reffered to as "The American Tanto tip I use to make a few because people would buy them. I would Leave my length oversized by a good 1/2 to an 1" and do my flat(s) or hollow(s) first and then trim in the tip to the exact angle I wanted on the first one or two until I established what I wanted and then I new how much meat to leave on the tip to get them to be consistent.
As I progressed in knife making and really used the Americanized Tanto tip knives I and others made I discovered that the tip really doesn't have any inherent extra strength and the bottom of the angle of the tip takes most of wear in a draw cut, instead of it being spread along the curve of a traditional which meant if I wanted do more than stab or use it as a box cutter/opener the tip was ready limited in its practicality in my experience.
Make a few and use them and decide for yourself.:3:
trashemann
Member
Thanks guys. The American Tanto is what I was referring to. In my mind the flat first seemed to make sense but thought I would ask instead of ruining a piece of metal.
rhinoknives
Well-Known Member
There's really no wrong way to make a knife, from burning up steel and our fingers we can get a clue after a while of what is the most productive way.
Self Made Knives
Well-Known Member
I just ground this about an hour ago, Arkansas style Tanto! I've never done it before either, this is just off a 36 grit belt, freehand. I ground the bottom bevel first, then the top clipped bevel and lastly the end bevel. 3/16" thick, 15" long. Of course, this is single bevel on one side only too. Wasn't really that hard at all, just try it.
TacticallySharp
KNIFE MAKER
Laurence is right on about the use of the American Tanto style. I only make them now by request. I explain that it's not a true Japanese tanto profile and the advantages of the traditional profile. Most of these potential client are looking for a Japanese profile and western handle. I believe I have heard the term "TactiCool" more than once.
rhinoknives
Well-Known Member
Let me share a secret with you. I commend your efforts but you have made a left handed chisel grind. It will roll over in your hand when used right handed. I know, Emerson and others put the grind on the viewing side.
It may look Tacticool but for optimum efficiency you want the flat on the inside of the body.
Thought that doesn't mean it won't sell.:shush:
Self Made Knives
Well-Known Member
Yeah, already figured that out! Right after that pic, I whacked a board with it to see how it would feel. I did notice a torque to one side, but if you are expecting it, you can pre-roll the blade a little to get a more direct hit. After I read trashemann's post, it just got me to thinking about trying it.
Anyway, looking cool is way more important than performance! :biggrin:
Anyway, looking cool is way more important than performance! :biggrin:
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