Tanto Blade Multitool

[Viper]

Tanto is my favorite blade style, but it seems to be the only style that multitools don't use. Lately I've started just carrying around a CRKT K.I.S.S in my pocket, along with my multitool, but I would much rather have it all in one. So please tell me if you find a multitool with a tanto blade.
Also, when searching for a tanto bladed multitool (I never found one) I came across a KA-BAR folding knife called the Mule, and I'm going to get one with a tanto blade (rather than the standard clip point).

Also, I guess if nothing else, you can post your favorite blade style here, because that's what a lot of you would do anyway.

[Grant Lamontagne]

A tanto blade isn't overly functional for most tasks.  Adequate yes, but it is a weapon styled point, not a utility point.  Multitools aren't really good for combat, nor are they designed for piercing, so why put a tanto point on one?  In addition, with the American styled tanto made famous by Cold Steel, the leading edge can be and often is sharpened seperately from the main edge, meaning there is twice as much maintenance on a tanto versus a more traditional point style.

I like a spear or drop point blade best- it retains most of the thickness right to the point and keeps the point safely within the body of the tool without having to sink the whole thing in like you would have to do with a tanto point.  I also like a nice sheepsfoot on a multitool for those times when you have to cut something without damaging whatever is underneath, whether it be dramatic like a car accident rescue or mundane like removing the strap off a bunch of newspapers or catalogues.

Def

[Viper]

I find the tanto point useful for many things besides combat.

Every time I hear something about multitools for self defence, I think of the time my sister's friend saw my XLT, and said "That's stupid, the best you could do is throw it at someone."

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

I find the tanto point useful for many things besides combat.

Every time I hear something about multitools for self defence, I think of the time my sister's friend saw my XLT, and said "That's stupid, the best you could do is throw it at someone."

;D ;D ;D

like it,

I had a cs tanto which i eventualy sold as i never used it so i,d be interested to know what you use a tanto blade for, as i found them to compromised for any of the cutting/slicing i was doing?

[Viper]

Among other things, I thing the angle where the main blade turns and goes to the point is useful for cutting boxes, especially the tape, which is the most common thing I use a knife for at my job. The only other thing that I use a knife for frequently, is fishing, and in most fishing tasks, (cutting line, etc.) the type of blade doesn't really matter.

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

ok thanks mate

[J-sews]

I don't know of any Tanto-equipped multitools.

Recently I've come to favor a Wharnecliffe blade for a number of reasons. The knife on the Gerber Diesel is a good example. (except that I do not care for the serrations on it.)

[Viper]

Yeah, I'm getting a Deisel soon too. I was searching for a tanto bladed multi-tool, and my spirits were lifted when I found one, but quickly sank when I saw that it was a Diesel, and some idiot said it had a tanto blade.

BTW, here is the KABAR that I ordered.

http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/yhst-48913491780057_1956_100810210

[ringzero]

Recently I've come to favor a Wharnecliffe blade for a number of reasons. The knife on the Gerber Diesel is a good example. (except that I do not care for the serrations on it.)

I agree.

Since getting the Gerber Suspension, I've come to appreciate having a Wharncliffe plain edge and a sheepsfoot serrated edge.  They could be a little longer, but they are quite useful as is.

I think a Wharncliffe is a great blade choice for a general utility knife.

I'd love to have a folding knife with pocket clip and two three-inch locking blades:  a Wharncliffe plain edge and a sheepsfoot serrated.  Anyone know of a knife like that?

.

[Anthony]

That's a cool knife Viper.

Maybe Leatherman will come out with some diffrent blade designs for their folding knife series...

[CQC-7]

I go against popular belief.  Dont get me wrong Spearpoints are the best all around blade style for anything anyone would ever want to do.  However, the tanto blade design (especially the chisel ground type) has a major advantage.  That advantage is sharpenabaility.  Most Tanto blades have little or no blade curvature (at least the ones on most of my tanto bladed folders).  It would be hard to properly butcher a deer with one but you definately would only be a few seconds from making a blade razor sharp to cut some meat if you had to.  They are virtually "idiot proof" in the sharpening department.  I would like to see leatherman introduce a tanto blade to their tools.  I know that Victorinox never will.     

[Viper]

Yeah, I was surprised when Victorinox had a clip point on the WorkChamp XL, I think that's the only time they trailed away from the drop point, withthe exception of their gardening tools and cooking knives (I don't consider those multitools).

[Anthony]

Here's a question that has a few answers depending on who you ask:  Wherre did the tanto blade originate and for what purpose?  I've heard two diffrent stories..lets see if either show up here ;D

[joebw]

Hi CQC-7,

I agree with you on sharpening the Tanto blade.  However the Wharnecliffe blade has the same attribute and is a more conventional (sheeple-friendly) style.

Use what you like.  There has to be variety if we are to really be multi-tool folks.

  Joe

[Viper]

It's based off of the Japanese Katana and Wakizashi blades, and is known as the "Americanized Tanto Blade".
Brought to the west by a knife company.... Cold Steel, I think.

[Anthony]

That's what I've heard...if a full size sword was broken, it was modded into a tanto style blade. 

[CQC-7]

I really do not know the origin of the tanto blade.  I believe that The tanto and wharncliffe blade are very utilitarian in their shape.  Can you skin an elk with em, yes, but is it the best tool for the job, no.  To me the tanto blade is a "working blade" and it serves as the best choice for a "working knife."  By this I mean that it is good for anything that you would use a knife for on a day to day basis when you may encounter several tasks requiring a cut.  Because of its use it requires sharpening often if you have to take a lot of time to sharpen you lose time, and time is money especially when you depend on your tools to come through for you.  I know many butchers that use a fillet knife almost exclusively for their tasks.  It is good for everything a butcher needs to do with a knife outside of skinning a carcass and it can even be used for that.  I also believe that it comes down to what you are comfortable with.  I like tanto blades.  I carry a CQC-7 almost everyday.  A few seconds after I think that it is dull it is splitting hairs again.  Another blade shape takes more time and care to sharpen properly.  If I am hunting I carry a spearpoint blade or skinning blade because it is a specialized tool made for that task.  But for EDC a tanto is a great blade style.  It handles what I need to do.  If I think I need a specialized tool I probaly have it with me.     

[Viper]

It also depends on the type of steel the company uses.

[CQC-7]

I agree with that.  I am very liberal in what I like in a utility blade when the discussion turns to steel.  I like the "wondersteels," but I also like carbon steel as well.  If anything, I dont like the middle of the road steel.  You can have that 440, 420, etc, although I have many knives made of that steel that I like.  I guess that you cannot have everything that you want.