Tanto knives draw their inspiration from the short swords that were worn by Samurai in feudal Japan. The modern iteration of the tanto has become more tactical — the blade style is still meant for piercing and stabbing, but instead of using a curved belly, the edges of today’s tantos meet the point at a hard angle, creating two distinct blade edges.
Boker’s just-released Kihon Stainless Tanto, the third in a series of Kihon knives, is the product of a collaboration with designer Lucas Burnley. Burnley is known for his affinity with Japanese-inspired blades, and his take on the modern tanto pays tribute to its inspiration with a softer angle than most others today. The result is a blade that’s more elegant and reserved than other tactical tantos — in other words, it looks less violent — and it’s one that first-time tanto users will have an easier time getting accustomed to.
The Kihon Stainless Tanto features a 3.3-inch blade and a weighty stainless steel frame lock handle.
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