Best Tanto Knives of 2025

Harry Stack Avatar
Harry Stack
Last Updated: Jan 17, 2025

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Tanto knives are a type of Japanese blade that have become increasingly popular in recent years. These knives are characterized by their straight, angular edge that leads up to a sharply pointed tip. The tanto blade is designed for piercing and slicing, making it an ideal tool for hunting, fishing, and survival situations. Many tanto knives feature a full tang construction, which provides added strength and durability. They are often made from high-quality materials such as Damascus steel or carbon steel, and are available in a range of sizes and styles to suit the needs of any user.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Cold Steel Kyoto I Mini Tanto Point Cover #TOP 1
Cold Steel Kyoto I Mini Tanto Point
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Kershaw Interstellar Pocket Knife Cover #TOP 2
Kershaw Interstellar Pocket Knife
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Kershaw Kuro Pocket Knife Cover #TOP 3
Kershaw Kuro Pocket Knife
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Tanto Knives

#TOP 1

Cold Steel Kyoto I Mini Tanto Point

CS-17DA
Black
3.3"
Cold Steel Kyoto I Mini Tanto Point Cover
Cold Steel Kyoto 3.25" Durable Compact 8Cr13MoV Stainless Steel Fixed Blade Tanto Outdoor Hunting Utility Knife, 3 3/8" Textured Kray-Ex Handle, Sheath Included

Cold Steel Mini Tanto is designed for discreet carry, offering impressive cutting and thrusting abilities despite its small size. The robust blade with a full tang and stainless steel guard ensures durability. The Kray-Ex handle provides a secure grip mimicking traditional Japanese sword handles. The versatile sheath allows various carrying options. Weighing only 3.3oz, with an overall length of 6-5/8 inches, this mini tanto is perfect for everyday carry and self-defense.

What We Like
Compact and lightweight
Sharp out of the box
Good grip and balance
Versatile for utility tasks
Great price-to-value ratio
What We Don't Like
Limited sheath attachment options
Short handle for larger hands

Kershaw Interstellar Pocket Knife

1195
Black
2.7"
Kershaw Interstellar Pocket Knife Cover
Kershaw Interstellar Pocket Knife, Black Manual OTF Tanto Blade with Serrations, Blackwash Finish with GFN Handle, Bottle Opener & Deep Pocketclip

The Kershaw Interstellar Pocket Knife is a full-size knife with a manual out-the-front opening and sliding mechanism. The blade is made of 8Cr13MoV stainless steel with a BlackWash finish that helps hide use scratches. The glass-filled nylon handle has unique texturing and a black-oxide-coated sliding button. The knife also features a bottle opener integrated into the backspacer and a single-position, deep-carry pocket clip for a comfortable carry in the pocket.

What We Like
Lightweight design
Very sharp out of the box
Smooth operation
Durable build quality
Versatile features
What We Don't Like
Stiff operation initially
Clip quality could improve
#TOP 3

Kershaw Kuro Pocket Knife

1835TBLKST
Black
3.1"
Kershaw Kuro Pocket Knife Cover
Kershaw Kuro Tanto Assisted Opening Knife (3.125" Black Serr) 1835TBLKST

The Kershaw Kuro Pocket Knife is an excellent tool for any hobbyist, landscaper, contractor, wilderness guide, warehouse worker or knife enthusiast in need of a sturdy EDC. It features a 3.1” blade made of high-performance 8Cr13MoV stainless steel blade, black glass-filled nylon handle scales for greater gripping traction, and a modified tanto blade with a drop-point for strong piercing power and a serrated edge for cutting tough materials with ease. The versatile cutting edge is useful for cutting heavy cordage, preparing kindling, removing zip-ties, animal defense and daily tasks.

What We Like
Durable and long-lasting
Extremely sharp blade
Lightweight and easy to carry
Great value for the price
Reliable locking mechanism
What We Don't Like
Handle feels slightly cheap
Design may not appeal to everyone
#TOP 4

Kershaw Shuffle II Olive Multifunction Folding Pocket Knife

8750TOLBW
8750TOLBW
Small
Kershaw Shuffle II Olive Multifunction Folding Pocket Knife Cover
Kershaw Shuffle II Olive Multifunction Folding Pocket Knife (8750TOLBW), 2.6 In. 8Cr13MoV Stainless Steel Tanto Blade with Blackwash Finish and Reversible Pocketclip; 3 oz,Small

The Kershaw Shuffle II Olive Multifunction Folding Pocket Knife is a reliable and versatile utility knife with value pricing. It features a flathead screwdriver tip, handy bottle opener on either side of the knife, lanyard hole, 8Cr13MoV stainless steel Tanto-blade, reversible pocketclip, dual ambidextrous thumbstuds, and is great for everyday, work, hunting, fishing, camping, or as a gift.

What We Like
Durable construction
Sharp and strong blade
Comfortable handle design
Lightweight and compact
Inexpensive daily carry
What We Don't Like
Plastic handle material
Stiff blade opening
#TOP 5

Kershaw Blur Tanto Black Serrated Pocket Knife

1670TBLKST
1670TBLKST
3.4"
Kershaw Blur Tanto Black Serrated Pocket Knife Cover
Kershaw Blur Tanto Black Pocketknife, 3.4" Sandvik 14C28N Stainless Steel Recurved Blade, Assisted Thumb-Stud Opening EDC

The Kershaw Blur Tanto Black Serrated Pocket Knife (1670TBLKST) is an ideal folding knife for tough jobs including hunting or fishing, emergency rescue, and tactical engagement. The knife features a partially serrated Tanto blade made of high-carbon, heat-treated Sandvik 14C28N stainless steel, providing corrosion resistance and amazing edge-holding capabilities, and the blade is Cerakote coated for increased hardness and strength. The handle is made of black 6061-T6 anodized aluminum and includes Trac-Tec inserts, adding extra grip for outdoor tasks and performance underwater. The knife is equipped with SpeedSafe assisted opening for quick one-handed open, a liner lock to hold the blade open during use, and a reversible pocket clip for versatile carrying capacity. This knife is great for anyone in need of a reliable knife for fishing, hunting, hiking, biking, carving, camping, and more.

What We Like
Fast opening action
Excellent grip feel
Razor sharp out of the box
Great customer service
Durable and reliable
What We Don't Like
Minor issues with grip inlays
Clip may slow draw slightly

FUNBRO EDC Pocket Knife

All Black
FUNBRO EDC Pocket Knife Cover
FUNBRO EDC Pocket Knife - 7CR13Mov Steel Tanto Blade, Slim Survival Knife with Clip and Liner Lock, Window Breaker - For Outdoor Camping

The FUNBRO EDC Pocket Knife is a slim and lightweight folding knife with a 7CR13Mov stainless steel tanto blade. It features a black coating stainless steel handle with unique texture for a secure grip, a window breaker, and a flipper open and liner lock for easy operation. This pocket knife is perfect for outdoor camping and other daily tasks.

What We Like
Sleek and lightweight design
Extremely sharp blade
Good build quality
Functional for everyday use
Compact and easy to carry
What We Don't Like
Locking mechanism can be stiff
Some durability concerns

Kershaw Iridium Folding Knife

2038R
3.5"
Kershaw Iridium Folding Knife Cover
Kershaw Iridium Reverse Tanto Folding Pocket Knife, Sleek 3.4 inch D2 Steel Blade, DuraLock Locking Mechanism, Aluminum Handle, Designed in the USA

The Kershaw Iridium Knife features a stylish reverse tanto blade and a sleek anodized aluminum handle that opens smoothly using the KVT system and thumb studs. The DuraLock mechanism ensures the blade stays securely open while you work, providing peace of mind. When it's time to close the knife, the ambidextrous handle button makes it easy for both left- and right-handed users. Made from D2 high-carbon tool steel, the blade is not only tough but also maintains its sharp edge for a long time, making it a reliable choice for everyday use.

What We Like
Smooth opening mechanism
Sharp and durable blade
Lightweight aluminum handle
Attractive design
Good ambidextrous functionality
What We Don't Like
Handles may feel slippery
Thumb studs could be improved
#TOP 8

Kershaw Emerson CQC-8K Tactical Folding Pocket Knife

6044TBLK
Black
3.5"
Kershaw Emerson CQC-8K Tactical Folding Pocket Knife Cover
Kershaw 6044TBLK 4000629 Emerson By CQC-8K Modified Tanto Blade Knife

The Kershaw Emerson CQC-8K Tactical Folding Pocket Knife is a versatile and high-quality folding hunting knife. Its 3.5-inch 8Cr14MoV stainless steel blade is resistant to wear and corrosion, while the sleek black-oxide blade coat provides extra protection. The blade can be manually opened with a thumb disk or the patented "wave shaped feature," a favorite among military, rescue, and law enforcement users. This knife is an excellent everyday carry companion for anyone, from a backpacker to a wilderness guide, and can be used for a variety of tasks, such as opening packages, cutting cordage, and cleaning small game.

What We Like
Sharp and sturdy blade
Excellent for everyday tasks
Quick one-handed opening
Great value for price
Durable steel quality
What We Don't Like
Belt clip loosens over time
Not ideal for fine cutting
#TOP 9

Kershaw Lifter Tactical Tanto Pocket Knife

1302BW
BlackWash
3.5"
Kershaw Lifter Tactical Tanto Pocket Knife Cover
Kershaw Lifter (1302BW); Tactical Tanto Pocket Knife with 3.5 Inch 4Cr14 Steel Blackwashed Blade with Stainless Steel Blackwash Handle, SpeedSafe Assisted Opening and Deep-Carry Pocketclip; 3.2 OZ.

The Kershaw Lifter Tactical Tanto Pocket Knife is an ideal choice for those who require a large 3.5-inch modified tanto blade for tactical or utility purposes. The blackwash finish of the blade provides an authentic and rugged appearance, while the speed-safe assisted opening enables quick and easy access. The stainless-steel handle has a blackwash finish and includes a lanyard hole for ultimate carrying capacity. Additionally, the knife features a slim frame lock that keeps it in the open position during use, and a stabilizer to ensure the lock stays in place. Lastly, the deep-carry pocketclip allows for a comfortable and discreet carry when needed.

What We Like
Superior quality
Very sharp out of the box
Durable and rugged
Tactical feel
Good price
What We Don't Like
Somewhat heavy
Opening can be rough initially
#TOP 10

ohmonlyhoo Pocket Knife

Wr01redt-dnew
Red and Silver
ohmonlyhoo Pocket Knife Cover
ohmonlyhoo Pocket Knife for Men, 3.5 inch Folding Knife with Pocket Clip,Rosewood Handle Tanto Knife, Great Gift For Men and Women

The ohmonlyhoo Folding Knife is a strong and sturdy pocket knife designed for everyday carry. With its 7Cr13Mov HC stainless steel blade and rosewood handle, this knife combines strength with the right weight, ensuring it won't rust and providing a comfortable grip. The safety liner lock design allows for smooth opening and secure blade locking. Its compact size and pocket clip make it easy to carry and store, making it perfect for outdoor activities. Whether you need it for daily tasks like letter and box cutting, or for camping, hunting, and hiking, this multifunctional knife is up to the task. It also makes a great gift for friends, family, and loved ones.

What We Like
Inexpensive and high quality
Sharp and attractive design
Lightweight and convenient
Smooth opening action
Comfortable handle
What We Don't Like
Screws may come loose
Blade slightly thick for some tasks
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a tanto knife used for?

Tanto knives have a long history of being used in traditional martial arts for piercing or stabbing. In modern times, tanto knives have gained popularity as tactical knives due to their point style design, which makes them effective for piercing or stabbing.

2. Is a tanto blade good for survival?

Tanto blades are generally thick and strong, making them suitable for stabbing, piercing, and even prying. However, they lack a curved edge, which makes them less useful for tasks that require slicing or skinning game.

3. Are tanto blades practical?

Tanto blades have practical uses beyond everyday carry. They are commonly used in survival knives and have a presence in tactical and fighting blades. Their design makes them versatile and widely manufactured.

4. What are the disadvantages of tanto blades?

One disadvantage of tanto blades is their lack of a curved belly, which limits their effectiveness for certain tasks that require utilizing the belly of a knife, like slicing. However, they excel in stabbing and piercing.

5. Is tanto blade better for self defense?

Yes, a tanto blade is considered great for self-defense due to its reinforced tip, which offers excellent puncturing ability and cutting angles.

6. What is the advantage of a tanto knife blade?

The advantage of a tanto knife blade lies in its thick tip and the concentration of metal near the tip. This design enhances the knife's defensive capabilities, allowing the tip to absorb impact and pressure from piercing, including repeated piercings.

Editor's Notes

During our tanto knives research, we found 24 tanto knives products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 67,057 customer reviews through our big data system to write the tanto knives list. We found that most customers choose tanto knives with an average price of $15.93.

The tanto knives are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of tanto knives, including Cold Steel, Kershaw, FUNBRO, ohmonlyhoo. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Harry Stack Avatar

Harry Stack owns a small hardware store, his career landed him a depth of knowledge in categories such as tools, equipment, machinery and hardware. In his spare time, he usually repairs furniture, safes and appliances, and he knows how to make simple repairs to plumbing or electrical fixtures. His hobbies also include woodworking and fishing.

Tanto Knives Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
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#TOP5
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#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand Cold Steel Kershaw Kershaw Kershaw Kershaw FUNBRO Kershaw Kershaw Kershaw ohmonlyhoo
Recommended Uses For Product Hunting Carving Everyday Everyday, Work Everyday use, Camping, Hunting, Fishing Window,Outdoor,Camping Fishing Everyday, Outdoor, Hunting Everyday, Work Camping
Model Name CS-17DA Interstellar Kershaw - Kuro - Tanto Black Serrated - Box Shuffle II 1670TBLKST FUNBRO EDC Pocket Knife Iridium Reverse Tanto CQC-8K 4057-0452 Wr01redt-dnew
Special Feature Full Tang Bottle Opener,Pocket Clip Foldable Manual Reversible, Foldable Slim,Folding Foldable Stainless Steel Blade Stainless Stee Lightweight
Age Range (Description) Adult Adult Adult Adult Adult Adult Adult Adult Adult Adult
Handle Material Stainless Steel Glass Reinforced Nylon Glass Reinforced Nylon Glass-filled nylon Aluminum Stainless Steel Aluminum Fiberglass Stainless Steel Rosewood
Color Black Black Black 8750TOLBW 1670TBLKST All Black Black Aluminum/Stonewash Black BlackWash Red and Silver
Style Compact Knife Pocketknife Pocketknife Modern Compact Iridium Crossbar Lock Pocketknife Pocketknife Rosewood handle pocket knife
Blade Material Alloy Steel - Stainless Steel 8Cr13MoV Stainless Steel Stainless Steel D2 Stainless Steel 4Cr14 High Carbon Stainless Steel
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 8.9
ftb score rating icon 8.7
ftb score rating icon 8.5
ftb score rating icon 8.3
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