A single or double-edged [[short sword]] carried by [[samurai]] in Japan or by noblewomen for self-defense. The sides of the blade are nearly flat.

Early tantous had no aesthetic quality and were pure weapons, but up until the 16th century, the tanto was preferred to the [[wakizashi]] for use in battle by samurai while a wakizashi was used for ceremonial occasions. After this period, they were used interchangeably. Can be used either for stabbing or slashing.

h4. See also

* [[List of weapons]]

h4. External links

* "Wikipedia: Tantō":https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tantō
短刀