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Cold Steel Tanto Knives
Cold Steel didn't invent the tanto, but they redefined it. When Lynn Thompson introduced the "American Tanto" in 1980, he took the traditional Japanese blade geometry and engineered it for maximum strength. The result: a reinforced point where the spine thickness runs nearly to the tip, creating a blade that resists bending and breaking under stress that would snap conventional points.
That design became Cold Steel's signature. While other companies have adopted the angular tanto grind, Cold Steel's version remains the benchmark—proven through decades of military deployment, law enforcement use, and the kind of abuse testing that's made their "Proof" videos legendary.
The lineup covers every application. Fixed blades range from the compact Mini Tac Tanto and GI Tanto up through the field-proven Recon Tanto and Leatherneck Tanto, then into the serious hardware—Master Tanto, Warcraft series, and the imposing Magnum Tanto XII. Folders bring the same geometry to everyday carry with the Recon 1, Code 4, Voyager, and AD-10 Tanto variants.
Steel options scale with intended use. Entry-level models run AUS-8A for easy maintenance and resharpening. Mid-tier pieces feature SK-5 carbon steel for users who prioritize toughness. Premium fixed blades offer VG-10 San Mai laminate construction or CPM 3V for collectors and hard-use enthusiasts who demand the best edge retention and durability available.
Whether you need a working blade, a backup weapon, or a piece that showcases Cold Steel's founding innovation, the tanto collection delivers the geometry that started it all.