The question “should I use drop-point or tanto knives” is common among preppers familiar with the wide range of steel blades available to the prepper — in other words, a good prepper. A prepper has to know that there are different designs for knives, each of which has its purposes. Some designs are for very particular uses, while others can be used for all purposes, although not very effectively.
When discussions about knives are ongoing, tanto & drop-point knives are commonly mentioned. Let us take a closer look at these two popular knife styles accessing their uses compared to their designs.
Analyzing the Drop-point & Tanto Knives
The Drop-point
Like I already said, the drop-point is very common among outdoor enthusiasts. The design features a gradual downward slope that starts at the knife’s handle & travels down the knife’s spine to end at the tip, from where the knife makes a downward swoop to form a belly before meeting the straight cutting edge.
I have hunted & fished for decades and can boldly say that drop-point knives have been an important part of my gear for all these years. The belly of this design makes it ideal for processing & skinning wild games & fish.
However, the tip is not as strong (firm) as the tanto, but it will do the job conveniently. When processing your kill, the drop-point can be easily controlled even in tight spaces, which means that you need not worry about puncturing intestines or wherever you wouldn’t like to, or even cut yourself. It is also easy to hold a drop-point knife close to the tip & to use it in the belly.
Your drop-point knife can cut through materials, but it is mainly used for cutting & slicing — which are what make up your cutting tasks.
Pros
- Excellent all-round utility design;
- A continuous edge that makes it easy to sharpen;
- Easy to handle for all tasks.
Cons
- Weaker tip compared to the tanto;
- Will not penetrate deeply as tanto;
Tanto Knives
Tanto used to be used by the Katanas & is an adaptation of the Japanese short sword. It was popularized by the Cold Steel brand.
Tanto is a great combat tool, made so due to its outstanding design that anyone can easily recognize among other knives.
The knife’s blade drops sharply from the tip, creating a straight, small edge, from where it forms another sharp angle into the blade’s cutting edge. The design means that the tanto has an unbelievably strong knife tip, making it usable for tasks a typical knife cannot be used. It is perfect for tasks involving penetration, prying, scraping & digging. Thanks to the design of the blade’s front, it can be used as a chisel.
However, there’s a downside, which’s the lack of a belly. This makes it somewhat difficult to handle when processing or skinning games — and these are everyday activities in the wild. Also, there are two different cutting edges at various angles, making it frustrating & time-consuming to sharpen the blade.
Pros
- Good for penetrating thick material;
- Usable for digging, prying, chiseling & scraping.
Cons
- Not an excellent slicing tool;
- It takes a lot of time to sharpen.
Conclusion — So, Should I use Drop-point or Tanto Knives?
I assume that you know the knife design that suits you best. Make your choice considering the tasks you’ll be getting involved in most of the time. The answer to your question should be clear now. And now, let’s hear from you. Should I use drop-point or tanto knives? Why?