{"product_id":"shikomizue-style-tanto-high-manganese-steel-28cm","title":"Shikomizue-Style Tanto | Handmade High Manganese Steel Black Cord Handle Wooden Sheath Compact 28cm 11 Inch — Best Compact Tanto Under $70","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eShikomizue-Style Tanto\u003c\/strong\u003e is a handmade compact tanto featuring a \u003cstrong\u003ehigh manganese steel blade\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eblack cord wrap handle\u003c\/strong\u003e, and \u003cstrong\u003ewooden sheath\u003c\/strong\u003e — inspired by the traditional Japanese shikomizue (hidden blade tanto), compact at \u003cstrong\u003e28cm (11 inches)\u003c\/strong\u003e overall with a 19cm blade. Full tang construction. Under $70.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBest compact tanto under $70. High manganese steel: exceptional toughness and impact resistance. Shikomizue-style: inspired by the traditional Japanese hidden blade tanto — compact, straight, designed for sudden decisive action. Black cord wrap handle: understated, traditional aesthetic. Wooden sheath included. Full tang, hand sharpened, battle-ready. 28cm overall \/ 19cm blade — the ideal compact tanto for display and collection.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat Is a Shikomizue — The Traditional Hidden Blade?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe shikomizue (仕込み杖) is a traditional Japanese concealed weapon — a sword or tanto blade hidden within a walking cane or staff. The straight blade is concealed within the straight cane, allowing it to be carried inconspicuously and drawn with sudden, decisive speed. The shikomizue was used by travelers, merchants, and those who needed a concealed defensive weapon in feudal Japan. Unlike the curved katana, the shikomizue blade is typically straight, making it ideal for thrusting and close-quarters defense. This tanto is inspired by the compact, straight blade aesthetic of the shikomizue tradition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat Is High Manganese Steel?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHigh manganese steel is a blade material known for its exceptional toughness and impact resistance. Unlike high-carbon steels that prioritize hardness and edge retention, high manganese steel prioritizes toughness — its ability to absorb impact without chipping or cracking. This makes it an excellent choice for a compact tanto that may be used for practical cutting tasks, as well as for display and collection. High manganese steel is reliable, durable, and resistant to the sudden, forceful impacts that a compact blade may encounter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eThe Tanto — The Warrior's Close-Combat Blade\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe tanto (短刀) is the shortest of the traditional Japanese blade forms — designed for close-quarters combat, thrusting, and penetration. The tanto's thick spine and reinforced tip make it exceptionally strong for thrusting, while its compact size makes it ideal for display, collection, and close-range use. At 28cm overall with a 19cm blade, this shikomizue-style tanto is the ideal compact blade for collectors who want a functional, authentic-feeling piece at an accessible price.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWho Is This For?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCollectors searching for the best compact tanto under $70\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFans of traditional Japanese hidden blade culture and the shikomizue tradition\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDisplay collectors who want a compact tanto for a desk, shelf, or display case\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnyone searching for a compact Japanese blade gift under $70\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCollectors who already own katana and want a compact tanto companion piece\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOverall Length: 28 cm (11.02 inches)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlade Length: 19 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHandle Length: 9 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlade Width: approx. 3 cm (1.2 inches)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 0.7 kg\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlade: High Manganese Steel, hand sharpened\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHandle: Black cord wrap\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConstruction: Full tang, handmade\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSheath: Wooden sheath (included)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSKU: GR551774\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrice: $69.99\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003ePackage Contents\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1x Shikomizue-Style Tanto (high manganese steel)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1x Wooden sheath\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1x Cleaning cloth\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cem\u003eNote: Stand not included\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eShips from US local warehouse — fast domestic delivery. 18+ only.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"samuraiswordman","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44816893149334,"sku":"6218994403","price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0671\/7800\/4630\/files\/a839a735-c5a5-4819-9d20-34b1db4d9191.webp?v=1743029882","url":"https:\/\/samuraiswordman.com\/products\/shikomizue-style-tanto-high-manganese-steel-28cm","provider":"samuraiswordman","version":"1.0","type":"link"}