Tanto – Japanese Short Blade
The Tanto (short blade, also known as the Aikuchi) is as it’s name implies the shortest of Nihonto (traditional Japanese blades). The blade of the Tanto is on average around 6 to 8 inches long with the handle being around 4 to 5 inches. Tanto techniques are taught to some degree in most forms of Kenjutsu and Budo/Bujutsu. In addition, due to its easily concealed size, it is utilized with a number of Ninjutsu techniques.