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Damascus Tanto

Explore our hand-forged Damascus steel tanto collection, featuring short blades crafted from folded and layered steel that produces the distinctive watered patterning Damascus is known for. Each blade is forged by repeatedly folding high-carbon steel to create hundreds or thousands of visible layers, then finished with traditional Japanese fittings. Mounting styles include shirasaya, aikuchi, hamidashi, and fully dressed formats across a wide range of colors and scabbard designs. Free U.S. shipping and hassle-free returns on every order.

Showing 46 Products
Handmade Japanese Tanto Sword Pattern Steel
Handmade Japanese Tanto Sword Pattern Steel
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309.00 USD
Handmade Japanese Tanto Sword Damascus Steel
Handmade Japanese Tanto Sword Damascus Steel
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239.00 USD
Handmade Real Japanese Tanto Sword Pattern Steel
Handmade Real Japanese Tanto Sword Pattern Steel
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269.00 USD
Handmade Japanese Tanto Sword Folded Pattern Steel
Handmade Japanese Tanto Sword Folded Pattern Steel
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349.00 USD
Handmade Japanese Tanto Sword Pattern Steel
Handmade Japanese Tanto Sword Pattern Steel
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389.00 USD
Handmade Japanese Short Tanto Sword Pattern Steel
Handmade Japanese Short Tanto Sword Pattern Steel
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189.00 USD
Handmade Short Japanese Tanto Short Pattern Steel
Handmade Short Japanese Tanto Short Pattern Steel
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319.00 USD
Handmade Japanese Pocket Tanto Knife Damascus Steel
Handmade Japanese Pocket Tanto Knife Damascus Steel
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249.00 USD
Handmade Japanese Shirasaya Tanto Sword Damascus Steel
Handmade Japanese Shirasaya Tanto Sword Damascus Steel
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249.00 USD
ON SALE! 15% OFF
Was: 289.00 USD
Handmade Japanese Short Tanto Sword Damascus Steel
Handmade Japanese Short Tanto Sword Damascus Steel
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339.00 USD
Handmade Japanese Shirasaya Tanto Sword Pattern Steel With Black Scabbard
Handmade Japanese Shirasaya Tanto Sword Pattern Steel With Black Scabbard
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309.00 USD
ON SALE! 15% OFF
Was: 369.00 USD
Handmade Japanese Tanto Sword Damascus Steel
Handmade Japanese Tanto Sword Damascus Steel
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219.00 USD
Handmade Double Edge Tanto Sword Pattern Steel
Handmade Double Edge Tanto Sword Pattern Steel
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339.00 USD
Handmade Japanese Aikuchi Tanto Sword Pattern Steel
Handmade Japanese Aikuchi Tanto Sword Pattern Steel
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319.00 USD
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Frequently Asked Questions

How is the pattern created on a Damascus steel tanto blade?
The distinctive pattern on a Damascus tanto comes from the forging process itself. The smith starts with a billet of high-carbon steel, heats it, and folds it repeatedly — each fold doubles the number of layers in the steel. After dozens of folds, the blade contains hundreds or even thousands of alternating layers with slightly different carbon concentrations. When the blade is finished and etched in a mild acid solution, these layers react at different rates, revealing the characteristic watered or flowing pattern across the surface. The specific pattern depends on how the smith manipulates the steel during folding — straight folds produce linear grain, while twisting or stacking techniques create more complex swirling motifs. No two Damascus blades are identical, making each piece a unique collectible.
What is the difference between Damascus steel and pattern steel tanto?
In the context of hand-forged Japanese blades, the terms are often used interchangeably and refer to the same layered forging technique. Both describe blades made by folding and welding multiple layers of steel together to create visible surface patterning. The term Damascus traditionally refers to the historical steel associated with Middle Eastern blade making, while pattern steel is a more technically precise description of the modern folding process. Some sellers also use the term melaleuca steel, which specifically refers to thousand-layer constructions with extremely fine patterning. Regardless of the label, the key quality indicators are the same: visible layer definition, clean welding between folds, and consistent patterning across the blade surface.
Does Damascus steel require different maintenance than single-steel tanto?
The basic maintenance routine is the same as any high-carbon steel blade, but Damascus steel benefits from slightly more attentive care because of its layered structure. Apply a thin coat of choji oil to the blade every few months to prevent oxidation between the steel layers. When handling, avoid touching the blade surface with bare fingers, as skin oils and salts can etch the pattern unevenly over time. If the pattern begins to fade or become less defined, a professional sword polisher can re-etch the surface to restore contrast between the layers. Store the blade in its saya in a dry environment, and avoid prolonged exposure to high humidity. With consistent care, the Damascus pattern will remain vivid and well-defined for decades.
Can a Damascus tanto have a genuine hamon temper line as well?
Yes, and the combination of Damascus patterning with a hamon temper line is one of the most visually compelling features a collector can find on a tanto blade. The hamon is created through differential clay tempering, a separate process from the folding that produces the Damascus pattern. When the two are combined on the same blade, you see the folded steel layers running across the body of the blade and the hamon line marking the boundary between the hardened edge and softer spine. The two patterns interact visually, creating a multi-dimensional surface that changes appearance depending on the viewing angle and lighting. Our clay-tempered Damascus tanto pieces specifically feature this dual-pattern effect.

Customer Reviews

Larry W Lee Louisiana, United States
Nov 25, 2025 14:07

Love it. It’s a beautiful work of art proud to have it. Great for my collection.

Handmade Japanese Short Tanto Sword Pattern Steel Handmade Japanese Short Tanto Sword Pattern Steel
Ricardo J Rodriguez North Carolina, United States
Nov 17, 2025 12:15

Excellent service. Arrived in a nice packaging. First class product. r
I would definitely recommend this maker.

High-performance Pattern Steel Real Hamon Japanese Aikuchi Tanto Sword With Gray Scabbard High-performance Pattern Steel Real Hamon Japanese Aikuchi Tanto Sword With Gray Scabbard
Patrick Jeffery Michigan, United States
Mar 16, 2025 18:57

This tanto is top notch you can see the wood grain through the finish it's not painted gorgeous finish pearl bamboo leaves with two leaves being abalone very nice guard nice detail and smooth metal work blade is beautiful authentic ray skin overall five stars

Handmade Japanese Short Tanto Sword Pattern Steel With Red Saya Handmade Japanese Short Tanto Sword Pattern Steel With Red Saya
Oleksandra Hryhorieva New York, United States
Nov 07, 2024 13:06

Купила на подарок для мужа ,поэтому сказать его реакцию пока не могу,все еще впереди. Но могу сказать ,что выглядит в точности,как на фото,для ценителей прекрасного -самое то.Надеюсь,что и качество себя оправдает.Благодарю за быструю доставку и хорошую упаковку

Handmade Full Tang Japanese Tanto Sword With Damascus Steel Blade Handmade Full Tang Japanese Tanto Sword With Damascus Steel Blade
Gregory Aruna Nelson New York, United States
Sep 28, 2024 13:15

Phenomenal craftsmanship!! I’m extremely pleased with my purchase(s)!!! r
r
The customer service is also exceptional, I had a few questions and they were patient and helpful. I’m trying to make space for another item. 🫡

High-performance Pattern Steel Real Hamon Japanese Aikuchi Tanto Sword With Gray Scabbard High-performance Pattern Steel Real Hamon Japanese Aikuchi Tanto Sword With Gray Scabbard
Lindsay Talbot Louisiana, United States
Sep 11, 2024 13:34

Extremely happy with my first purchase from TrueKatana!!! Absolutely beautiful. Came as pictured. Wish it was a bit sharper but great quality steelwork.

Handmade Pattern Steel Sharpening Blade Japanese Tanto Swords With Black Scabbard And Dragon Tsuba Handmade Pattern Steel Sharpening Blade Japanese Tanto Swords With Black Scabbard And Dragon Tsuba
Noah Ohio, United States
Jun 24, 2024 13:01

Handmade Japanese Tanto Sword Damascus Steel


Amazing piece to my collection, never had a tatto before , but this one has sparked my frenzy for them , and I shall order all .

Handmade Japanese Tanto Sword Damascus Steel Handmade Japanese Tanto Sword Damascus Steel
Ross Nichols Oregon, United States
May 08, 2024 19:22

This Saya is flawless and beautiful. The blade is light and elegant and the pattern steel is stunning to look at everything is tight and flush and the cord on the Saya is two tone of a thick high quality, there is a slight difference in the grinds on the blade, but this is definitely one of my favorites.

Melaleuca Steel Tanto - Handmade Japanese Tanto Collectible With Red Scabbard & Copper Tsuba Melaleuca Steel Tanto - Handmade Japanese Tanto Collectible With Red Scabbard & Copper Tsuba