LogFAQs > #968350658

Kamen_Rider_Blade posted...

Wasn't the Tanto their backup blade when the Sword wasn't an option?

Shouldn't the hierarchy of weapons be -> Bow, Spear, Sword, & Dagger?

My understanding is this. Earlier I mention the Tachi, which was the older version of the katana that had a more pronounced curvature and was meant to be used from horseback, it was worn edge down unlike the katana that is worn edge up. That was paired with the tanto. The Katana came later and when it did eventually the tanto was mostly phased out in favor of the Wakizashi. At least by samurai. Women did carry a smaller version in their obi sometimes for self defense.

The tanto would be used for extreme close quarters, think grappling. Most old school grappling techniques involved pinning an opponent and then either drawing your own or theirs and stabbing the shit out of them or cutting their throat or an artery.