The tantō is a short weapon, a 'small katana', with a simpler blade and tsuka (handle) design.
It is carried in the obi (belt) because it could be easily concealed. Although the samurai's secondary weapon was the wakizashi or kodachi (shorter than the tachi), some samurai preferred the Tantō for its ease of handling and as a complement to their close-quarters martial arts.
As a ceremonial object, it became widespread during the new era, replacing the wakizashi or kodachi in the seppuku or harakiri ritual.
Depending on the model, one can differentiate between Tantō (with a guard), Hamidashi (with a small guard), or Aikuchi (without a guard).
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