How do you hold a tanto in traditional japanese martial arts?

Question

and do you ever use two at a time?

Answer 1

the Tanto was more of a back up dagger or knife and was usually used as such. It RARELY was used for battle but I am sure at times it was.

The Katana and Wakasashi were the two main swords used and the bow the other.

I am unaware of any that used dual weapons but i am sure they must have had some!

Answer 2

You hold it by the handle. Some more radical styles will hold it by the blade but traditionally the tanto was held by the handle.

As for the stance, like with all weapons, from swords to polearms to your body, stances vary for purpose and school.

I don't know how traditional it is but when we do knife work (essentially what the tanto was, a knife (and yes, a knife. The difference between a knife and dagger is not size. Daggers are sharp both sides of the blade. Knives are not), a particularly long one.) we take the stance of knife in right hand around the belt line, facing forward and the left arm up as a sort of guard.

Answer 3

I'm no knife expert but I've had a little training and I prefer the reverse grip. I feel I have more control that way.

Answer 4

idk