Introducing a new knife style—the Red Cedar American Tanto #469. This is a first for GreBec Knives and part of our Florida Wood Series. Whether the American Tanto becomes one of Greg’s standard designs remains to be seen. Time will tell!

The tanto traces its roots to feudal Japan. The traditional Japanese tantō was a short blade carried by the samurai. The distinctly modern American Tanto design emerged in the early 1980s and is recognized by its sharply angled tip, where two distinct edge sections meet rather than forming one continuous curved belly.

Greg crafted #469 from 1/8″ USA-sourced 1095 high-carbon steel with a full-tang construction. The 3 3/8″ acidized blade is 1″ wide and features a long 2 5/8″ swedge that runs toward the angular tanto point. That geometry gives the knife its unmistakable profile while creating a stout, durable point well suited to everyday utility tasks—from opening stubborn plastic packaging to punching a new hole in a leather belt. At 7 1/4″ overall and just 3.55 oz, it is a substantial knife without being cumbersome, making it an interesting choice for EDC.

Florida Red Cedar with a story

The handle has a story of its own. This Florida Red Cedar came from Volusia County, where a large cedar tree had to be removed for a bridge construction project.  A consultant on the project brought Greg large sections of the tree. Greg harvested and stabilized some of the wood into commemorative knives for the foremen who worked on the project.

For #469, Greg stabilized the Red Cedar to help protect the wood and bring out its naturally rich reddish coloring. The warm cedar handle is accented with brass retaining pins and a 1/4″ mosaic center pin, providing a striking contrast to the dark acidized 1095 steel.

The Red Cedar American Tanto includes a custom Kydex sheath with a multi-positional belt clip, providing secure retention and several carry-position options.

As part of our Florida Wood Series, this knife also includes two collectible custom business cards featuring photographs and specifications of your exact knife—a unique keepsake available only from GreBec Knives.

Specs:

• Overall Length: 7 1/4″
• Weight: 3.55 oz
• Blade Length: 3 3/8″
• Blade Width: 1″
• Blade Finish: Acidized
• Swedge: 2 5/8″
• Blade Material: 1/8″ USA-Sourced 1095 High-Carbon Steel
• Handle Material: Stabilized Florida Red Cedar
• Handle Hardware: 1/4″ Mosaic Center Pin with Brass Retaining Pins
• Construction: Full Tang
• Sheath: Custom Kydex Sheath with Multi-Positional Belt Clip