A fair starting tool.
When I started getting into weapons during my training in Shotokan, I decided to start out simple for the bladed weapons and got this practice Tanto. That was back in 1997, and it looks the same as the day I bought it. This thing can take serious damage, and not have a single dent or chip. Even the end which would be used for stabbing has yet to get flat or worn away over time. With that said, it's about as durable as you can get for a weapon (not just practice). The only problem is how it's weighted. Actually, it's not so much the weight as it is the shape of the "handle". It's very wide and can make for an akward grip. No regular knife is handled like this, and when you go from this to the real thing, it's a big difference aside from the obvious reasons.

Unless you can find a more linear shaped training Tanto, this is all you can get. And it's not a bad piece for the price and the durability. They also make great self-defense weapons on their own. I've seen a handle-butt to the head knock out someone with just one hit.

Hardwood Tanto
This is another item I bought for my son. Just like the shoto I ordered, the Tanto is also very durable. He went to spar with a friend of his with this and it didnt even leave one dent. Even though it comes with a handgaurd and a gaurd stopper, you cant put it on. It looks better without it anyway.

Extremely good. 5-5 stars. Nothing is perfect though.