TANTO Shield

Kickstarter ends Thu, Oct 15Back it now →

Live on Kickstarter · ForgeXTools

The chef knife shaped
around how you hold it.

TANTO Shield's sculpted bolster spreads the pressure of a long prep session across your hand, whether you use a pinch, thumb or index grip. 300-layer Damascus or 440C steel.

Back TANTO Shield on KickstarterRewards from $79 · up to 60% off planned retail See the rewards
9×funded
5thKickstarter
FreeUS shipping
Oct 15last day

The problem

Most chef knives start to hurt halfway through dinner prep.

The bolster and spine press into one small spot on your hand. It happens with every grip, and it gets worse the longer you cook.

The Apex chef knife fixes that with a shaped bolster designed around all three common grips. You don't have to change how you hold a knife. The knife fits the way you already do.

Pinch gripThumb and finger rest on the curved bolster
Thumb gripThumb sits on the spine without a hard edge
Index gripFinger guides along a rounded spine
TANTO Shield curved bolster and thumb grip

Hand-forged detail

Two steels. Two Hive handles. One of a kind.

Choose 300-layer Damascus, where every blade carries its own pattern, or hard-wearing 440C steel. Then pick the Crimson Hive or Arctic Hive handle.

TANTO Shield Damascus with Crimson Hive handle
Damascus · Crimson Hive
TANTO Shield Damascus with Arctic Hive handle
Damascus · Arctic Hive
TANTO Shield Apex chef knife on slate
The sculpted Shield bolster
TANTO Shield 440C steel edition
440C Steel Edition

Kickstarter rewards

Back it now at up to 60% off planned retail.

Kickstarter prices end when the campaign does. Free shipping in the US; international shipping is extra.

Apex chef knife · 440C steel

Apex Steel Edition

$79
Planned retail $16050% off
  • 1 Apex chef knife
  • Crimson or Arctic Hive handle
  • Free US shipping
Pledge $79
Most backed · 300-layer Damascus

Apex Damascus Edition

$109
Planned retail $22051% off
  • 1 Apex chef knife, unique pattern
  • Crimson or Arctic Hive handle
  • Free US shipping
Pledge $109
Outdoor companion

Talon Edition

$89 – $109
Planned retail $180–$250up to 57% off
  • 1 Talon, 440C or Damascus
  • Same Shield bolster, built for the outdoors
  • Free US shipping
See Talon rewards
Collection · 4 knives

Apex or Talon Collection

$349
All four editions of one knife
  • Both steels × both handles
  • Limited quantity
  • Free US shipping
Pledge $349
Limited · only 10 made

Master Set · 8 knives

$649
Planned retail $1,62060% off
  • Every Apex and Talon edition
  • Both steels, both Hive handles
  • Free US shipping
Pledge $649
Add-ons

Build your set

From $59
Add extra knives to any pledge
  • Extra Apex or Talon editions
  • Lapis, ViperStrike & Claw Damascus
  • Viking Pizza Axe
See add-ons

Why back ForgeXTools

Our fifth Kickstarter. Every earlier one delivered.

4 of 4earlier Kickstarter campaigns fully delivered to backers
$18K+pledged, more than 9× the goal
Dec 2026estimated delivery
$0US shipping on every reward

Questions

Before you pledge

When will I be charged?

Kickstarter only charges your card when the campaign ends on Thursday, October 15, 2026.

When will my knife arrive?

Estimated delivery is December 2026. We post updates for backers on Kickstarter throughout production.

Damascus or 440C steel?

300-layer Damascus gives every blade a one-of-a-kind pattern. 440C is a tough, stain-resistant stainless steel that's easy to care for. Both get the same Shield bolster and Hive handle.

Do you ship outside the US?

Yes, every reward ships worldwide. US shipping is free; international shipping is collected after the campaign.

Can I add more than one knife?

Yes. Choose any reward, then add extra knives as add-ons on Kickstarter before you confirm your pledge.

Ends Thursday, October 15

Kickstarter pricing ends with the campaign.

Back TANTO Shield now from $79, with free US shipping and up to 60% off planned retail.

Back TANTO Shield on Kickstarter

You'll be taken to Kickstarter to complete your pledge.