Tanto question

[Redux]

So since I joined this forum about a week ago I have been trolling around this section. I have decided to try my hand at a stock removal knife using a file. I believe I'm going to attempt a tanto styled blade(as it is my favorite next to a big bellied skinner) and I have two quick questions. The first question I have is, is this a good blade style idea for a first attempt or is it a more advanced style. The second question would be, are tanto styled blades a single bevel only design or are they both single and dual beveled?

[Jeremy]

Most tanto knives are dual bevel.  Are you thinking a traditional Japanese style or a newer tactical style?  The geometry of the first is a little tricky to get "correct", but both are fairly easy to get something usable.

[Jeremy]

Meant to add: getting a distinct "tanto" tip isn't easy for a beginner w/o a jig of some sort.

[Redux]

ahh well I have a couple files so I'll just anneal two or three and give it a good 'ol whack! Also I wasn't aware that there was two dif. styles of tanto blades. '=/

[Jeremy]

The traditional tanto is part of the japanese samurai's armament (along with the katana and wakizashi) and is generally between 6 and 12" in length.  Most of the tactical tantos I've seen are under 6" and don't generally don't have the complex blade geometry.