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A tarakite is essentially a smaller, lighter variant of the shaki… with the same “A”-like handle structure supporting a slender, utilitarian blade measuring between 2-4 inches in length. Unlike shakis, tarakites are as often used as everyday tools as much as they are weapons, and their general versatility makes them useful to all professions and trades. As such, the exact composition and quality of tarakites vary enormously, ranging from blunt-edged household cutlery, to weighted razors used for chiselling gemstones, to weather-resistant blades used by survivalists as backup weaponry. Blades designed for mundane uses are generally single-edged, so the risk of accidentally cutting oneself is lessened. Conversely, knives built for combative purposes possess the double-edged blades of proper shakis, sometimes with arched designs suited for hacking motions.
Use and techniques
The name “tarakite” is largely considered formal and archaic, and many folk generally use the name “knife” when making reference to this multipurpose weapon. In formal writing, both names are generally used interchangeably. Knives are often kept by seasoned warriors as secondary weapons, in case their larger arms are broken, stolen or disarmed. Some warriors choose to specialise in knife-fighting, often dual-wielding knives in each hand with impressive proficiency. Because tarakites are used as everyday utensils, and are generally seen as weak because of their small size, their potential in melee can be greatly underestimated. Their lightweight build makes them perfect for dual-wielding, and many seasoned warriors have been known to drop enemies twice their size by skilfully using a pair of knives to parry weapons asides, whilst using the other knife to exploit openings in their defences. Many martial arts styles practice the use of lightweight weapons to compliment unarmed combat, with tarakites being a choice weapon for many practitioners of the martial arts.
Composition
The materials that’re used to construct tarakites are as varied as the weapon’s purposes. Blades are primarily built from iron, but those crafted from chiselled granite are a much cheaper and popular alternative for everyday uses. Handles may be built from any everyday substance, ranging from stone, wood, hardened clay, bamboo, iron, or bone. Straps of leather or hemp often cover the handle’s crossbeam so the knife is easier to grip. Commonplace knives, particularly those made for household use, are often cheap, disposable and crudely-made tools, suited for little else then the tasks they were intended for. Therefore, tarakites built for mundane purposes are generally crafted from cheap, expendable materials such as wood, fired clay or crudely-chiselled stone.