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					Originally Posted by Tim Simmons
					
				 IMHO here say and facts are rather confused about these swords.  Having a tang through the handle and peened over, the blade is not going anywhere and the notion that this example is not for use is a little wide of the mark. | 
	
 
Tangs that extend completely through the handle are exceedingly rare in these swords, Tim.  The feature you show is probably not a tang.  Even if it is, it is unlikely to be a solid tang, more likely to be a "rat-tail" which are inherently unstable and prone to breakage at weld points.
Either way, having handled dozens of substantially similar swords (and cut with several), I can only tell you I personally wouldn't want to "use" one of these for anything other than decoration.  
