I think the folklore associated with edged weapons is intriguing, although typically the tales remain just that, extremely imaginative folklore. It is true however, that superstition, talismanic beliefs and myth were often deeply believed and observed by the individuals using the weapons.
As far as I know, many of the romanticized tales that claim certain modifications or applications on edged weapons such as gold or brass filled holes, or filed notches etc. were deliberately placed to represent the number of killed enemies etc. has never been proven.As I previously had mentioned, the myth of the notched grip on gunfighters revolvers is equally unproven, and the tale was largely the product of the embellishing writers of the period.
While bravery and the killing of the enemy in battle was of course often celebrated, and certainly there were certain elements of either dress or accoutrement that might be worn representing such deeds, but to keep tally on a weapon in numeric marking...mostly the product of misinterpretation or collectors imaginations. Naturally I would be fascinated to see supported examples of such markings on weapons.
As for decoration, I cannot see how a huge drilled hole that seems machine drilled in the center of the blade could have any decorative or symbolic value. It also seems that a hole drilled through the blade in this location would enormously compromise the integrity of the blade, at least this was what was suggested when considering blades with slotted holes to hold sliding bearings or pearls (tears of the wounded). While as Jens has noted, some blades did have hollowed out spots on them that were filled with gold or brass, some they were usually in some systemic arrangement or strategically placed, and huge like this completely through the blade.
That would leave the dreadful thought of this very attractive yataghan screwed to something in some sort of display, though I cannot imagine what someone could be thinking by doing that!
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