Most people think they understand the difference between a sword and a knife. In fact, most of those you ask about this subject will simply tell you a sword is longer. They may add other details, like how a sword is used as compared to the use of a knife. But if you ask these same individuals about the word “tang” and how it’s associated with knives and swords, you’ll find few people who can offer a clear explanation. Yet the “tang” of a cutting tool is essential to its use and its durability.
Full Tang, Partial Tang
If you purchase full tang swords, you’ll get an instrument on which the shank or tongue that connects the blade to the handle is part of the blade body. It’s all one piece. The tang extends from the blade and two pieces of the handle are connected to it with pins. This is the strongest construction type, as compared to half-tang knives or push-tang knives.
Many users and collectors prefer full tang swords for obvious reasons, choosing them over half-tang or three-quarter tang construction. You may also encounter other terms used to describe this part of the sword or knife, such as push tang and rat-tail tang.
Benefits
Most people with knowledge of the knife and sword world understand that the full tang allows the user to apply more force when the blade encounters materials that are hard to cut or when the blade gradually becomes dull. Visit the website Blade-city.com to learn more.
When choosing a sword, you will probably find full tang swords to be preferable because this design can change the balance point in a positive way. The small amount of added weight in the handle area helps offset the weight of the blade, allowing for better manipulation. This is an important element when the designer and manufacturer is deciding how the sword or knife is to be used.
