[Bryan W.]

Apologies in advance for my sheer ignorance.

I've read in some places that a welded tang is often unreliable in durability, however I have noticed that some places that usually have decent reviews like Darkwood are selling these types of blades.

I was considering investigating the possibility of purchasing something from Darkwood and the reviews seem nice but can anyone comment on their welded tangs or have people been looking at blades from them that aren't fashioned in such a way?

[Michael Pikula]

Normally it is best to avoid welded tangs if possible, but there are certain steels, like L6, that make a great blade, but can't be peened so it is necessary to weld an extension on so that it can be peened. If done properly there is no problem with a welded tang. Not knowing anything as to how Darkwood does their tangs I can't comment on them specifically, but thought I would offer feedback from a makers point of view.

[Nathan Robinson]

If done properly, a welded tang can offer just as much strength as a solid tang. In fact, the weld can often be stronger than the alternative. I've not seen Darkwood's offerings in that area to comment specifically on their methodology, however.

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This does not answer your question, but I thought you might find it of interest as this stuff is related to the subject and might round out the knowledge-base:

Construction of early medieval swords

Construction method comparison

Modern vs. Period Tang Construction

Tang size: Behavior of narrow tangs

Why are western sword tangs so narrow?

[Hadrian Coffin]

By the way many originals especially viking blades had welded tangs. I believe Lutel also welds some of their tangs.

[D. Austin]

These days, a welded tang could be a sign of a manufacturer who finds it more cost effective to attach a thinner piece of steel to the blade stock (probably with a mig welder and possibly with a less than perfect weld) than to cut away that which is not to be part of the tang (thus losing steel) or to draw it out (time consuming). This can cause a weak point, particularly if it is welded cold, which is what I'd do if I wanted to cut corners. Whilst fine for a wall hanger, it's bad news for a practical sword.

A welded tang however, can be superior. A number of good knife makers will weld a mild steel tang to a carbon steel blade. This has a few benefits. A softer tang will absorb shock more easily and is also safer to peen. If forge welded properly, the join should not be a weak point in the construction.

I'm sure that the topics Nathan linked will more than explain it but thought I'd try to put it simply.

On the topic of Darkwood blades, I cannot comment as I have no experience with them, but it may be worth asking them how and why this is done.

Darren.

[Dan P]

My Darkwood Armory rapier has what I think is a welded tang. So far, this sword has held up to my clumsy flailing around and occasionally cutting light targets like cardboard, fruit, and bottles. Its definitely the most "functional" sword in my collection.

I also have a Hanwei Side Sword with the same type of welded tang constuction. I've not had a problem with mine but others have reported the weld appearing weak, breaking, or bending. Now I am a little reluctant to cut with it.

So... its a valid way to make a sword, but whether it makes a GOOD sword I guess depends a lot on how much effort the company puts into making a quality product.

[Mikko Kuusirati]

[Jeroen Zuiderwijk]

[Chad Arnow]