Hidden tang are strong too.
Look at a Katana's stub tang and think how much stress it takes as a sword. Actually a hidden tang is easier and more than strong enough if properly done. It isn't rocket science.
Especially for some synthetics getting the fit between the scales and full tang is a pain, I pride myself on how little you feel when the knife is finished. Softer synthetics take a lot longer to get that fit right. On a hidden tang it isn't as much of an issue. When I polish the handle I don't have to worry about the steel sticking out as it doesn't polish down like the handle material does. I end up doing more work and time with a full tang, a hidden tang I just drill a hole in it and I have a small cross travel table for the guard slotting.
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