Full tang refers to the steel of the blade extending completely through the handle, running the full length of the tsuka rather than stopping at the guard. In a properly constructed full tang short katana, the tang is secured beneath the ito wrapping and held in place by the handle fittings, creating a single continuous piece of steel from tip to pommel. This construction is the standard used in traditional Japanese swordsmithing and is the primary structural feature collectors look for when evaluating display quality and long-term durability. Partial tang or rat-tail tang designs, by contrast, use a narrow steel pin that is far more prone to loosening over time — especially in pieces that will be handled regularly during display rotation or inspection.
