The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is available! Price is $250 ea (shipped within CONUS).
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/
IMO you're right, the handle will break long before the tang will. Which is most of the reason I bought all but one of mine as a Chiruwa style. Plus, If I ever wanted or needed to, I could more easily replace that kind of handle with the skills I have.
Re: shipping time.
IMO, it's well worth it to order what you really want, and wait the 3 weeks to a month. I did that with my first. I ordered exactly what I wanted, and although I've ordered several more from deals of the day and such, that first one is still my favorite and sees the vast majority of the use I give mine.
check out the M43 from HI. Same price may be in stock. Mine has served me beautifully for a good while now. held up to much hard use. couldnt be happier with it.