HI uses three different types of tang.
The standard type is a full length rat tail which extends out the back of the handle, though a buttplate and diamond shaped keeper, and is then peened to secure it in addition to the laha poured to fill the gaps between tang and wood or horn. This is generally preferred as the tang is solidly held, but insulates the hand from the worst of vibration.
The second type is the partial rat-tail. As above except it does not extend through the end of the butt and is not as firmly secured.
This is considered by HI to be a "weak" tang although it is the most commonly used type for working khuks in villages and on farms. To quote Uncle Bill, the attitude is: "... a blade is forever. A handle isn't." This is the type used for the Hanuman, Garud, Snow Leopard, and other carved handles.
The third type and most or least desireable depending on your point of view, is the pana butta, or "riveted through" aka the chiruwa. The handle is of sandwich construction, and the exposed tang has wood slabs riveted on either side. Transfers the impact vibration of a chop to the hand, unlike first two types.
The second or partial tang you asked about, is somewhat weaker if only laha is used to secure it. But only weaker in comparison to the other two styles. A brass pin up near the bolster, drilled through handle and tang would permanently secure things or heating and pulling the tang and handle apart, scraping off the laha, and resetting in a good western epoxy. Your call. If I wanted a partial tang and carved handle I'd drill out and enlarge the tang hole in the handle, replace the laha with lots of good epoxy and then put a brass pin in.
A carved handle on a khuk is just something else entirely. The presence of spirit is of a whole different magnitude.
